Caballeros give away $119K to clubs, nonprofits
Group updates City Council on activities, upcoming events
Red blazers filled the Yuma City Hall Council Chambers on Nov. 6 as the Caballeros de Yuma, who wear the jackets, sat in support of El Presidente Steve Pallack as he gave the group’s annual report during the council’s work session.
Pallack briefed the city on how the group dispersed donations and scholarships the fiscal year that ended June 30 and reviewed its current activities and coming events.
The organization gave $119,130 in donations and scholarships in 2017-18, increasing the tally of donations given out since 1962 to $3.4 million. This past year the group gave $24,500 in scholarships and $24,878 in miscellaneous cash donations.
He noted that 10 years ago, the Caballeros gave out $100,000 to 44 organizations and entities. In a span of 10 years, the group has increased its donations by 45 percent.
“That’s not a bad return for the community,” Pallack said, noting that donations go to student clubs, organizations, nonprofits, the city, the county “and various points in between.”
“In return, we have enjoyed the support of the community for activities and have even been awarded recognition for some of the events we’ve put on,” he added.
The Caballeros were formed in 1962 by a group of 20 businessmen for the purpose of greeting groups and VIPs who visited Yuma County, according to the group’s website. A second purpose was to sponsor special events that publicized and attracted visitors to the city and county.
“From those humble beginnings, the Caballeros have grown to almost a hundred strong — all local businessmen who work voluntarily without pay. Our events also have grown in number, size and stature, making them among the most popular activities in the Southwest,” the website stated.
Some of those events include the Colorado River Balloon Festival, Ken and Betty Borland Holiday Pageant and Tower Lighting Ceremony, Yuma Territorial Marathon and Half Marathon, July 4th Ceremony, and the El Toro Bowl, a national junior college sanctioned bowl game held in partnership with Arizona Western College and Matador Athletic Association.
The Colorado River Crossing Hot Air Balloon Festival is coming up on Nov. 16-18 with launches on the mornings of Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The highlight of the event is a hot air balloon glow choreographed to music at Desert Sun Stadium.
The Ken and Betty Borland Holiday Pageant and Tower Lighting Ceremony, more famously known for the lighting of the water tower, will take place on Nov. 24. Last year’s event resulted in a donation of $402 to the Yuma Community Food Bank.
The group’s most popular event is the Midnight at the Oasis Car Show and Nostalgia Festival, which features more than 900 classic cars, two nights of concerts, a Thursday night “Rally on Main Street” in downtown Yuma and a Friday night cruise. The Caballeros gave away $65,450 in donations raised in the last MATO event. This year the event is scheduled for Feb. 28 through March 3.
The Yuma Territorial Marathon and Half Marathon, a Boston Marathon qualifier, attracts 500 runners from Yuma and as far as Mexico and Canada. This past year the marathons allowed the Caballeros to make donations totaling $3,900. The marathons are scheduled for Jan. 26 this coming year.
One of the newest events is Bull of the Desert Strongman Competition, which took place for the first time in February at the Ray Kroc Field at Desert Sun Stadium. This year it’s scheduled for Feb. 16.
“If you didn’t make it out last year, it will be really exciting this year. We have some folks that have been trained by one of the strongest ladies in the country, if not the world,” Pallack said.
“People have come to our events and to spend money in Yuma from as far away as Europe, Canada, Alaska, the Deep South, New England and more,’ Pallack added. “It’s our privilege to serve the people in Yuma and to work with the city to bring enjoyment to the masses.”
Deputy Mayor Gary Knight thanked him for the service they provide. “I would just like to say personally, and on the city’s behalf, thank you for all you do and for all the donations you’re able to make. You really make a difference. You really do.”
“That’s what we’re here for, to make Yuma a better place, to do things that will entice people to come here, whatever it takes to promote Yuma. That’s what we’re about. These guys work really hard. I’m really proud of them,” Pallack replied.