Texas Modern Hispanic Gentlemen, sponsored by the illustrious Ketel One liquor brand from the Netherlands, is an award and title given to just four men annually to celebrate Hispanic leaders who exhibit excellence in their respective fields and to those who promote positive change in their communities. One of the 'Modern Hispanic Gentlemen' was San Antonio film producer Isreal Sanchez.

The Uvalde, Texas-born independent film maker who used his business savvy and film industry knowhow to raise funds for non-profit organizations, such as Any Woman Can, Gridiron Heroes, and the African Children Choir. Sanchez's love for production and filming facilitates his philanthropic efforts. One of his longest standing philanthropic involvements has been with the Gridiron Heroes, which was founded in 2003, and provides resources and support to those who have sustained catastrophic spinal cord injury attained while playing high school football.

"I became involved with the Gridiron Heroes [during] the Dallas Cowboy training camp of '08. [The Gridiron Heroes] filled a hole in the community of football. They made sure that the lights stayed on at home, that food was available...that wheelchair accessible vehicles, at home, were retrofitted to fit a wheelchair after these kids came home from the hospital," said Sanchez.

Each winner of the award is rewarded with an honorary happy hour, hosted by Ketel One and Texas Monthly. Sanchez will be using his complimentary happy hour to host a benefit for the Gridiron Heroes Spinal Cord Injury Foundation on Nov. 19 at the Coco Chocolate Lounge and Bistro.

The selective Modern Hispanic Gentlemen Award was given one individual from Houston, one from Dallas, one from the Fort Worth area and one from Austin. The other 'Gentlemen' were Mark Madrid, the COO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who has established a fellowship at the Notre Dame Mendoza College, and he devotes time to the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting. Mark Garza is another recipient, an Austin native and the Executive Director of the Flatwater Foundation, which provides mental health support and assistance to needy families who are affected by cancer. The final recipient of the award is Juan Rodriguez, who is the Executive Chef of Reata Restaurant in Fort Wayne. He also works with Lena Pope Home, a group that provides children with counseling, early intervention and education services.