The San Antonio Food Bank launches program to help community prepare for coronavirus. Photo: Google
On Thursday March 5, the San Antonio Food Bank launched a month-long coronavirus “preparedness and prevention campaign.” The effort aims to reach as many as 300,000 low-income households in the Food Bank’s southwest Texas service territory with a 14-day supply of food and a coronavirus preparedness kit. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)
The Food Bank’s 14-day food benefit will consist largely of items in its “12 Most Wanted” list. This includes staple non-perishable items like rice, beans, pasta, soups, canned meats, canned vegetables and fruits, along with diapers and pet food. The coronavirus preparedness kit will contain hand sanitizer and cleaning disinfectant, along with other items available to the Food Bank.
The Food Bank will implement a three-part effort to help deliver their preparedness food benefits and coronavirus prevention kits to those in need: targeted mobile distributions in urban and rural areas of southwest Texas; stocking super-pantries and senior centers with the benefit; and opening up a portion of their warehouse for individual drop-in to secure the benefit.
To meet goals of this month-long campaign, the Food Bank aims to raise $1,500,000, or the equivalent of 15,000,000 lbs. of food/cleaning supplies. The public is invited to make contributions at the Food Bank’s website and every $5 provides one food/cleaning benefit to a person in need, with the goal to distribute 300,000 prevention and preparedness benefits in a month. Volunteers will also play a critical role in this response. If you cannot give food or funds, you are invited to give the gift of time. Special volunteer shifts will be set up for the campaign.
“Our low-income families, particularly our seniors on fixed incomes, don’t have the luxury of stocking up in case of a virus outbreak, and they certainly don’t have the ability to weather a two-week quarantine or leave-without-pay if their place of employment sees a slowdown in business.” – Eric Cooper, President and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank
The 2019 Red, White and Bourbon will be this Saturday November 9. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Garrison Brothers Distillery recently announced the 2019 edition of Red, White and Bourbon, a collaborative event aimed at raising funds for the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. The Admiral Nimitz Foundation was established in 1971 as a 501(c)(3) and provides development funding for the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, a museum dedicated to telling the human story of WWII in the Pacific. Since 1971, the Foundation has built a well-established and respected institution, which annually welcomes more than 100,000 visitors, including 15,000 middle and high school students from across the state. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2019)
To observe Veterans Day and to honor those who have served, Garrison Brothers will partner with several neighboring businesses for a day-long celebration on Saturday, November 9. Distillery regular Mike Walsh will trumpet Reveille to kick off the event at 11a.m. and blow Taps at 4p.m. to conclude the event. Red White and Bourbon will take place at Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas. Guests can enjoy bourbon barrel-aged craft beer from Family Business Beer Co., hamburgers from Fischer & Weiser, cold drinks from Coca Cola and a variety of red, white and rosé wines from William Chris Vineyards, Cicada Cellars, Calais Winery and Hye Meadow Winery. 100% of sales of beer, wine and food will go directly to the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. Habana Cowboy will also be on site with a mobile cigar lounge. Garrison Brothers would like to thank this year’s Red, White and Bourbon sponsors – Tecovas, Mercedes of Boerne and HEB.
Patrons can dip their own red, white, and blue wax bottles at the gift shop and a portion of proceeds from the sale of each bottle will also be donated to the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. The museum will also have living history displays set up showcasing WWII weapons and equipment.
Only 800 tickets are available (600 online, 200 at the distillery) and are priced as follows:
$20 for adults
$10 for kids (ages 3 to 12)
$10 for Admiral Nimitz Foundation members
$5 for veterans
“The National Museum of the Pacific War is a Texas treasure. We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a distinguished neighbor in our sister city of Fredericksburg. We’re excited to partner with Mercedes Benz of Boerne and Family Business Beer Co. to present Red, White, and Bourbon. They share our passion for honoring and appreciating those who have served.” – Dan Garrison, founder and proprietor of Garrison Brothers Distillery.
Garrison Brothers Distillery
1827 Hye Albert Rd
Hye, TX 78635
September is Hunger Action Month. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
This week, Whataburger announced their partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank for the tenth consecutive year. The goals is to fight hunger and raise awareness for SA Goes Orange, a month-long campaign during Hunger Action Month in September. (Whataburger, 2019)
From September 1 through 30, Whataburger will host a month-long fundraiser to raise money for the Food Bank. Customers who visit any Bexar County and New Braunfels Whataburger restaurant during that timeframe and donate at least $1 will receive a thank-you coupon good for a free Whataburger with purchase of a medium fry and 32-ounce drink on their next visit. Upcoming SA Goes Orange events include the September 14 and September 28 Volunteer Days at the Food Bank.
Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals every day with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.
The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non-profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 500 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.
Harlequin Feel Good Day San Antonio is scheduled for Saturday October 5. Courtesy photo, used with permission. .
Harlequin Feel Good Day San Antonio is set for 10:30a.m. to 6p.m., on Saturday, October 5 at the Omni La Mansion Del Rio. Harlequin, a leading publisher of romance and women-centric literature for nearly seven decades, is bringing its powerhouse community to San Antonio. The day of Feel Good programing and community building celebrates and explores what makes women feel their best, do their best and be their best selves. (Harlequin Feel Good Day, 2019)
First Lady of San Antonio Erika Prosper Nirenberg has made it part of her life’s mission to find ways to empower women. So, when the Harlequin Feel Good Movement™ approached her about helping to launch a fun, one-day immersive celebration of women in the Alamo City, she eagerly joined the movement. Prosper Nirenberg, also former chair of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, will champion the Harlequin’s OutStander Awards. The Feel Good Day message of positivity fits with Prosper Nirenberg’s ongoing efforts to promote women in leadership. As leader of the Hispanic Chamber, she helped establish the Latina Leadership Institute five years ago to help women learn more about how to be engaged civically and politically. Women who took part in Latina Leadership Institute have gone on to join non-profit boards, government commissions and two have been elected to local public office.
On October 5, Prosper Nirenberg will help present The OutStander Awards to put the spotlight on outstanding and upstanding citizens in San Antonio who champion the Feel Good mission every day. Nominations for The OutStander Awards are being accepted online through August 16 in five categories including:
Community Catalyst;
Person of Positivity;
Harlequin Hometown Hero;
Cultural Champion, and
Millennial Groundbreaker
Daytime Emmy nominee Melody Thomas Scott, best known for playing Nikki Newman on the daytime drama The Young and the Restless will moderate a panel discussion with The New York Times best-selling authors Robyn Carr, Brenda Jackson and Susan Mallery. The event also features a performance by Mariachi Las Coronelas, The OutStander Awards presentation, activity-based workshops that include gardening, Groove movement and meditation, vision boarding, gratitude practices and reflective exercises, and more.
Harlequin has committed to charitable event programming to further the Feel Good mission, partnering with Soldiers’ Angels, and each Share Gratitude workshop participant will create a Blessing Box for Soldiers’ Angels Women of Valor program, given as encouragement to women and caretakers of wounded, ill and injured service members. Each attendee is encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for Soldiers’ Angels as well.
“I believe that San Antonio residents deserve to have their passion, commitment and outstanding achievements be recognized not just in the city, but on a national and international scale. When Harlequin invited me to participate, I was excited to be a part of highlighting San Antonio and championing our residents to their international community.” – Erika Prosper Nirenberg
COVER 3 has several activities this month in support of Women’s World Cup. Photo: COVER 3, used with permission.
Attention soccer fans: COVER 3, Austin’s premier sports bar and restaurant, is excited to announce that the locally-owned-and-operated restaurant group is launching a brand-new initiative in support of the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, which kicked off Friday, June 7 through the championship match on Sunday, July 7. All COVER 3 locations, along with COVER 2, will be offering a month-long, multifaceted campaign that includes a variety of incentive-laden punch card programs and limited-time-only in-store offerings. (COVER 3, 2019)
To help kick off the “Wings of the World” World Cup promotion, COVER 3 hosted a bracket competition last week for local patrons to pick the ultimate winner of this summer’s Women’s World Cup. The grand prize for the bracket competition is free wings-for-a-year and a $500 Gift Card, although the competition required a $5 buy-in to participate. 100% of proceeds raised from the bracket competition will be donated to local Partnerships For Children (PFC), COVER 3’s official charity partner in Austin, to help cover the cost of local foster children participating in organized team sports activities and recreational leagues.
All COVER 3 locations will host a drive for new team sports equipment to help stock PFC’s Rainbow Room with the overwhelming number of requests received specifically for sporting equipment. Key items include soccer balls, goalie gloves and shin guards, baseball bats and batting helmets, footballs, basketballs, cleats of all sizes and types and gift cards to Academy which will be used to purchase child specific sporting equipment needs.
PFC is a local nonprofit that provides critical resources to abused and neglected children in Central Texas who are in the care of Child Protective Services, and The Rainbow Room is PFC’s 24/7 resource center where caseworkers can gather essential items for children in crisis. Research supports that extracurricular activities increase a youth’s likelihood to not only stay in school, but to also maintain a certain GPA. The state of Texas does not cover the expense for any of these normalizing activities and nonprofit organizations, like PFC, work to fill this gap.
COVER 3 also had a special “Wings of the World” poll on its main Facebook and Instagram pages to ask fans what team they think will be the 2019 winner. Based on these findings, COVER 3 will create a custom chef-driven menu of five distinct World Cup-themed new flavors for the restaurant’s popular chicken wings, which have been named “Best Wings” at the Austin Chicken Wing Festival in recent years. One lucky fan will also be gifted a $50 gift card just for participating in the Facebook poll.
Finally, COVER 3 is creating a special Women’s World Cup Passport, a punch card and raffle contest, for which patrons are encouraged to participate in all facets of this month-long summer program. The punch card will have seven total holes which fans must complete in order to be entered in the larger Women’s World Cup raffle. Patrons must not only submit a completed bracket (#1) and donate a piece of children’s sports equipment (#2) at any COVER 3 or COVER 2 location, but they must dine at least four times at any COVER 3 location or COVER 2 during the period of June 7 to July 7, 2019.
The passport raffle will feature a variety of prizes, including a grand prize for one lucky fan:
• Grand Prize (x1): Free wings-for-a-year
• Second Prize (x5): $100 gift card
• Third Prize (x1 each):
o Two general admission tickets to an upcoming Austin Bold FC (at Circuit of The Americas)
o Merch bundle feat. t-shirt, tank top, and cap
o Branded product bundle feat. canteen, wine tumbler, wine key and bartender’s bottle opener
In addition to this month-long campaign, COVER 3 and COVER 2 will be hosting a variety of watch parties for those looking to catch some of the World Cup matches, including all of the early round games confirmed for Team USA on June 11, June 16, June 20. Specific promotions, discounts, and watch party information will be revealed closer to each game on Facebook and Instagram.
This year’s Evenings on the Edge at Topaz pool parties begin on Thursday June 6. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Evenings on the Edge at Topaz are evening events that benefit local charities and feature live entertainment. This series of popular sunset adult pool parties is back this summer at La Cantera Resort & Spa every Thursday beginning June 6, except for Thursday July 4, and running through August 8 from 7p.m. to 11p.m. Tickets are $30 if purchased in advance; guests must be 21 and over and ID is required. Event is free for resort guests: all they must do is simply present their key at the register desk to receive their wrist bands. Tickets at the door are $40 and Valet at the door is $10. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2019)
Ticket includes a summer-inspired cocktails and live performances and/or DJ, all with the unrivaled Hill Country views as backdrop. This year, the series includes themed evenings and additional fun and excitement. Attendees will receive a complimentary cocktail upon entry and a Moet Chandon toast at sundown. In the event of inclement weather, ticket will be honored at a future event based on availability; tickets are non-refundable.
Ten private cabañas also are available for rent and require 24-hour cancellation. A portion of ticket sales and cabaña rentals benefit local charities. A Topaz Sunset Pass is available for $150 per person ($300 value) and includes one ticket to each Evenings on the Edge event. Available through week 6, July 18, of 2019 Evenings on the Edge season. Detailed information on cabaña rentals and Topaz Sunset Passes is available online.
• Thursday, June 6 – San Antonio Zoo; Theme: Yacht Club; Music by The Night Owls • Thursday, June 13 – Viola’s Huge Heart; Theme: Summer Chic
• Thursday, June 20 – San Antonio Food Bank; Peanut Butter and Jelly donations requested • Thursday, June 27 – Silver and Black Give Back; Theme: Throwback Thursday – wear vintage jersey • Thursday, July 11 – Culinaria; Theme: White Party
• Thursday, July 18 – August Heart; Theme: Summer Chic
• Thursday, July 25 – Fashion Group International; Theme: Best of the 70s and 80s; Music by Finding Friday
• Thursday, August 1 – Eva’s Heroes; Theme: Little Polka-Dot Bikini
• Thursday, August 8 – San Antonio Library Foundation: Theme: Beach Party; Band TBD
La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500
Hiatus Spa + Retreat’s Spa for a Cause in April benefits charity:water. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.
Hiatus Spa + Retreat is excited to announce their annual month-long fundraiser at all locations to honor Earth Month this April. Hiatus will host ‘Spa for a Cause,’ to benefit charity:water, which includes a special water-conserving monthly retreat and special pricing on Essential Services. Each of these specials will support Hiatus’ $10,000 fundraising goal for charity:water, a nonprofit organization delivering clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. For the past three years, by reaching their fundraising goal, charity:water was able to build two wells in Ethiopia benefitting over 300 people. Hiatus intends to meet its goal again this year.(Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2019)
Hiatus is offering a special discount of 20% off all Essential Services during the month of April when guests book ‘Spa for a Cause’ branded services with promo code “charity water.” 20% of profits from these services go towards charity:water. Hiatus will also donate $10 to charity:water for each guest who enrolls in the H-Circle membership program during the month of April.
This year, Hiatus will offer Stone Unturned, a special water conserving monthly retreat for April. A skin-quenching experience, after a dry-brush exfoliation, the skin is drenched in nourishing shea and cocoa butter while hot stones glide from head to toe. As the warmth of the stones fades, they are gently situated under the body to continue melting away tension while the body is enveloped in layers of a warm wrap. Fall into deeper relaxation with a reflexology session and awaken with a refreshing cool stone face massage. The result is radiant skin and good karma knowing this service contributes to clean water initiatives.
Hiatus strives to be earth-friendly year-round and has made the environment a cornerstone of its business philosophy. This includes from initial build-out to ongoing initiatives, such as bottle cap recycling, 100 percent wind-powered energy, VOC-free paint finishes, post-consumer recycled paper printed with soy ink and its no-bottled-water policy.
Sheila Garrison, Kristin Peabody and partner Bill Garrison founded Hiatus Spa + Retreat in Dallas in 2007. Since then, the spa has received numerous accolades, including the Innovate Award, International Spa Association – 2013, Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies 2012 – 2018, American Spa Magazine – Favorite Day Spa 2016, D Magazine’s Best of Big D 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 – Best Spa. With five successful locations in Dallas, Austin, Plano and San Antonio and two new Texas locations opening soon, the Texas-born day spa features fifty-plus signature treatments with a high-touch experience.
Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Parkway, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355
The next Oh Whata Night is Thursday March 21 to benefit Aue Elementary. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Whataburger periodically hosts events to help the community and its various schools. These events have ranged from “Oh Whata Nights” to jalapeño eating contests, drawings and raffles. This Thursday March 21 from 4p.m. to 7p.m., Whataburger is hosting a fundraiser to benefit Aue Elementary School. The public is invited to come and show their support by enjoying their favorite menu items and during the posted hours, Whataburger will donate 20 percent of the sales to the school. (Whataburger, 2019)
The first 100 guests will receive a free Whataburger drawstring pencil bag. Attendees will also have a chance to enter the popular Whataburger for a Year prize drawing where one lucky winner will receive a free Whataburger each week for an entire year. There will also be fun, family-friendly activities, including a photo booth. This Whata Night fundraiser will be at the posted location only.
“Whataburger believes in investing in the communities we call home. We’re fortunate enough to have the most generous customers, and with their help, we’re so proud to host a fun-filled evening for the San Antonio-area community and the students at Aue Elementary School.” Tom Willet – Whataburger Director of Operations
Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals every day with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.
Whataburger
25111 W IH 10 (near Ralph Fair Rd)
San Antonio, TX 78255
(210) 698-5485
Lorenzo Gomez, author of ‘The Cilantro Diaries’ will be the keynote speaker at the 2019 Lit ‘n Lunch on Tuesday, March 5.
Assistance League of San Antonio will be hosting its 2019 Lit ‘n Lunch on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at The Witte Museum’s Mays Family Center. Lorenzo Gomez, III will keynote the event. (Assistance League of San Antonio, 2019)
Lorenzo Gomez is a San Antonio native and author of the celebrated book, ‘The Cilantro Diaries: Business Lessons From the Most Unlikely Places,’ which provides practical and entertaining advice for business-starters young and old. A local celebrity known for thinking outside the box and keeping it real, he is the Chairman of the Board of Geekdom and the 80/20 Foundation and co-founder of Techbloc. He is also an expert in ecosystems development, a public speaker, an author, a podcast host and a compelling storyteller. Now the Chairman of the Board for both Geekdom and The 80/20 Foundation, Mr. Gomez has had a notably positive impact on the tech industry in San Antonio, the city’s economic growth and its tremendous revitalization. ‘The Cilantro Diaries’ is the story of how Mr. Gomez went from a grocery stockroom to the boardrooms of two private companies, and beyond, without a college degree. He is a dynamic speaker and eager supporter of Assistance League of San Antonio.
Lit ‘n Lunch provides a wonderful opportunity for corporations and individuals to support Assistance League of San Antonio’s charitable programs while enjoying a local author-focused lunch. In addition to the keynote speaker, the event will also include a Wall of Wine raffle, a decadently themed basket auction and a Clothe A Child Auction conducted by KENS 5 Evening Weather Anchor, Bill Taylor. The auction will provide an opportunity for guests to raise their bid card and donate to Assistance League of San Antonio’s key programs, Togs For Tots and Operation School Bell®. Togs For Tots provides new clothes for infants to 4-year-olds, while Operation School Bell provides new school clothes to kindergarten through fifth graders. Nearly 500 guests attended Lit ‘n Lunch in 2018, raising almost one-quarter of Assistance League of San Antonio’s annual program budget. Each year at Lit ‘n Lunch, Assistance League of San Antonio grants the Rising Star Award to a high school student who has shown great literary potential. A student from Judson Independent School District is the recipient of the 2019 Rising Star Award.
Tickets for ‘Late Nite Catechism’ are now on sale for performances in April at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
‘Late Nite Catechism’ returns to the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre for four performances from Friday April 5 through Sunday April 7, 2019. to benefit the Archdiocese San Antonio Chapter of the Retired Fund for the Religious which provides medication and nursing care to elderly sisters, brothers and priests. Performance times are 8p.m. on Friday; 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $39.50 and go on sale Friday, February 1 at 10a.m. in person at the Majestic Theatre Box Office, online through Ticketmaster or by phone at 800-745-3000. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. All tickets subject to applicable service charges and fees. (Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 2019)
Written by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan, ‘Late Nite Catechism’ made its debut May 28, 1993 at the Live Bait Theatre in Chicago, Illinois and since has grossed over $100 million in box office receipts. It has been presented in more than 410 cities around the world and has played six countries with attendance exceeding 3.5 million people. There have been more than 100 “Sisters” presenting the eight shows now in the series which has raised in excess of $4 million for retired Sisters and Catholic Organizations.
‘Late Nite Catechism’ is an uproarious piece of theater that takes audience members back – sometimes nostalgically, sometimes fearfully to the children they once were. The irrepressible Sister teaches an adult catechism class to a roomful of “students,” the audience. Throughout the play, Sister goes from benevolent instructor, rewarding the “students” for correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and laminated saint cards, to authoritative drill sergeant. These abrupt mood swings are bound to strike a resonant chord with anyone who survived the ups and downs of going to school, with an omniscient authoritarian at the helm. It was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award in New York and won the L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Lead Performance for Maripat Donovan.
Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
226 N. St. Mary’s St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
SA Examiner 