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'A Night to Remember' honors Tino Duran

La Prensa (San Antonio, TX) - 5/30/2016

On Saturday, May 7, the Alzheimer's Association of San Antonio and South Texas honored La Prensa's Tino Duran for all of his hard work and dedication to the city of San Antonio.

Over 400 people gathered at the Fair Oaks Ranch Golf & Country Club to raise money to "eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health."

Tino Duran was a tough Alazan-Apaehe Courts kid who was kicked out of six elementary schools because he had a discipline problem.

"I didn't have a discipline problem," said Tino Duran, CEO of La Prensa. "The problem was I only spoke Spanish! However, I was determined to succeed, and I mastered the English language. I became student body president, ROTC colonel, and later I was inducted to the Sydney Lanier High School Hall of Fame."

After high school, Tino served four years in the United States Air Force. When his duty was over, he attended St. Mary's University and received a bachelor's degree in political science and later a master's degree in public administration.

Upon his graduation from St. Mary's in 1963, he worked for the Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department. A year later, Senator Ralph Yarborough contacted Tino informing him about his appointment as executive assistant to the Lyndon B. Johnson Administration.

"I loved working with Lyndon B. Johnson," recalled Duran. "Every position I've ever had, I owe to my heavenly Father. God is the reason I was able to do a good job and work with such great people!"

After his run with the president, Tino went on to hold multiple high-ranking positions such as executive assistant to Mayor John Gatti, executive director for the Housing Authority of Bexar County, president of the National Association of Hispanic Publications and executive vice-president of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

"People always ask me how I made it this far, and every day I tell them I have a great God!" On Saturday, Tino touched the crowd with his faith-filled speech. Even though he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's two years ago, it hasn't stopped him from having faith in the Lord.

"My definition of faith is ?daring the soul beyond what the eyes can see,"' said Duran during his speech. "If you don't have faith, you don't have anything! Every morning when you wake up, ask the Lord for faith. Raise your hands, praise him and ask him to guide you through your troubles. Even though I have Alzheimer's, I know it's nothing I can't handle!"

Tino Duran was the only 2016 honoree.

If your family has been affected by Alzheimer's and you're in need of assistance call 800-272-3900 or visit alz. org/sanantonio.

By Nina Duran

publisher@laprensasa.com

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