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By Dayna Reyes, Reporter

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas — DHR Health marked a major milestone on Saturday by hosting the 20th Annual “Fishing for Hope” Tournament at Jim’s Pier on South Padre Island, raising an impressive grand total of $524,130 for the Hope Family Health Center in McAllen.

The signature fundraising event directly benefits the non-profit clinic, which provides essential healthcare and counseling services to economically disadvantaged, medically uninsured, and underserved children and adults across the Rio Grande Valley. Over its two-decade history, the tournament has raised more than $5 million for the clinic.

In addition to community and sponsor contributions, DHR Health employees raised over $160,000 themselves for this year’s effort, with top fundraising department honors going to Radiology, Lab, and the Business Office.

“For 20 years, the ‘Fishing for Hope’ tournament has brought together our employees, sponsors, and community partners to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most,” said Marissa Castaneda, senior executive vice president for DHR Health. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity and support that has made this event such a success year after year. Every dollar raised will help the Hope Family Health Center continue providing essential medical services to uninsured families.”

Following the day on the water, participants gathered for a dinner, live auction, and awards ceremony at the South Padre Island Convention Centre. Speakers included Dr. Naomi D’Acolatse, medical director for Hope Family Health Center and program director for the DHR Health Family Medicine Residency Program; Martin Randall, chair of the Hope board of directors; and Maritza Quintanilla, Hope’s executive director.

Crucial Support Amid Federal Changes

In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Dr. Naomi D’Acolatse emphasized that the tournament serves as the cornerstone of the center’s financial health, accounting for more than half of its operating budget.

“Hope Family Health Center is a nonprofit organization that was founded more than 25 years ago to provide medical care, counseling services, and support services for individuals and families that have no insurance and are underserved,” D’Acolatse said.

She noted that DHR Health leadership stepped in two decades ago when the clinic was facing severe financial strain.

“DHR Health was the brainchild of this event 20 years ago because the health center was on the verge of closing down. They couldn’t pay their light bills, and couldn’t afford lab services or medications,” D’Acolatse explained. “So Marissa and the leaders of DHR thought, ‘Let’s get a fundraising event together that can help generate the funds to actually support this clinical work.’ Every year it’s growing, and it’s become a huge tournament. Today, everyone’s having fun with music, food, and festivities—all for the cause of helping people.”

D’Acolatse stressed that community-driven fundraising has become increasingly critical due to shifting federal funding landscapes.

“We now have to rely on donations from givers, not the government. Circumstances have changed at the federal level, and so we really want to continue providing care without any concern of ability to pay,” D’Acolatse said. “This fundraiser is crucial to our operations—crucial to providing comprehensive medical, counseling, lab, and social services for the entire family.”

Impacting Generations in the Valley

Maritza Quintanilla, executive director of Hope Family Health Center, highlighted the clinic’s extensive reach across the region. Over the past year alone, the center delivered approximately 5,000 services—spanning medical care, laboratory work, and mental health sessions—to 1,300 uninsured patients.

“Fishing for Hope is super exciting, and 20 years is amazing,” Quintanilla told the Guardian. “There are so many families in our community looking for a clinic to belong to. Without Fishing for Hope, it would be nearly impossible for us to offer these services to our patients.”

Quintanilla reiterated that grant funding has become tighter following recent federal policy changes early this year, making private and corporate support indispensable.

“In February, we went through some changes with laws and we are facing challenges as grant funding has become very scarce,” Quintanilla noted. “Without those grants, we rely on Fishing for Hope more than ever. Without it, our doors wouldn’t be open.”

She expressed deep appreciation for the ongoing partnership with DHR Health leadership and community partners who make the event possible.

“I give thanks to DHR, Marissa Castaneda, and the incredible staff for bringing this event to life,” Quintanilla added. “You’ve helped so many families across the community. We are strengthening our community and moving forward with this legacy to help generations of families.”

Tournament Results

The fishing competition featured several divisions for participating anglers.

In the Physician Division, top honors went to:

• First Place: Dr. Fuad Zayed
• Second Place: Dr. Delisa Guadarrama
• Third Place: Dr. Gaudencio Olgin
• Fourth Place: Dr. Jose Andres Gonzalez
• Fifth Place: Dr. Juan Bernini

In the Guest Division, top honors were awarded to:

• First Place: Ron Hoover Team
• Second Place: 7 Day Addiction
• Third Place: Boey Legends
• Fourth Place: Captains Cove
• Fifth Place: Reel Diagnostic with X-Ray on Demand

DHR Health has already begun securing sponsors for next year’s 21st Annual Fishing for Hope tournament. Prospective sponsors can contact the DHR Health Events Department at (956) 362-3140 for more information.