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The United Married Couples Club’s Presentation Ball raises money for scholarships that the social club presents. The 43rd annual ball is Saturday.

Alvino Campos has always believed that to "stay in the race" you need a good education.
   After serving as a Marine during World War II, Campos enrolled at the University of Texas, where in 1951 he earned his degree in accounting.
   But that degree of success was just the beginning.
   For the past 37 years, Campos has been an active member of the United Married Couples Club, a local organization whose community involvement mirrors his own interests - helping deserving students attend college.

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   In addition to rummage sales, the UMCC sponsors an annual black-tie presentation ball to raise money for its Ralph Galvan Memorial Scholarship Fund. The UMCC's 2001 presentation ball will be held Saturday at the Ramada Hotel Bayfront.
   "When I came back after college, people in the community were real proud of me," recalled Campos, who landed a job with the Internal Revenue Service after graduation. "Because of my education, I was able to reach my dreams. That, I think, was a turning point. It gave me more energy to work harder to be a role model for other Hispanics to go to college and seek good employment."

Presentation Ball The 43rd annual Presentation Ball of the United Married Couples Club is from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the Ramada Hotel Bayfront, 601 N. Water St. Music by the Lee Martinez Orchestra. Cost is $60 per couple; includes midnight breakfast. For more information, call Alvino Campos at 992-5739 or Clemente Garcia at 853-6503 or 855-7344. For a Ralph Galvan Memorial Scholarship application, contact your local high school counselor.

   Founded in 1951 by a handful of local married couples, the UMCC was established as a social/civic club grounded in family-oriented activities. Seven years later, the membership's interest in educational enrichment led to the formation of its scholarship fund.
   "We realized that one of the best things the club could do was to offer scholarships to students in need," said Adolfo Garza Jr., president of UMCC. "I'm proud to say that we were one of the few local social clubs that awarded such scholarships back then."
   A portion of every member's annual membership fee goes to the scholarship fund. To date, the club has awarded more than 102 scholarships, amounting to more than $30,000.
   "The club is like a family," said Dalinda Avelar. "The original members always met in their homes and today we still meet in our homes. And that makes it very special."
   When Avelar was invited to join the club five years ago, she needed no prodding. Promoting higher education, said the retired high school teacher, was already in her blood.
   "What better impact can we possibly make in the lives of young people?" she said.
   It is precisely that kind of accounting with which Campos, 77 and retired, measures his life.
   "It's been a lifetime well-spent," said Campos of his 37-year UMCC membership.
   "I think the club was very wise in starting the scholarship fund all those years ago. But I know all the members feel the same way I do: I wish we could make more money to give away and reach more young people."
  
 

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