Tickets for Lytle’s St. Andrews Catholic Church Festival annual drawing are here again, ready to be sold!!
My name is Pablo Cortez, a parishioner at St. Andrews. Although I am not a member of the festival committee, I am doing this on my own to sell as many tickets as I can to help my church community.
Last year I was able to sell 1,392 tickets and raised $6,960. I wish to thank everyone who helped me in any way, very, very much. I am sure that our Lord will repay you and bless you in some way. Once again, I am hoping you can help me this year. If you can afford to purchase some tickets from me, please call me at (210) 440-0110.
This year, I am asking business owners if they are able and willing to help me sell more tickets, as I have raised my goal. I have come up with an idea. I believe you can help me in this way, you could buy a ticket for each of your employees. I know, it’s going to cost some money, but think of the benefits! They will be great. I’m sure your employees would appreciate your kindness and show it in return by the good job they will do for you. Also, you could claim it during tax season and receive it back. Therefore, if you can find it in your heart to help me be successful with this idea, I’d be very appreciative.
Here is something I have thought about. Sometimes large companies who donate large items like cars or big money don’t ever show their employees that they are appreciated, even though they’ve spent an enormous amount to help an organization. I really believe sometimes the little things you do make a greater difference. Even a small organization can show their big heart in this way.
I really appreciate everyone’s generosity. I hope to personally thank everyone in a “Letter to the Editor” in the local newspaper when ticket sales are over, so be on the lookout. May God bless you.
Pablo Cortez
P.S. People always ask why I bother to sell so many tickets. I have a sentimental reason I will briefly explain. My dad, Aniceto Cortez, born in 1908 in the Coal Main community in the outskirts on Main Street, Lytle, is where the original and historical church was located and still stands, Immaculada Conception. Due to the deplorable conditions of the roads, it was decided to build a new church on Main Street and because of a large donation by a stranger passing by, the church’s name was changed to St. Andrews.
My dad was one of the brave men who climbed the steeple to place the steel cross and large bell on top. Every time I see the steeple and bells or hear the bells I think of my daddy and how his descendants are enjoying something from his labor. I would like to do the same. My dream is to raise money to build a porch in front of the church for people to shelter from either the hot summer sun or spring rains. I’m hoping that after loans are paid for with these fundraising events, I can soon help to raise monetary funds to build a porch for the future congregation to enjoy long after I am no longer around. I’m hoping I can see this dream become a reality.