La Cocina’s Annual Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser Sets Record, Raising $108K for Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels
In a heartfelt show of community spirit, La Cocina Mexican Restaurant raised more than $108,000 during its 18th Annual Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser to benefit Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, marking a record-breaking milestone for the long-running event and reaffirming the Richmond restaurant’s commitment to giving back.
Held on May 3, 2025, the celebration brought hundreds of guests together for an evening of festive food, live music, raffles, and auctions—all in support of local seniors who depend on daily meals and wellness checks to remain healthy and independent in their homes.
“We are incredibly grateful to our community for their overwhelming support,” said La Cocina owner Andres Novoa. “This record-setting fundraiser highlights our dedication to providing the critical support seniors in our community rely on to survive.”
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That dedication was formally recognized during the event when Fort Bend County Commissioner Vincent Morales presented Novoa with a county proclamation and a challenge coin. The honor celebrated Novoa’s 25 years of service in the Pecan Grove area and his leadership in organizing the annual fundraiser, which has become one of the most impactful community events in Fort Bend County.
La Cocina, a staple of the Richmond dining scene, is known not just for its authentic Mexican cuisine but also for its deep-rooted commitment to the local community. For over two decades, the restaurant has supported charitable causes across Fort Bend County, with a special focus on senior services, youth programs, and first responders.
This year’s record total will provide a vital boost to Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, one of the county’s oldest and most impactful nonprofits. The organization serves more than 1,000 homebound seniors every day, delivering hot meals and performing daily safety checks to ensure that older adults—many of whom live alone—can maintain their independence and health.
Andres Novoa (left), owner of La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, proudly holds a proclamation from Fort Bend County “We’re facing a $400,000 shortfall in federal funding this year, which puts real pressure on our ability to serve vulnerable seniors,” said Doug Simpson, CEO of Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels. “That’s why partnerships like this one with La Cocina are more important than ever. Community support isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.”
As previously reported by My Neighborhood News, federal budget uncertainty has left senior service providers in limbo, with local organizations like Fort Bend Seniors working to fill critical funding gaps. Events like the Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser are helping to bridge those gaps, ensuring that services continue uninterrupted.
Founded in 1974, Fort Bend Seniors is a United Way agency that serves older adults in both Fort Bend and Waller Counties. In addition to home-delivered meals, the organization operates seven senior activity centers, offering meals, transportation, health screenings, and recreational programming. All services are offered free of charge and based entirely on need—not income—with no waiting list.
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According to Simpson, many of the seniors they serve rely solely on Fort Bend Seniors for both nutrition and human connection. “For many, we are their only daily contact,” he said.
This year's Cinco de Mayo fundraiser, presented by H-E-B and hosted at La Cocina’s Pecan Grove location, served as more than just a community celebration—it became a lifeline.
“This isn’t just about meals,” Novoa said. “It’s about dignity, health, and the ability to live independently. We’re proud to stand with Fort Bend Seniors in making that possible.”
To learn more about Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels or to get involved, visit FortBendSeniors.org.
Stay with My Neighborhood News for continuing coverage of community impact initiatives across Fort Bend County and beyond.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
