Annual benefit honors PSJA North student who passed away

Michael M. Rutledge passed away several years ago. At the time he was a sophomore at PSJA North High School, and the institution continues to honor his memory.

His teachers founded a scholarship fund in his name, and each year volunteers decorate wooden hearts to sell at auction. The proceeds benefit the Michael M. Rutledge Legacy Award. This marks the third year for the efforts.

National celebrities have even helped the event, signing and decoration wooden hearts for auction. Past participants include Eva Longoria-Parker, Avril Lavigne and Carlos Mencia.

This year participants include skateboarders Tony Hawk and Ryan Sheckler, Grammy-winning musicians Ozomatli, and actors Jackie Earle Haley (Watchmen), Efren Ramirez (Napoleon Dynamite), and the cast of Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place. Many local and statewide volunteers help as well. The auction begins this year at 6 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Jose “Pepe” Salinas Civic Center in Pharr.

Ofrendas del Corazón III

WHERE: Jose “Pepe” Salinas Civic Center, 1011 W. Kelly, Pharr
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday Feb. 12
MORE INFO: http://psja.schoolfusion.us

* Editor's note: Information regarding the time and place of the event featured in this article, published Saturday, Feb. 6, on page 1D of The Monitor, was incorrect. The details above are accurate.