Pinks on the Patio at La Cantera Resort & Spa

Pinks on the Patio is one way La Cantera Resort & Spa is honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

This month, La Cantera Resort & Spa is going PINK in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month and names WINGS its beneficiary of a month-long campaign. Last year, La Cantera Resort donated $16,000 to WINGS from the overall resort wide donation initiatives. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2020)

Every Thursday evening from October 1 through 22, the La Cantera Family will be raising its glasses, and donations, to the efforts and actions of WINGS. Pinks on the Patio, just off the main lobby entrance, will feature live music every Thursday from 6p.m. to 8p.m., with $11 cocktails, $10 Chandon Brut Rosé and One Hope Chardonnay available with complimentary pink popcorn with $2 from each drink special will going back to WINGS. Social distancing and mask requirements will be enforced.

GLOW, a night under the Texas stars at Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness, from 7p.m. to 10p.m. October 14 and 28 also benefits WINGS. Guests will enjoy a co-ed experience with live music, individual charcuterie and a mini bottle of Chandon in a socially distance setting. Masks will be required upon entry and throughout the spa. Guest will be able to explore the Himalayan Salt Saunas, Herbal Steam Rooms, Vitality Pools and outdoor infinity edge pool and heated Jacuzzis. Tickets are $100 per person with $5 of each ticket going to WINGS. Ages 21 and over only, swimwear required at all times.

The landscaping on Plaza San Saba just off the resort’s main lobby will have a rosy hue at dusk, as PINK LED lights bring focus to the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

WINGS’ mission is to bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, providing comprehensive breast health services to uninsured women in Central and South Texas because everyone deserves a lifetime. WINGS is the only program of its kind in the country providing this kind of support for women with breast cancer. The program has provided support to over 900 South Texas women with breast cancer and over $12 million in healthcare services. Over 95% of the women treated through WINGS are still living as a result of the program. WINGS maintains an efficiency rating of 94%, which is above that of the average non-profit organization.

Independence Brewing Co releases beer to spark voter engagement

Independence Brewing Co announced the release of Freak Power, a new blood orange hefeweizen. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Ahead of its sixteenth anniversary, Independence Brewing Co. announced the release of Freak Power, a new blood orange hefeweizen named in honor of Hunter S. Thompson’s groundbreaking campaign for sheriff of Aspen in 1970. The beer will debut just in time to kick off the voter registration period for Texas residents ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Just as Thompson created the “Freak Power Party” to inspire fellow “freaks” to vote, Independence Brewing aims to inspire the inner freak in all of us to participate in our democracy. (Independence Brewing Co., 2020)

Freak Power is part of Independence Brewing’s upcoming initiative to help spread political awareness and civic engagement among eligible voters in markets where their beer is sold. As part of the Freak Power rollout, team members will be deputized as volunteer voter registrars for Travis County and the South Austin brewery will host voter registration drives ahead of Texas state elections on November 3, 2020. In addition to the brewery’s efforts in Austin, Independence Brewing’s sales representatives throughout the state will organize promotional events at local bars and retailers and assist on-site voter registration.

The recipe for Freak Power is a twist on the classic Bavarian hefeweizen, balancing the sweet clove esters with the citrusy tang of blood orange. The result is a hef that starts like a traditional German wheat beer and ends with a crisp finish that does not linger too long on the palate. It pairs best with light, starchy, and lemony foods, and at 5.4% ABV, Freak Power is an ideal candidate to engage and mobilize voters of all stripes without clouding their judgment.

The seasonal brew is available through November at the taproom and at local retailers throughout Texas. The can will be easy to spot, too. Bright pink and orange graphics against a matte-black backdrop will make this beer a standout on store shelves.

Independence Brewing Co. is a local craft beer brewery and taproom located in Southeast Austin, Texas. Founded by Amy & Rob Cartwright in 2004, Independence Brewing Co. has grown from a small mom, pop, and dog operation to a team of 40 people producing more than 17 thousand barrels a year with distribution throughout Texas, Arkansas, and Colorado. Independence Brewing Co. is now one of the largest, longest-standing, and most beloved breweries in Central Texas.

Independence’s core lineup includes Austin Amber, Native Texan Pilsner, Power & Light Session IPA, Redbud Berliner Weisse, Convict Hill Oatmeal Stout, and the brand’s top-selling beer, Stash IPA. These beers and several seasonal/limited releases are available to be enjoyed in a laid-back, industrial-style tasting room with views of the beer-making process set to live music from local musicians. Birds Barbershop offers beers exclusively from Independence Brewing Co. in all nine of their locations across Texas.

“Now, more than ever, we need to encourage each other to speak up and enact change. The 2020 election is a critical moment for our nation and will set the political agenda for the coming years. With Freak Power, we sought to create something that ignites enthusiasm the way Hunter S. Thompson did back in 1970.” – Amy Cartwright, President and Co-Founder of Independence Brewing Co.

Virtual BUDDY WALK to benefit Down Syndrome Association of South Texas

This year’s BUDDY WALK is set for Saturday October 17. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Like so many non-profit organizations this year, the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas (DSASTX) is reworking event plans to respect the safety of the community and COVID compliance. As a result, the 20^th annual BUDDY WALK will be held virtually on Saturday, October 17. This year’s participants will be asked to walk in their own neighborhoods, at their own pace and post videos and photos online to show support for DSASTX. (Down Syndrome Association of South Texas, 2020)

With income down 62 percent this year, the BUDDY WALK is critically important. Sponsorships, as well as individuals forming teams ‘walking’ to honor a loved one with Down syndrome, raise much needed funds. The goal is to raise $200,000. Registration fee is $10; if you cannot participate but would like to donate to the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas, please select the DONATE button online. Down Syndrome affects more than 1,275 families in San Antonio and surrounding areas and the DSASTX is there to assist with support groups, educational programs, fun activities and more.

The Down Syndrome Association of South Texas is determined to empower and support individuals with Down Syndrome and their families in South Texas. The goals are to help give access to resources, provide engagement opportunities in the community and assist with progress toward self-actualization. It also provides lifelong services and support that optimizes well-being, develops rewarding relationships and fosters inclusion in the community. For additional information, please visit Down Syndrome Association of South Texas and follow @DSASTX on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“We are honored to have Kym’s Angels Foundation as our presenting sponsor. We share similar programming goals and with support from sponsors like Kym’s Angels we are able to provide virtual activities for those home-bound during these difficult times.” – Brian Lopez, executive director for Down Syndrome Association of South Texas.

Culinaria expands to month long campaign to support local eateries

culinaria20 — Culinaria’s Restaurant Weeks has been expanded to a month-long campaign. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.

This week, Culinaria announced the expansion of Restaurant Weeks to Restaurant Month, August 1-31. More than any other industry, restaurants have suffered the most significant sales and job losses since the COVID-19 outbreak. Initially the HospitALLity House focused on short-term needs by ensuring furloughed workers received a hot meal. Now, the HospitALLity Fund is a crucial part of Culinaria’s Emergency Relief efforts helping restaurants on the financial brink by assisting them in covering operating costs. (Culinaria, 2020)

Participating restaurants have $20 lunch, $45 dinner, three-course prix-fixe menus for dine-in or to go, and most also offer bar beverages for take-out. All businesses have implemented and are enforcing COVID compliant procedures and protocols for sanitizing and service. Reservations are required. A complete list of participating restaurants and information on how to donate to the HospitALLity Fund is available online. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.

Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination while fostering community growth and enrichment. Culinaria is a registered 501 c (3) tax-exempt organization with a volunteer board of directors who represent the community and guide the organization in its mission to champion the wine and food industries.

“The mission of Culinaria has always been to promote San Antonio as a culinary destination, and, to support the restaurant and hospitality community when they need us in times of financial hardship or family emergencies, as they have been there for the community in times of hardship – natural disasters, flood and hurricane relief. So, we ask the community to give what you can to help restaurant owners keep their establishments operational. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president and CEO, Culinaria

San Antonio Food Bank announces Day of Service to honor George Floyd

foodbanklogo — The San Antonio Food Bank’s Day of Service is set for Tuesday, June 9. Photo: google

The San Antonio Food Bank announces a Day of Service this Tuesday, June 9 to honor George Floyd. The food bank will open up extra volunteer opportunities, including a mobile pop-up distribution at Trader’s Village, to make room for all those who might want to join the food bank in this day of service and love. Anyone interested may sign up online. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)

“I am calling our community to join me in a day of service on Tuesday, June 9, to honor the life of George Floyd. Knowing that so many want to do a physical act of love that honors Mr. Floyd’s life, I am inviting our community to join me in serving those in need in our community on the day his family will hold their private funeral service.” – Eric Cooper, President and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank

The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non‐profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.

Garrison Brothers Distillery donates $200K for COVID-19 relief

teamrubicon — Team Rubicon COVID-19 relief. Photo: Trang Lee, used with permission.

On April 2, Garrison Brothers Distillery launched Operation Crush COVID-19, a fundraising campaign to help American communities recover and rebuild from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. One way Garrison Brothers was able to raise these funds was by pivoting the forthcoming release of an eight-year-old, top-shelf bourbon called Laguna Madre and gifting it to donors who contributed $1,000 or more to the cause. Since then, the initiative has raised over $200,000 and has an ultimate goal of $2 million. Veteran-led disaster response organization Team Rubicon received $100,000 from the philanthropic effort and Garrison Brothers recently announced three more groups as beneficiaries, including 53 individual bartenders, Southern Smoke Foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund and The Texas Restaurant Education Association’s TX Restaurant Relief Fund. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2020)

Two Texas hospitality nonprofit organizations each received $23,500 from Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, Garrison Brothers Distillery’s 501(c)3 public charity. Houston-based Southern Smoke Foundation allocated the donation to their Emergency Relief Fund, providing assistance to individuals in need in the food and beverage industry.

Austin-based Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation (TRAEF) allocated the donation to its TX Restaurant Relief Fund, an initiative providing immediate financial support to Texas’s independent restaurateurs and their employees.

Nonprofit organizations were not the sole beneficiaries of funds raised via Operation Crush COVID-19. Bartenders who participated in The Bourbon Take Over of Texas each received $1,000 as well. The Bourbon Takeover of Texas is Garrison Brothers Distillery’s annual mixology event, which pre-qualifies bartenders to compete in a statewide bartender competition, The Garrison Brothers Bourbon Brawl. The competition was originally supposed to take place from March 26 through May 7 but has been tentatively rescheduled to October.

Garrison Brothers Distillery plans to continue their fundraising efforts until their goal of $2 million is met. Anyone interested in making a contribution to the fundraising efforts can do so online. Contributors of $1,000 or more will receive a bottle of Laguna Madre, an eight-year-old, top-shelf Garrison Brothers.

“This crisis has once again shown how our industry and our customers band together to support each other. Restaurants are the core of our communities, and the generosity of individuals and organizations like Garrison Brothers who rally them are helping to ensure that they survive this challenging time. On behalf of those independent restaurateurs and their employees who will benefit from these funds via the TX Restaurant Relief Fund, thank you!” – Dr. Emily Williams Knight, president and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association.

Local donor gives one ton of produce to benefit individuals with Down Syndrome and Autism

maryandtommy — Mary Flores and her son Tommy. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

As a mother of an individual with Down Syndrome, Mary Flores understands the challenges that similar families, and the non-profit organization they rely on, are facing during the COVID-pandemic. Many group homes and non-profits have seen a reduction in donations and find it challenging to shop for groceries with restrictions on quantity. (Cook With Michael, 2020)

As a result, Mary Flores is donating 2,000 pounds (one ton) of produce that will benefit the clients, staff and group homes of the following recipients:

Autism Treatment Center
Down Syndrome Association of South Texas
Morgan’s Wonderland
Reaching Maximum Independence (RMI)

This will feed approximately 4,000 individuals. Monetary and in-kind donations of personal care and household items are especially appreciated. Please donate directly to the organization of choice.

“Individuals with Down Syndrome and Autism don’t understand the concept of ‘shelter in place’ or adapt well to quarantine, as their daily program and therapy is based on consistency and routine. Also, a large majority rely on day programs and group homes for therapy and meals.” – Mary Flores

Texas Cultural Trust releases ‘Home Is Where the Art Is!’ coloring pages

texaslogo — Home Is Where the Art Is! coloring pages are available online. Photo: google

During these times, we have seen Texas’ heart through the kindness and support being offered by neighbors and organizations. We have also seen the power of the arts magnified as an emotional salve, a universal language, a reflection of current events, a form of expression, a unifying force and a symbol of hope. In response, the Texas Cultural Trust invited Texas artists, luminaries and organizations to create coloring pages for Home Is Where the Art Is!, an online collection of coloring sheets for people of all ages. (Texas Cultural Trust, 2020)

These coloring pages are available to download for free on the Texas Cultural Trust website. Everyone is encouraged to share their finished work of art via social media by tagging the color page artist and Texas Cultural Trust using the hashtags #ArtCanTexas and #HomeiswheretheARTis. Help the Trust highlight the creativity and compassion that we have seen during this pandemic and most of all have fun coloring.

The Trust plans to publish a coloring book of all the page submissions to raise funds to help the arts and culture sectors recover and rebuild post-COVID-19. Access to art and culture will continue to be essential as we heal, recover and rebuild our local and global communities.

Texas Cultural Trust is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and increasing access and awareness for the arts across the state. Programs of the Texas Cultural Trust include the Texas Medal of Arts Awards, Art Can, Texas Young Masters, Texas Women for the Arts, Partners in the Arts and Arts Access. Texas Cultural Trust efforts are amplified by its partners who are instrumental in the success of leading a cohesive voice for the arts in education, advocacy, and economic impact in Texas, spotlighting the artistic excellence of our state.

San Antonio Food Bank’s ‘Neighbor Helping Neighbor’

After a two-week effort to front-load low-income households with groceries and household supplies, the San Antonio Food Bank is launching a new phase in its coronavirus response: the Neighbor Helping Neighbor relief effort. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)

The core components of this effort are two-fold: 1) ensuring every kitchen table in Southwest Texas has the core food items needed to get through this crisis; and, 2) ensuring that all our neighbors who might be elderly and living alone get a visit. The Food Bank will be adding mobile, grab-and-go meals and food distributions daily throughout Southwest Texas. Their website has up-to-date information on how and where individuals can get help.

With the economy suffering and San Antonio already struggling with the highest poverty rate in the country, the Food Bank is prepared to grow with the expanded need. The Food Bank’s website is the best place for information on how to give help. Volunteers are still in need, and one does not need to leave their house to be a good neighbor: every $1 provides 10 pounds of food/supplies to “Neighbor helping Neighbor.” The Food Bank is emphasizing that money donations are preferred over food donations; this allows the Food Bank to target specific items in specific quantity.

“This great city of ours has always been a city of compassion, and our state is known for its hospitality. The crisis in our midst is an opportunity for us to shine and lend support during a neighbor’s season of need. We may have a neighbor near us without food or without a family member to visit and check on them. “Neighbor helping Neighbor” is about stocking the shelf and filling the heart.” – Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank

As for visits to the elderly and making sure that social isolation is minimized for our older neighbors, Cooper admits it is been something they started to do in the last year, thanks to funding from Humana, and that they learned a lot: “We have been setting the tables for seniors for years, but making home visits to thousands of seniors in the last year or so has reminded us that a table full of food can be empty of love if someone doesn’t have a friend or neighbor. We want our relief effort to be a kitchen table filled with both food and love.”

Culinaria launches Restaurant Weeks To Go

culinariaglass — Culinaria has launched ‘Restaurant Weeks To Go’ to meet the needs of the community. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.

This week, Culinaria launched ‘Restaurant Weeks To Go’ in response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) measures restricting gatherings. Restaurants are adapting and evolving to best fit the needs of the dining community. During this time, it is important to stimulate the economy and a community which has put San Antonio on the national map as a culinary destination, named UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017, an honor shared by only two cities in the U.S. ‘Restaurant Weeks To Go’ will run indefinitely until they are assured that the COVID-19 crisis is behind us. (Culinaria, 2020)

Culinaria is also organizing a donation-based EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND to help restaurants on the financial brink, cover operating costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. A complete list of participating restaurants, menus and information on the Emergency Relief Fund is available online.

“Participating restaurants have $15 lunch, $30 dinner three-course prix-fixe menus, and some are also offering family meals. The mission of Culinaria has always been to promote San Antonio as a culinary destination, and, to support the restaurant and hospitality community when they need us in times of financial hardship or family emergencies, as they have been there for the community in times of hardship – natural disasters, flood and hurricane relief. So, we ask the community to give what you can to help restaurant owners keep their establishments operational. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president and CEO, Culinaria

Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination while fostering community growth and enrichment. Culinaria is a registered 501 c (3) tax-exempt organization. A volunteer board of directors who represent the community and guide the organization in its mission to champion the wine and food industries governs Culinaria.

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Category: Activism