Fans Stepped Up to the Plate for Joe López

At 11 a.m. people were already lined up to purchase a plate of beef with rice and beans at Big Al’s Garden Bar in New Braunfels as mobile DJ Ray Rosales played a non-stop array of Joe Lopez and Mazz hits.

Incidentally, Big Al’s is owned by José Reyes, who didn’t hesitate to volunteer the use of his venue. And while Ramón Chapa helped to coordinate the event, this writer was not aware that the true organizer of this event was in effect Raúl Lagunas, therefore mil disculpas, and you now stand vindicated.

For those who sent compliments to the chef, the cooks were Mary Lou García, Mary Páez, Dorie Flores and LettyValadez, who with Gonzalo Páez, Rico Crespo, Matt González and Linda Macias, also doubled as servers.

David Hernández, who played delivery man, took as many as 40 plates 30 miles south to San Antonio as he personally delivered to people at the Methodist Hospital, Janie’s Record Shop and other locations where people had pre-paid for their plates.

Also there to lend their moral support were Diana Hernández and Ruby Rodríguez, who came all the way from Taft, Texas.

Joe’s blue-eyed look-a-like brother Lorenzo and his lovely wife Judy, who drove all the way up from Brownsville were very pleased with the outcome and e-mailed our magazine the following note.

“The fund-raiser was a great helping hand towards legal fees for Joe. A special thank you for everyone who made the event possible, benefit coordinators, servers, cooks, everyone who donated food, plates, etc., and all who purchased tickets. There are no words that can express our gratitude for your help, unabrazo, Lorenzo López.”

In spite of its success, it will take fund raisers in many other cities to come up with the total needed amount. However, every little bit counts.

By the way, for those readers that would like to write Joe, they can address their correspondence to José Manuel López, 1399866, Ramsey Unit 1, 1100 FM 655, Rosharon, Texas 77583, E-2-5.