ARLINGTON, Texas—The Cowboys celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month Sunday by recognizing their 2013 NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award recipient during a special pregame ceremony on field at AT&T Stadium.
Carlos Branger, owner of Zaguan Latin Café and Bakery in Dallas, was selected as the Cowboys' 2013 NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award winner. Branger was born and raised in Venezuela where he co-founded a nonprofit organization that addressed a variety of social and business issues in developing countries. Today he continues to advocate for social change and economic improvement through his work with the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, World's Affairs Council and more.
In addition to the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award, Branger was also honored this year as one of Telemundo's Hispanic Business Salute nominees. The Hispanic Business Salute is an annual event recognizing local Hispanic business and community leaders hosted by Telemundo at AT&T Stadium.
As part of his recognition, Cowboys executive vice president and chief brand officer Charlotte Jones Anderson presented Branger with a $2,000 grant on behalf of Gene and Jerry Jones Family Charities for the charity of his choice – St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Presented by Pepsi, additional game day activities honoring the Cowboys' many Hispanic fans included a presentation of flags representing Latin American countries, appearances by ballet folklórico groups from San Antonio and Dallas, plaza performances by Telemundo personalities and more.
During Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), the Cowboys focus many of their community outreach efforts on the local Hispanic community. On Sept. 17, Brandon Carr kicked off the 2013 PLAY 60 Challenge at the predominantly Hispanic Carter Junior High School in Arlington. Read more about the event here Brandon Carr Kicks Off PLAY 60 Challenge.
