Category: fundraisers

Family Meal Benefit dinner in El Paso to benefit El Pasoans Fighting Hunger

El Paso native chefs return home for an evening of cooking and camaraderie, all for a good cause. Photo: Google

On Sunday, November 13, ten chefs will return home to El Paso to host “Family Meal,” a special collaborative benefit dinner. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, a group actively procuring and distributing food to combat the hunger crisis in the region.

“El Pasoans Fighting Hunger (EPFH) is El Paso’s only food bank and a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief network. The Food Bank is the distribution center for over 132 partner pantries across the borderland region and collaborative hub for hunger initiatives that assists in SNAP applications and nutrition education. EPFH also distributes healthy and nutritious food to 235 client choice mobile pantries, which provide food to underserved/unserved communities. We currently serve 200,000 food insecure people with 1 in every 3 children and 1 in every 4 adults unsure of where their next meal will come from.” -EPFH

The evening is designed to expose local and expat talent—chefs, artists, and musicians—while bringing El Paso natives together for an evening of cooking and camaraderie, all supporting a good cause. The event will be held at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing (1 Ardovinos Dr, Sunland Park, NM 88063), and tickets are available at elpasofamilymeal.com. Tickets for Family Meal are $250 per person and will include six courses in a family-style setting along with passed appetizers, wine pairings, coffee, and a chef demo.

“Family Meal is an important part of the day for restaurants. It is a way to bond with your family away from home. This benefit dinner, in turn, is meant to transform that experience and help our extended (local and migrant) families as well as bring to light the vast amount of talent and generosity this city has to offer. El Paso is one part of a large international and bi-national metropolis encompassing Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. What affects one family affects us all.” – Mixtli Chef Rico Torres

Confirmed chefs include:
Rico Torres, Founder, Food and Wine Best New Chef 2018, James Beard Best Chef Semi-Finalist 2019, Best Restaurant 2022, Mixtli (San Antonio, TX)
Andre Natera, Author and Podcast Host, Chef’s PSA (Austin, TX)
Alan Delgado, Star Chefs Rising Star 2020, (New York, NY)
Gabe Erales, Top Chef-18 Winner, Bacalar, (Austin, TX)
Jaime Daniel Calleros, Executive Chef, Ardovino’s Desert Crossing (Sunland Park, NM)
Jake Rojas, Tallulah’s Taqueria (Providence, RI)
Omar Flores, James Beard Semi-Finalist Best New Restaurant 2013, Best Chef Southwest 2015, 2016, Whistle Britches and Muchacho (Dallas, TX)
Melissa Valenzuela, Mixtli, (San Antonio, TX)
Andres Padilla, Chicago Tribune’s Dining Out Award 2015, Opening Executive Chef at Plaza Hotel/Ambar 2020, Culinary Director of Cruz Blanca (Chicago, IL)
Emiliano Marentes, James Beard Outstanding Chef Semi-Finalist 2022, El Emi, (El Paso, TX)

The Native El Paso chefs will return for a weekend of camaraderie and cooking under the scenic landscapes at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, which features views of all three cities. The evening will include live-fire cooking, wine, specialty cocktails, live music, plus a special Chef Demo from Top Chef-18 Winner, Gabe Erales. The event will also feature a live auction, farewell coffee service, and a photo opportunity with the talent.

Contemporary at Blue Star’s Red Dot Art Sale and Show

The contemporary art organization’s largest annual fundraiser celebrates the work of over 100 artists with works on sale to benefit artists and San Antonio’s home for contemporary art. Photo: Google

Contemporary at Blue Star, San Antonio’s first and longest running contemporary art nonprofit, proudly announces its 32nd Annual Red Dot Art Sale and Show. The special benefit opening will take place on November 9 from 7p.m. to 10 p.m. The Red Dot Show will then be on view in the Contemporary’s galleries November 11, 2022 through January 8, 2023. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2022)

The opening night celebration is one of San Antonio’s most beloved contemporary art events, with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. This gathering of old and new friends has become a mainstay event on the calendar of the city’s creative community. Individual tickets to the Red Dot Art Sale fundraiser are $50. As of today, November 5, tickets are sold out but there are still sponsorship options still available. 

Red Dot presents and celebrates the work of over 100 San Antonio-based artists, offering the public an opportunity to start or expand their own art collections with works on sale for a wide variety of tastes and budgets. Proceeds from art sales equally benefit artists and the Contemporary at Blue Star’s year-round exhibitions and expansive, no-cost art education programs, which inspire, nurture, and innovate through contemporary art.

Sponsorships and artwork sales at Red Dot help raise vital funds for the Contemporary’s exhibitions, art education programs, and outreach initiatives. Sales proceeds from Red Dot artworks are equally shared between the Contemporary and the artists, positively impacting the livelihood of more than 100 San Antonio artists. Beginning on November 9, artworks that are available for purchase can be viewed on the event page or in person during the Red Dot Art Sale fundraiser, a festive gathering for San Antonio’s contemporary art community. 
 
Each year, the Contemporary recognizes honorees whose creative contributions have made a lasting impact on San Antonio’s vibrant art community. In 2022, the Red Dot committee, with its event chairs Cheryl Morrell Armendaríz and Richard “Ricky” Armendariz, and Martha Martinez-Flores and Dr. Mike Flores, have chosen to honor artist Andy Benavides, arts patron and chef Johnny Hernandez, and arts education champion S.M.A.R.T., a nonprofit nurturing creative minds and building community through experiential art education. 

The Contemporary at Blue Star presents exhibitions with artists from San Antonio and around the world sharing their global perspectives that encourage understanding, empathy, change, and action, fulfilling our mission to inspire, nurture, and innovate. Like most non-collecting contemporary art spaces, the Contemporary contributes fresh insights and perspectives on larger issues affecting society and culture by highlighting trends, movements, and conversations happening in art. Admission to the Contemporary is always free.

Culinaria’s Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival

Tickets are still available for some events for
San Antonio’s premier wine and food festival, taking place October 27-30. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.

Culinaria is back for a four-day Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival, October 27-30, in partnership with Visit San Antonio (VSA) and the iconic James Beard Foundation (JBF). Culinaria welcomes renowned and up-and-coming Texas chefs as well as national all-stars focusing on platforms that will showcase their diversity of culinary talent and heritage at events ranging from walk-around tastings, intimate dinners, outdoor lunches, hands-on workshops, educational panels, and more. (Culinaria, 2022)

Festival attendees can customize their gastronomic experience by choosing between all-inclusive festival packages or a-la-carte event options starting at $100. Sportscaster and former San Antonio Spur Sean Elliott and his wife Claudia Zapata Elliott co-chair Culinaria host committee, an elevated sponsor package of $5,000 that includes recognition as an official host of Culinaria Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival and VIP access to events. Culinaria Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival will showcase James Beard Award Winners, nominees, and other titans of the food and beverage industry including:

GUEST CHEFS

  • Rick Bayless, past winner of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, host of “Mexico, One Plate at a Time” highly-rated Public Television series, and owner of Frontera Grill. See Chef Bayless in action at Agave, Saturday evening and at The Collective Grand Tasting on Sunday.
  • Alex Raij, Txikito, New York
  • Michelle Wallace, Gaitlins BBQ Houston
  • Tony Luhrman, El Topo Houston
  • Hugo Ortega, H Town Restaurant Group, Houston
  • Ruben Ortega, H Town Restaurant Group, Houston
  • Bobby Matos, State of Grace, Houston
  • Alex Au-Yeung, Phat Eatery, Katy, TX
  • Keisha Griggs, Ate Kitchen, Houston
  • Emiliano Marentes, Elemi, El Paso
  • Karla Espinoza, Mad Houston, Houston

LOCAL SAN ANTONIO CHEFS

  • Jason Dady, Dady Restaurants
  • Jeff Balfour, Southerleigh Hospitality
  • John Brand, Hotel Emma
  • Laurént Rea, Mon Chou Chou
  • Kristina Zhao, Dashi
  • PJ Edwards, Meadow
  • Geronimo Lopez, Botika
  • Elizabeth Johnson, Pharm Table
  • Esaul Ramos, 2M Smokehouse
  • Andres Farias, Mokara
  • Stéphane Leopoldo, Signature Restaurant
  • Camille De Los Reyes, Sari Sari

Visit Culinaria online for more information, including a complete list of chefs.

TASTING TEXAS EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Collective Grand Tasting: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, noon to 6p.m., Travis Park
    • The Collective is an expanded Grand Tasting event located at Travis Park featuring more than 100 chefs, restaurants, hundreds of beverage brands, Texas Wine Garden, live fire activations, cooking demonstrations, educational seminars, mercantile market, and more.
  • Southern Hospitality: Friday, 7p.m. to 9p.m., Pearl Brewery
    • Mashup of food and beverage celebrating the “Y’all Means All” culture of

Texas. From biscuits and gravy to hearty enchiladas and, of course, top-shelf cocktails, in a walk-around tasting event granting guest all-access to a front row seat of hospitality the Texas way.

  • Celebrate Agave: Saturday, 7p.m to 9p.m., Travis Park
    • Aged, sipped, neat, or mixed, this walk-around tasting event celebrates all things agave and the cuisines that embrace it.
  • Lunches and Dinners: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
    • Festival goers will have exclusive access to unique chef collaborations at dinner and lunch events held at varying locations across the city.
  • Seminars and Workshops: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, times and locations vary
  • With a theme to satisfy every interest, attendees will be able to sign up for seminars and workshops across a range of topics, including hands-on, small-group activities—from crafting cocktails and smoking meat—to panel discussions on women in the beverage industry, and concise eating and drinking.

TICKET PACKAGES

  • Super VIP – $1,025
  • Choice of one dinner on Thursday night plus Southern Hospitality, VIP Access to all three days of The Collective, Celebrate Agave, VIP Parties and VIP Only Seminars.
  • The Weekender – $600
  • General Admission to The Collective (all three days), Celebrate Agave and Southern Hospitality/
  • Just the Collective – $300
  • All three days of The Collective. Enjoy this all-inclusive and immersive experience. All food and beverage are included. You’ll only need one ticket to enjoy it all.
  • Individual Tickets – starting at $100

“Culinaria is a lover of all things wine and food. We curate experiences for those who love to enjoy amazing pairings, in all forms. We can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors to the great city of San Antonio to experience the confluence of culture found across the culinary landscape.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, President and CEO, Culinaria.

Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit organization, committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier food and wine destination, while fostering community growth and enrichment within the city we call home. For the past 22 years, Culinaria has been promoting locally sourced food and wine experiences in the San Antonio region through community events and culinary education opportunities, including Restaurant Weeks, a festival, and many others. Proceeds from events directly support this mission, enabling Culinaria to be a largely self-sustaining organization

 

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Best Quality Daughter to host fundraiser for reproductive rights

Best Quality Daughter is partnering with New Orleans’ Turkey and the Wolf to host Good Trouble in Little China on September 11, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Best Quality Daughter is excited to announce that they will be hosting a house party, Good Trouble in Little China, to raise funds for reproductive rights in Texas and Louisiana. Guest Chef Mason Hereford from Turkey and the Wolf in New Orleans joins Chef Jennifer Hwa Dobertin for a special menu at Best Quality Daughter for one night only on Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 7p.m. to 11p.m. The party and fundraising event will benefit Planned Parenthood South Texas and Lift Louisiana with proceeds being split 50/50. This is not a seated dinner, so unfortunately dietary restrictions and food allergies are unable to be accommodated. (Best Quality Daughter, 2022)

Three dishes are being curated by both Chef Hereford, a recent Iron Chef alum, and Chef Dobertin, along with house made cocktails. Chef Hereford’s menu includes collard melts and deviled eggs with crispy chicken skin, while Chef Dobertin’s items include wagyu scallion pancake sandwiches and chorizo and egg dumplings. Drinks served will include house cocktails such as Aide and Abet and Purple Texas, along with a beer from Kunstler Brewing called The Morning After Pils.

Tickets are available for a donation of $150 through Eventbrite and include drinks and food. Guests must be 21+ to attend. 

Good Trouble in Little China is sponsored by Annie’s Petite Treats, Back Bar Project, El Dorado Rum, Farm to Table, Kunstler Brewing, Mezcal Amaras, Peeler Farms, Potluck Hospitality, Rambler Sparkling Water, Jamie Stolarski and Sarah Fox.

Best Quality Daughter
602 Avenue A
San Antonio, TX 78215

Best Quality Daughter is a restaurant by Chef Jennifer Dobbertin that opened at Pearl in November of 2020. Pioneering New Asian-American Cuisine, the restaurant experience is a reflection of Dobbertin’s travels and the comfort food of her youth as a second-generation Chinese American. A warm, fun, and gorgeous environment serves as a culinary beacon to locals and travelers alike.

Taco Rumble returns to San Antonio

Taco Rumble returns to San Antonio with Texas Throwdown this September. Photo: Texas Wood & Fine Alliance, used with permission.

An all-star crew of Texas’ best taqueros and chefs will clash Thursday, September 15, 7:30p.m. -10p.m. as Taco Rumble returns to the Alamo City. Tickets for the sell-out fundraiser are on sale now for $75. Proceeds benefit the South Texas culinary community through the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s (SAFWA) vibrant grant program. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2022)

This year, the sizzling competition will take over the picturesque grounds of the San Antonio Museum of Art. Conveniently located downtown, the museum graces the historic former Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk. 

Expanding on last year’s San Antonio vs. Austin battle, taco talent from across Texas will be turning up the heat in celebration of one of Texas’ most beloved dishes.

Firing up the comal will be:

  • Chef Thomas Bille — Belly of the Beast (Houston)
  • Chef Victoria Elizondo — Cochinita & Co. (Houston)
  • Chef Rick Lopez — La Condesa (Austin)
  • Chef Julio Paz — Fairmont Austin
  • Chefs Jacob Gonzales & Matt Garcia — The Fajita Lounge
  • Chef James Moore — Full Belly Café + Bar
  • Chef Nicola Blaque — The Jerk Shack
  • Chef Jesse “Kirk” Kuykendall — Milpa
  • Chef Tony Ibarra — La Mina (Dallas)
  • Chef James Ballentine — Ninja Pig (Austin, 2021 Texas Food & Wine Alliance grant recipient)
  • Chef Carlos Gonzalez — Panfila Cantina
  • Chef Ceasar Zepeda — Sangria on the Burg
  • Chef Paul Morales — Tacos Cucuy
  • Taquero Daniel Cobos — Vaquero Taquero (Austin)

“We are delighted to showcase some of San Antonio’s finest chefs and welcome stellar culinary talent from across the state. Guests can expect traditional and unconventional takes on the dish that Texas does best.” – Texas Food & Wine Alliance Communications Director Brandon Watson.

In addition to showcasing the best in taco craftsmanship, Taco Rumble will feature sweet treats, an impressive selection of wines, craft beer, and premium spirits tastings. The Alliance will announce more chefs in the upcoming weeks.

The Taco Rumble VIP experience includes access to the Casa Noble lounge at Tre Trattoria and early entry at 7p.m. Guests will enjoy specialty cocktails and exclusive bites from celebrity chef Jason Dady paired with Casa Noble’s award-winning tequila portfolio — including the new ultra-premium offering Marqués de Casa Noble. A skillful blend of 21 añejos and extra añejos, Marqués de Casa Noble is meticulously crafted from start to finish for an unrivaled taste.

The Taco Rumble VIP experience is $150, and limited passes are available. Tickets are expected to sell quickly and are available for online purchase now. 

Taco Rumble is a signature fundraiser for the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, the culinary nonprofit dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the South Texas food and beverage community. Proceeds from the signature tasting event will help SAFWA give back to the local culinary community through a vibrant grant program for entrepreneurs and nonprofits focused on culinary innovation and community giveback. 

The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the South Texas culinary community through grants, educational programming, and events. Guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and committees made up of culinary- and community-minded professionals, the Alliance’s commitment is to support, inspire, and showcase Texas and beyond through the power of our diverse culinary communities.

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Autism Treatment Center to host Going to the Dogs event

Going to the Dogs dog adoption and dog shopping event is this Saturday August 27, 2022. Photo: Autism Treatment Center San Antonio

On Saturday, August 27 from 9a.m.- 1p.m., “Going to the Dogs,” the Autism Treatment Center (ATC) will host a dog adoption and dog-related shopping event. (Autism Treatment Center, 2022)

Event details:

  • Pet adoptions by: Austin Boxer Rescue and Lucky Spot Dog Rescue
  • Dog-themed décor and t-shirts by Autism Treatment Center Adult Services
  • Healthy Homemade Doggie Treats by Love Puppy Bakery
  • Handmade bandanas and bowties by Their Beautiful Voice
  • Pet sketches by artists

Location: Autism Treatment Center,15911 Nacogdoches Rd., Building 2, San Antonio, TX  78247

Event summary:

  • Whether you are looking for a dog to adopt or just want to shop for the one you have, “Going to the Dogs” has it all. You and your pooch are invited to join the fun at the Autism Treatment Center on Saturday, August 27 from 9a.m. to 1p.m. for this inside event.  Austin Boxer Rescue and Lucky Spot Dog Rescue will have a selection of dogs available for adoption. Austin Boxer Rescue is an affiliate of Lonestar Boxer Rescue, which serves all of Texas and the Austin chapter is the one that serves San Antonio.
  • You can also shop for healthy homemade dog treats and dog-themed gifts, décor, and clothing from partnering vendors. Be sure to bring a photo if you would like to get a custom sketch of your furry best friend.
  • Everyone is invited to visit with dogs that are available for adoption and shop for a variety of dog-related items: healthy homemade dog treats; doggie bandanas and bowties; and dog-themed gifts, home décor, and T-shirts made by adults with autism. We will also have an artist doing custom pet sketches. 
  • Whether you are looking for a dog to adopt or just want to shop for the one you already have, “Going to the Dogs” has it all.    

Why ATC is partnering with the rescue groups:

  • Dogs have a special way of making our lives better.  Everyone can benefit from their unconditional love and companionship and this is especially true for children and adults with autism.
  • That’s why the Autism Treatment Center is partnering with Austin Boxer Rescue and Lucky Spot Dog Rescue for “Going to the Dogs”, a sensory-friendly, pet-friendly adoption and shopping event at our facility on Nacogdoches Rd. on Saturday, August 27th.
  • The adults in ATC’s weekday program have created some dog-related products on sale. The clothing is bandanas and bowties for dogs and T-shirts for people. 
  • In addition, through the weekday program, they also have created wreaths, terrariums, home décor and customize items such as cups, bags, and T-shirts as part of their independent living and live skills training. 

Taco Cabana announces partnership with national nonprofit Apraxia Kids

Partnership will launch on May 14, 2022 on Apraxia Awareness Day. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Taco Cabana recently announced a partnership with national nonprofit Apraxia Kids that will kick off on Apraxia Awareness Day – Saturday, May 14, 2022. That Saturday, a portion of the proceeds from each chips and queso sold at Texas Taco Cabana locations will be donated to Apraxia Kids. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

Childhood apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for children to communicate verbally. Children with the diagnosis generally have a good understanding of language and know what they want to say; however, they have difficulty learning or carrying out the complex sequenced movements that are necessary for intelligible speech. Apraxia Kids is the leading nonprofit that strengthens the support systems in the lives of children with Apraxia of speech by educating professionals and families, fostering community engagement and outreach and investing in the future through advocacy and research. 

“As someone with a personal connection to apraxia, I fully understand the challenges that are presented to the child and the family as they face this disorder every day,” said Taco Cabana Chief Operating Officer, Ulyses Camacho. “‘Together We Are’ is part of the Apraxia Kids branding, and those powerful words have such meaning to all apraxia families. We’re each searching for support and education, sharing stories and challenges, seeking answers and solutions. I couldn’t be more proud to partner the Taco Cabana family with Apraxia Kids.”      

The Taco Cabana and Apraxia Kids partnership will remain an ongoing effort for Brand TC. Additional details about upcoming fundraisers and promotions will be available at later dates as they develop, and individual donations can be made to the organization.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, freshly-made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of May 1, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Apraxia Kids is the leading nonprofit that strengthens the support systems in the lives of children with apraxia of speech by educating professionals and families; facilitating community engagement and outreach; and investing in the future through advocacy and research. Since our inception in 2000, Apraxia Kids has provided support to thousands  of families  and  professionals. We envision  a world where every child with apraxia of speech reaches their highest communication potential through accurate diagnosis and appropriate timely treatment. We believe that every child deserves a voice.

Photo: Apraxia Kids, used with permission.

First taste of Ladino: an exclusive meal by Chef Berty Richter

Richter to partner with Chef John Brand for Ladino preview dinner on April 19; proceeds to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. Photo: Ladino, used with permission.

For one-night only, the highly anticipated restaurant from Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, Ladino will be hosting a sneak peek ticketed dinner in the Elephant Cellar at Hotel Emma on Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30p.m. Executive Chef of Ladino, Berty Richter is partnering with Chef John Brand to create a pre-fix menu featuring some of the dishes that will be at Ladino, which is slated to open in summer 2022. A portion of proceeds from the dinner will go to San Antonio Texas Food Bank. (Ladino, 2022)

Tickets are $225 and will include wine pairings. The menu is as follows (please note items are subject to change):

WELCOME DRINKS
Raki Cocktail

DIPS
(served with warm pita)
Zaalouk- fire roasted eggplant
Spiced green tahini
Muhamarra
Spicy whipped feta
Hummus
Schug, Amba

COLD MEZE
Fennel/Pomelo salad
Apio- Celery root in orange and olive oil

HOT MEZE
Saganaki- greek style fried cheese
Shishbarak- beef and chard dumplings, smokey tomato

MAIN
Lamb Shawarma- Roasted shoulder (think middle eastern “barbacoa”)
Fish Kebabs
Chicken-Halloumi Kebabs

Condiments
Onion Parsley sumac salad
Rocket
Beef fat “kaymak”

DESSERT
Knafe- with salted cream and smoke

Hotel Emma at Pearl
136 E Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300

The team behind Emmer & Rye, the Austin-based, nationally renowned hospitality group, is excited to announce their latest concept and first concept for San Antonio, Ladino. Led by Executive Chef Berty Richter, Ladino will pay homage to Berty’s Sephardic roots with a menu centered around the charcoal grill which plays a lead role in the Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Described as a Mediterranean Grill House, Ladino will be a celebration of all the cultures combined, starting from the decor, the ambiance and the music, to the beverages and food. Using a wood burning oven, Ladino will feature freshly made pita and other regional specialties accompanied by an abundance of Mezze, vegetables, spices, and herbs that are playful and bold. Ladino will be located in the Pearl at 200 E Grayson St #100, San Antonio, TX 78215 and is slated to open in summer 2022.

Birds, Bees & Butterflies event at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort

Birds, Bees & Butterflies will take place at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort over a two month period starting March 1, 2022. Photo: Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort, used with permission.

Learn about Texas birds, bees, butterflies, and the plant life that support them during a two month-long special event at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort from March 1 through April 30, 2022. With 100 family-friendly activities, Birds, Bees & Butterflies will shine a light on education and conservation through hands-on activities and fascinating presentations. (Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort, 2022)

With 100% volunteer participation from local and regional experts, associations, and businesses, nearly all activities are free to overnight guests. The general public is welcome to pay a day-use park fee to access the nature park during these activities and enjoy other amenities like the nature trails and private lakefront.

Activities include six different themed nature walks, two synchronized group butterfly releases, numerous photo safaris, seed planting for pollinators, several nature crafts, watching an observational beehive, building, and flying butterfly kites (did you know the wind is a pollinator?), and an interactive bird beak buffet to demonstrate how different birds use their beaks.

Presentation topics include landscaping to promote pollinators, the relationship between deer management and bird habitat, monarch butterflies 101, the life of the hive, “hoo’s” in your neighborhood, rethink your landscape, what are native plants, intro to bees in Texas, and the Hives for Heroes a program empowering Veterans as they transition away from a life of service through beekeeping and honeybee conservation. In addition, the day-use park fee for veterans is a reduced fee.

Photo safaris promise to be popular activities as they combine the popular hobbies of nature photography and wildlife. The hive dive experience is restricted to beginner and intermediate beekeepers wearing a full beekeeper’s outfit. The opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional is invaluable as new-bees grow their skills. Several bee observation hives will be available for viewing to the public, along with Q&A with bee experts.

The Big Sit is a semi-competitive international group birding activity started in 1992 by a New Haven, CT, birding club. Participants observe and document birds from within a 50 ft. circle and report their findings through eBird, a free app. Three respected local birders will lead the Canyon of the Eagles team on Monday, April 18, from 7a.m. to 9a.m. and 4p.m. to 7p.m. People with and without birding experience are all welcome – this is an excellent introduction to the camaraderie and fun of birdwatching.

Another highlight of Birds, Bees & Butterflies, held on April 30, the final day of the two month-long special event, is the City-Nature Challenge. This is a Texas Parks and Wildlife program encouraging folks to get out and enjoy nature while documenting what they see through the use of the free iNaturalist app. This friendly competition pits regions in Texas against one another.

There will be two synchronized releases of butterflies into nature in honor of loved ones, hopes, dreams, and wishes on Monday, March 14 (reserve via email by March 3) and Saturday, April 16 (reserve via email by April 4). Both releases will be from 1p.m to 2p.m. with reservations available by email. Butterflies are $5 each. Participants are encouraged to linger and watch the butterflies find their way into nature.

Special thanks to Highland Lakes Master Gardeners, Marble Falls Master Naturalists, Capital Area Master Naturalists, Highland Lakes Chapter of the Native Plant Society, All Things Wild Rehabilitation, AgriLife for Burnet County, Texas Beekeepers Association, Hives for Heroes, Texas A&M Beekeeping Program, University of Texas, Texas Parks & Wildlife, McKane Apiary Service & Bee Removal, Woodlynns Farm, Luedecke Photography, and Fain’s Honey.

Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park & Resort is a 940-acre nature park located in the Texas Hill Country. It is home to 16 miles of groomed nature trails, three miles of private lakefront on Lake Buchanan, the Eagle Eye Observatory, and Overlook Restaurant. Located within the Edwards Plateau region, the park is the nesting ground for Golden-cheeked Warblers, Black-capped Vireo, and American Bald Eagle. To learn more about the programs and to book reservations for guestrooms, RV sites, and tent campsites, please visit Canyon of the Eagles online. 

WB Liquors & Wine hosts fundraiser for injured veteran

From now until December 24, customers can participate in the fundraiser to benefit Home for Our Troops. Photo: google

As part of its WB Cares program, WB Liquors & Wine is launching the final phase of its 2021 fundraiser to benefit Home For Our Troops (HFOT) – a nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. (WB Liquors & Wine, 2021)

This year, WB Liquors & Wine has been supporting Marine Corporal Raymond D. Hennagir III of Arlington, Texas. Marine Corporal Hennagir was serving on his second deployment in Iraq, when he was severely injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion. The blast resulted in the loss of both his legs and several fingers on his left hand.

WB Liquors & Wine has been raising funds for HFOT and Marine Corporal Hennagir since August. The family-owned company is excited to finish this year’s fundraiser strong and surpass the $100,000 mark with this final push for donations. Customers can donate at any WB Store or WB Liquor Sales location across Texas now through Friday, December 24.

“We can’t thank our communities enough for the support we’ve received so far. Building homes like this will restore some of the freedom and independence that Veterans like Marine Corporal Raymond Hennagir sacrificed while defending our country.” – John Herrmann, president of WB Liquors & Wine