Friends of HAEF
Friends of HAEF 2026: A Celebration of Community and Commitment
In March 2026, the Harlingen Area Educational Foundation (HAEF) proudly hosted its annual Friends of HAEF event — a heartfelt celebration of community, generosity, and educational excellence.
This year’s event was a resounding success, raising over $83,000 to support HAEF’s mission. These funds directly benefit innovative classroom grants, the annual scholarship program, and other impactful initiatives that empower students and educators across Harlingen CISD.
Meet Our 2026 Celebrity Fundraisers
We were honored to feature three dynamic celebrity teams who dedicated their time and energy to this cause:
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Dr Veronica Kortan, Superintendent of Harlingen CISD
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Eddie & Sandy Stewart
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Oscar & Blanca Zarate
These community leaders championed fundraising efforts leading up to the event, engaging supporters through raffles, golf tournaments, fashion shows, personal outreach, and creative platforms that brought people together for a shared purpose.
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
We extend our deepest gratitude to the local businesses and sponsors who stood behind our celebrity fundraisers. Your support is an investment in the future of Harlingen — helping us nurture the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators.
Together, we’re making a lasting impact. Thank you for being a Friend of HAEF.
Past Celebrities
Lupita Muniz
Manny Vela
Ruthie Ewers
Dr Linda Burke
Dr Bonnie Villarreal De La Rosa
Dr Rolando Posada
Rose Snell
Dr Victoria Parada
Gus Ruiz
Jacob Boggus
Former HPD Chief Jeffrey Adicks
Dr Martha Cano
Former Sup Dr Alicia Noyola
Benito and Ana Garcia
Dr Manny & Dr Erica Espinoza
Former Sup Dr Arturo Cavazos
Former Sup Dr JA Gonzalez
Partners in Education
Celebrating Community Collaboration
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Since its launch in 2018, the Partners in Education (PIE) event has been a cornerstone program of the Harlingen Area Educational Foundation (HAEF) — honoring the incredible partnerships between local businesses and Harlingen CISD schools.
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Each year, PIE shines a spotlight on the educational business partners who go above and beyond to support our students, educators, and campuses. These partnerships help raise the quality of education in our community and serve as powerful examples of what’s possible when we work together.
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The PIE event culminates in a luncheon and student-led presentation, showcasing the talent and creativity of HCISD students. It’s a moment to reflect on the progress made and to inspire others to join the mission of educational excellence.
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Funds raised through the PIE event directly support all HAEF programs, including:
Scholarship Awards
Innovation Grants
Community Initiatives
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Join Us This Year
🗓️ Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
🕦 Time: 11:30 AM
📍Location: Harlingen Event Center
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We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our community partners for investing in the future of Harlingen CISD students. Your support makes a lasting difference.