Houston (March 1, 2008) — More than 350 of Houston’s top executives and noteworthy individuals attended the Amigos de las Americas (AMIGOS) 2008 Gala on March 1, 2008 at the Post Oak Hilton in Houston, 2001 Post Oak Blvd.

The chairs for the event were Mr. and Mrs. Pete and Denise Garcia. Pete Garcia is former Vice President of Latin American Affairs at Continental Airlines and has been involved with AMIGOS for many years.

“AMIGOS has impacted so many young lives, and the program has formed hundreds of amazing leaders that benefit the Houston community as well as the international community,” Garcia said. “I am proud to be part of an organization that forms relationships across the Americas.”

This honorees for the AMIGOS Gala were Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Lucia Cordua of Cordua Restaurants, a company that houses such restaurants as Churrascos, Americas, and Amazon Grille. They have contributed much to the Houston community and have been longtime supporters of AMIGOS.  They also have a daughter who is an AMIGOS alumna.

Daniella Guzmán, a reporter with KPRC Channel 2 news in Houston, was the master of ceremonies for the event, which included a distinctive silent auction filled with unique and quality artisan items from Latin America as well as musicians, entertainment, dancing and casino. Guests also enjoyed the live music of Mango Punch and delicious Mexican hot chocolate.

Sponsors of the event included: Alexander, Dubose, Jones & Townsend LLP, Allied Waste, AT&T, Betsy and Fred Griffin, Bracewell and Giuliani LLP, Comerica Bank, Compass Bank, Continental Airlines, Crain, Canton & James Attorneys at Law, Filter Fresh, G&A Partners, H-E-B, Houston Astros Baseball Club, Kirby Atwood, Jr., Margaret Guerriero, Memorial Hermann, Merill Lynch, Mir, Fox, and Rodriguez, P.C., Northwestern Mutual, Doug Paisley, PMG, Port of Houston Authority, Scott and Cathy Roberts, Selected Food and Beverages, Shell Oil, Steve Cook, SYSCO, Thompson & Knight LLP and Pamela and Tom Reno.

View photos from the 2008 Gala.
View photos from the 2008 Executive Luncheon.