Hospitality Heroes Award to Bill Blaziek

Our Texas Mountain Trail awards "Hospitality Heroes" designations to folks who've offered distinguished service to the region, or who've provided outstanding support to travelers.  Earlier this month, the latest award was given to the El Paso Convention and Visitors Bureau retiring General Manager, Bill Blaziek, for his support of regional partnership and cooperation, and support of our non-profit Texas Mountain Trail's efforts to market the region to travelers.

L to R: TMT Board Member, Leesy McCorgary; TMT Emeritus Board President,
Bernie Sargent; Bill Blaziek, El Paso CVB; TMT Vice President, Rebecca Diaz

Previous award winners include:
--Van Horn's Ralph Gilmore, of the Crossroads Coffee Shop, now of the Hotel El Capitan for outstanding friendliness and hospitality to travelers
--The staff of Marfa Public Radio, for their lifesaving coverage during the 2011 wildfires
--The staff of Big Bend Ranch State Park, for their care to travelers during the extremely cold 2010-11 holiday season
--Hyatt Place in El Paso (Airport location) for their "early adopter" willingness to participate in new programs for residents and travelers, and exceptional support of our Texas Mountain Trail organization
--Rep. Dee Margo, for his efforts in the state legislature to secure funds for historic preservation and heritage tourism
--The people of Van Horn for their care of stranded travelers when I-10 is closed due to bad weather

Congratulations to Bill on his retirement, and thanks to all the folks in Far West Texas who make traveling through our region a great experience!

Scenes from last night's Wildfire Benefit Concert in Austin!

The first of several benefit concerts for Wildfire Relief was held last night at the Hotel Santa Fe in Austin--this one featured Moonlight Towers, Erika Wennerstrom, Amy Cook & David Garza, Patty Griffin and Shawn Colvin.  Hosted by Liz Lambert, the concert raised funds for agencies assisting in the wildfire:  Jeff Davis County Relief Fund, Marfa Public Radio and the volunteer fire departments in Fort Davis and Marfa. 

Miss last night's festivities?  Here's another benefit concert planned for later this month:

A benefit concert and barbecue will be held Saturday May 21 in Fort Davis at the Union (behind Jeff Davis County Library). Music will be donated by Los Pinche Gringos and the Doodling Hogwallops. Primary sponsors are Davis Mountains Education Center, Porter's Thriftway, B&S Services, Printco, Johnson's Western Wear and Feed and Uncle Buck's Quick Stop. Suggested donation at the door for music is $10 per person, BBQ dinner is $8. All proceeds go to Jeff Davis County Relief Fund. Dinner is from 6:00 pm until its gone, music from 8:00pm - 1:00am. BYOB

Come, enjoy, help!

Thanks to Pete Szilagyi for the photos!