Category: Non-profit organization news

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s Children’s Nutcracker returns

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents The Children’s Nutcracker and Holiday Market, a magical holiday extravaganza. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

An enchanting tale filled with all the magic of the holidays, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker has been captivating the hearts and minds of audiences for decades. This timeless story of a young girl whose beloved doll comes to life and takes her on wonderous journey has inspired many a young dancer to take the stage and has fostered a love of the arts in the young, and young at heart. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2022)

This year, the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio will return to the Lila Cockrell Theatre to present a Broadway level production of this favorite holiday family tradition. Combining immersive and interactive elements each performance is an event that includes shopping, sweets, and Santa. With a condensed 1.5 hour run time, it will keep event the youngest theatregoers engaged.

The fun starts from the moment guests enter the theatre and discover themselves in a festive holiday market where they can browse the extensive selection of dress-up items, including tutus and Sugarplum Fairy wands, Mouse King swords, as well as home décor including ornaments and, of course, nutcrackers. Hair and makeup stylists will be on site to offer magical makeovers transforming little ones into regal royals for a glittering good time. Key cast members from princes to queens, and fairies, along with Santa himself, will be on hand for photos on a first come first served basis. Because no holiday is complete without treats, there will be plenty of holiday fare including cocoa, holiday cookies and other seasonal favorites along with hot dogs, mini-burgers, and popcorn.

Award-winning dancers and a talented array of young performers share the stage for this production filled with dazzling costumes, multimedia integrated scenery, and even an interactive surprise or two for the audience members. More than just ballet, The Nutcracker celebrates the traditional dances of cultures around the world, showcasing a variety of disciplines and talents including vocalists, actors, gymnasts, special needs artists and more. CBSA founder and former Prima Ballerina Vanessa Bessler, leads the talented youth who range in age from 3-19 and include internationally acclaimed classical dancers alongside gifted special needs artists. A seven-time Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award winner, Bessler created CBSA to serve as a gateway for young artists interested in pursuing a professional dance career. The elite artists have had the privilege to train in some of the world’s best academies including the Royal Ballet School in London, the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia, and the School of American Ballet in New York City, to name a few. Through recognition, awards, and scholarships from the most prestigious ballet competitions and schools in the world for many of its dancers, CBSA has elevated San Antonio to the world stage, making it a strong player in the arts world.

Friday, December 9, 7p.m.
Saturday, December 10, 2p.m.
Saturday, December 10, 7p.m.
Holiday Market and Photos with Santa and cast opens one hour prior to showtime.

The Lila Cockrell Theatre
200 E. Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Tickets are available online.  

Admission proceeds and holiday market profits directly benefit CBSA in fulfilling its mission to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds. Donations from the event will benefit dance scholarships for special needs and underserved youth, as well as the transportation and organization of several hundred Title 1 school students to attend each performance. Funds also go to the production costs of theatre, costumes, lights, and special effects that allow these dancers to perform in San Antonio’s top theatres in professional productions as part of their professional level training.

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented children. Dancers are selected by invitation or audition. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit organization 501(c)3.

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) seeks to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds.

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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San Antonio Charter Moms kicks off largest School Discovery Days series

The first School Discovery Days event will be this Saturday October 22 at Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden. Photo: San Antonio Charter Moms, used with permission.

Nowadays there are over 150 schools of choice in the San Antonio area alone. How do you define school choice? Simply put, school choice is the process of allowing every family to choose the PK-12 educational options that best fit their children’s learning needs regardless of zip code. Every child is unique, and all children learn differently. Some children might succeed at the neighborhood public school, while others might fit in better at a charter, magnet, online, private, or home learning environment. With so many options, parents and caregivers can quickly become overwhelmed. That is where the nonprofit San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) goes to work. (San Antonio Charter Moms, 2022)

Considered the leading authority for assisting local families in their school search, the nonprofit is designed to help parents and caregivers make informed decisions. San Antonio Charter Moms provides easy access to extensive school resources such as online discussion groups with over 10K members, articles, live videos, enrollment guides, podcasts, a school finder app, and perhaps the most anticipated and impactful of all, their in-person School Discovery Day Series held annually during enrollment season.

SACM hosts its largest series yet, with six School Discovery Days kicking off on October 22nd at Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden and concluding with their final event on March 4, 2023. Families will have the opportunity to meet school representatives from 15 to nearly 30 top San Antonio choice schools at each event, ask questions, get on interest lists and learn about application processes and deadlines. Families will also be able to enjoy a variety of fun activities during the event series, including DJs from The AM Project and animal show-and-tell with Once in a Wild, food trucks, and more. Families can receive hands-on guidance from the SACM team on navigating the nonprofit’s online tools and resources designed to simplify the search and application process. The events are free and open to the public and include great raffle prizes to boot.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HEMISFAIR (Fall)

Saturday, October 22, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Central Games Plaza in Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Hemisfair is a landmark park in downtown San Antonio. Families visiting School Discovery Day at Hemisfair can meet with over 15 top schools as they enjoy the fantastic amenities of Yanaguana Garden, including a splash pad, sand play area, table games, swings, climbing structures, picnic area, restaurants, and more.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT O.P. SCHNABEL PARK

Saturday, November 12, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Graff Pavilion at O.P. Schnabel Park, 9606 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, TX 78250

O.P. Schnabel Park is a regional park on the Northwest Side of San Antonio with a YMCA, sports fields, hiking trails, and more. Families visiting School Discovery Day at O.P. Schnabel Park can meet with 14 top schools as they enjoy the playground, sample specialty hot dogs by Doolittle’s Mobile Kitchen, dance to the beats of The AM Project, catch Once in a Wild mobile zoo’s animal program, and get creative with face painting.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT THE DOSEUM (Flagship Event | National School Choice Week)

Saturday, January 21, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

The theater at The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

School Discovery Day is a free event in The DoSeum’s theater space. Guests will be greeted by the beats of the young DJs of The AM Project. With admission, guests can navigate The DoSeum’s 68,000 square feet of wow-worthy galleries designed to cultivate curiosity, ignite learning, and discover the power of play through interactive fun. Information on ticket prices and discounts for The DoSeum is available online.

National School Choice Week, January 22–28, is a celebration of the process of allowing every family to choose the K–12 educational options that best fit their children. SACM will host nearly 30 schools during this, the flagship event of the series.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH

Saturday, February 4, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Second Baptist Church Community Center, 3310 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78220

Second Baptist Church is a historic Black congregation dating back to 1879, now located on the Eastside of San Antonio near the AT&T Center. Inside the Community Center, event guests can sample specialty hot dogs by Doolittle’s Mobile Kitchen, dance to the beats of The AM Project, catch Once in a Wild mobile zoo’s animal program, and get creative with face painting.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HANGAR 9

Saturday, February 18, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Hangar 9 at Brooks, 8081 Inner Circle Dr., San Antonio, TX 78223

Hangar 9, built in 1918, is the oldest wooden aircraft hangar of its kind still standing in its original location; now it’s an event space at Brooks, a vibrant community on the site of a former Air Force base. Guests at School Discovery Day at Hangar 9 can meet with 25 top schools as they sample specialty hot dogs by Doolittle’s Mobile Kitchen, dance to the beats of The AM Project, catch Once in a Wild mobile zoo’s animal program, and get creative with face painting.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HEMISFAIR (Spring)

Saturday, March 4, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Central Games Plaza in Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Hemisfair is a landmark park in downtown San Antonio. Families visiting School Discovery Day at Hemisfair can meet with over 15 top schools as they enjoy the fantastic amenities of Yanaguana Garden, including a splash pad, sand play area, table games, swings, climbing structures, picnic area, restaurants, and more.

Texas Women for the Arts opens 2023 grant applications

Texas Women for the Arts opens 2023 grant applications in support of statewide arts organizations. Photo: Google

The Texas Cultural Trust is pleased to announce that Texas Women for the Arts (TWA) 2023 grant applications is currently open through December 1, 2022. TWA, a program of the Texas Cultural Trust, is a statewide membership giving circle that unites the financial forces of more than 200 Texas women and whose mission is to “awaken and nurture the artist in every Texas child.” The TWA grants fund arts education programs throughout the state, and have to date increased arts access for nearly 3.5 million Texas children. (Texas Cultural Trust, 2022)

Grants are awarded on an annual basis, in the spring, and are selected following a rigorous review process. Applications, information and guidelines are available online through the Texas Cultural Trust website. In order to be considered for the grant, applicants must have a 501(c)(3) designation, be nominated by a current TWA member, and the program for which applicants are seeking funding must reflect the mission of TWA.

The TWA recipients will be selected based on the following principles: arts access, artistic quality, capability, and impact. The 2023 TWA grant recipients may be invited to attend and accept their awards during the TWA 2023 Annual Meeting. TWA members have funded 318 grants totaling more than $3.7 million since inception in 2005. 

For more information on the Texas Cultural Trust, visit them online or call 512-478-5289. To join Texas Women for the Arts, or to learn more about the program, visit them online or email.

Texas Cultural Trust is 501(c)(3) 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.

Celebrate National Taco Day at Taco Cabana

Taco Cabana celebrates National Taco Day with unlimited $1 bean and cheese tacos and announces the return of bean and cheese Halloween Coupon Booklets. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

This October, Taco Cabana will celebrate the season with the return of its beloved limited-time Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets featuring five FREE bean and cheese tacos – available for purchase starting Saturday, October 1, 2022 – as well as special one-day-only offers for National Taco Day on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

Beginning Saturday, October 1, 2022, Taco Cabana will bring back its annual, limited-time Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets available for purchase at all Texas Taco Cabana locations for just $2. Each booklet includes five coupons for a FREE TC bean and cheese taco. This year, all proceeds from the booklet sales will be donated to Apraxia Kids, a national nonprofit partner of Taco Cabana whose mission aims to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with Apraxia of speech. The booklets will be available for purchase in-restaurant through Monday, October 31, 2022, while supplies last, and coupons must be redeemed by Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

“The Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Booklets have become a tradition at Taco Cabana and something that so many of our loyal guests ask for and look forward to each year. We’re so happy to bring them back once again for 2022. This year, we’re even more pleased to announce that our partner, Apraxia Kids, will receive 100% of all proceeds.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana’s Chief Operating Officer.

In celebration of National Taco Day on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, Taco Cabana invites guests to enjoy unlimited $1 classic bean and cheese tacos and unlimited $12 classic bean and cheese dozen taco boxes for one-day-only at all Texas Taco Cabana locations while supplies last.

“Like Cinco de Mayo, National Taco Day means so much to Brand Taco Cabana,” continued Camacho. “We wanted to celebrate not only the day, but celebrate our iconic bean and cheese taco as well. It’s the perfect taco at a fantastic price for the special day.”

For guests who are looking to indulge in Taco Cabana’s other delectable offerings, Taco Cabana’s all-new Hatch Chile Smoked Pulled Pork menu options are also available at all Texas locations and are the perfect addition to any Taco Day celebration. Guests 21 years of age or older can complement their taco order with one of TC’s 12 refreshing margarita options available for $3 each all day, every day with flavors ranging from dragon fruit and mango to coconut and classic lime and strawberry.

$1 bean and cheese tacos and $12 bean and cheese dozen taco boxes can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or ordering online. Halloween Coupon Booklets must be purchased in-store.

Taco Cabana is also pleased to announce that it is a Straight Flush sponsor of the upcoming Eva’s Heroes Celebrity Casino Night on Saturday, October 8, 2022 in San Antonio. Eva’s Heroes is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual special needs by providing an inclusive setting built on four tenets: interact, grow, learn and love. Casino Night is one of its biggest fundraisers of the year.

“Community involvement has always played an important role at Brand TC and we’ve been actively engaged as partners with San Antonio-based Eva’s Heroes for some time now,” shared Camacho. “They have always held a special place in our Taco Cabana hearts. We’re proud to be their partners.”

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, tacos, 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, delivery and catering. As of September 26, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 144 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

disABILITYsa presents AbilitySTRONG Parade and AccessAbility Fest

This year’s downtown parade and march event’s motto “My Ability is Fierce” highlights important issues for people living with disabilities. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The fourth annual abilitySTRONG Parade, San Antonio’s annual Disability Pride Celebration, will take place on October 1 from 9a.m. – 10:30a.m. in downtown San Antonio. The abilitySTRONG Parade, presented by Wave Healthcare, LLC, is San Antonio’s only disability pride parade seeking to change the way people think about and define disability. It is presented by disABILITYsa, City of San Antonio’s Disability Access Office, and Hemisfair’s Inclusion Programming. (disABILITYsa, 2022)

The parade’s theme “Super Heroes: saving the world with unique abilities” will serve as the official kick-off event to the 16th annual AccessAbility fest, an annual free celebration, held in October during Texas Disability Awareness Month.

Currently, one in every seven individuals living in San Antonio has a disability. The parade is a public expression of the belief that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can take pride.

This year’s motto is “My Ability is Fierce” and leading the parade and march with the parade banner will be the men and women of City Council followed by its 2022 Grand Marshals, Batman of San Antonio, and Tommy Flores, 2018 Fiesta Especial King.

Immediately following the parade, the 16th Annual AccessAbility fest will take place at Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden and the Magik Theatre parking lot from 9a.m. – 2p.m. and will feature numerous activities and exhibitors with information, products, programs and services that promote independence and inclusion where individuals with disabilities live, work and play. This FREE celebration also features live entertainment including Tejano artist Sunny Sauceda.

Parade Grand Marshal Batman of San Antonio; Tommy Flores, 2018 Fiesta Especial King; City Council and Civic Members.

Saturday, October 1, 2022
abilitySTRONG Parade (9a.m. – 10:30a.m.) – downtown
AccessAbility fest (10a.m. – 2p.m.) — Hemisfair and the Magik Theatre

Downtown – Parade will line up at 7:30a.m. and stage along Avenue E in front of First Presbyterian Church and the San Antonio Express-News building. The route will step off at Avenue E, heading west on E. Houston Street, South on N. Main Ave, West on E. Commerce Street, South on South Flores St, East on E. Nueva St., South on South Alamo St. and finish at the dismount location. The judges’ stand and VIP seating will be on East Nueva and South Alamo at Hemisfair. The parade is estimated to last 1.5 hours and will conclude at 10:30a.m. The parade route is 1.5 miles.

Immediately following the start of the parade, the 16th annual AccessAbility fest takes place from 9a.m. to 2p.m. This annual event is a free, family-friendly festival with a tree adoption, information booths, a costume contest, games, health screenings, food concessions, live entertainment, product and program demonstrations, and an adaptive climbing wall coming in from No Limits Tahoe. The fest is a gateway to information, resources and opportunities for individuals overcoming barriers to independence and inclusion due to physical, cognitive, sensory and mental health challenges. AccessAbility fest is inclusive of individuals of all backgrounds and diversities.

Established in 2016, disABILITYsa is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working to educate, advance and engage individuals living with disabilities by sharing information, creating opportunities, and strengthening the disability service organizations in San Antonio.

County Line Community Band summer concert

The County Line Community Band will perform in the Buena Vista Theater on the UTSA downtown campus. Photo: google

On Sunday, June 26, 2022 at 3p.m., the County Line Community Band will perform their “Concert Favorites and Solos” in the beautiful Buena Vista Theater on the UTSA Downtown Campus from 3p.m. to 4p.m. This concert will feature world renowned Saxophonist, Dr. Andy Wen and Tyler Neufer, French Horn instrumentalist with the U.S. Air Force Band of the West. The band will also highlight music considered some of the favorites in band literature like, “Funiculi, Funicula,” “Bugler’s Holiday,” “Lassus Trombone,” and more. (County Line Community Band, 2022)

This concert is free and open to the public. Parking is free at the Cattleman’s Square parking lot across the street from the theater. Come out and support community music in San Antonio. Donations deeply appreciated.

The CLCB is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and our mission and endeavor is to create an environment whereby our all-volunteer organization can further their musical education and enjoyment through the performance of concert and symphonic music, to further the efficacy of music as an integral piece of the culture of the local community, to advocate for the synergistic integration of music education, to work with our cultural partners in our communities for the advancement of the arts and to be a source of pride for our members and the communities we serve.

Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas launches fundraising campaign to open Uvalde Center

Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas launches $2.4 million fundraising campaign to open Uvalde Center providing free grief support. Photo: Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas.

The recent tragedy in Uvalde highlights the need for mental health services and support not only for the families and friends of the 21 victims but for the entire community. The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas (CBCST) is launching a $2.4 million fundraising campaign to expand its presence in Uvalde. (Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, 2022)

The $2.4 million five-year operating budget includes real estate, staff salaries, and training for CBCST at Uvalde. Because all services offered by CBCST are free, financial donations are essential. Its two-pronged plan for assistance includes: (1) a center offering free grief support programs to the children, families and community members living with grief, and (2) grief and trauma training for Uvalde schoolteachers and counselors. Fundraising for the project has already brought in donations from several San Antonio businesses and individuals. Anyone interested in donating may do so online.

“Grief is not a linear process. The Uvalde community and surviving families will go through many stages over an extended period of time – most likely years. We will be here for them for as long as it takes.” – Marian Sokol, Executive Director for CBCST.

CBCST was on the ground in Uvalde within hours of the mass shooting and counselors specifically trained in grief and trauma have remained. They are currently operating out of a temporary space and plan to open a more permanent location in the next 45 days.

Ultimately, the Center in Uvalde will be modeled after the CBCST, offering the same services. These include individual counseling, grief camps and peer support groups for children, parents and caregivers.

CBCST is well-versed in dealing with these types of traumatic events being the largest program of its kind in the country and serving South Texas for 25 years. They created a similar temporary location in Sutherland Springs following the mass shooting there in November 2017. Additionally, they helped launch the Children’s Bereavement Center Rio Grande Valley, which now operates independently and offers the same services as CBCST.

The second prong of the plan will begin immediately with grief and trauma training for schoolteachers and counselors in the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD). In fact, CBCST already has some connection to UCISD counselors through a recent virtual training that specifically addressed how to talk to grieving children.

The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas’ mission is to foster healing for grieving children and youth, their families and the community. As the sole provider of grief support programs for children through young adulthood in South Texas, CBCST wholeheartedly devotes itself to addressing the bereavement needs of children from every culture and social circumstance to help them heal and move forward. CBCST believes that each person’s journey through grief is unique and therefore deserving of a distinctive approach. Their goal is to help children and their caregivers understand the depth of their grief, stabilize and preserve family relationships, and develop healthy coping skills after the death of a loved one.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Aaron Franklin’s Hot Luck Fest returns to Austin

Chef and music line up includes Ashley Christensen, Fermin Nunez, Chris Shepherd, Joe Beddia, Chris Bianco, Superchunk, Shannon and the Clams, DJ Jazzy Jeff with DJ Mel, and more. Photo: Hot Luck Fest, used with permission.

Hot Luck Fest is officially back and returning to Austin this Memorial Day Weekend, May 26 – 29. Founded by James Beard Award–winner Aaron Franklin, Guerilla Suit principal and Mohawk owner James Moody, and Mike Thelin, cofounder of Feast Portland, Hot Luck feels more like a family get-together and a backyard cookout than just another big music and food festival. It brings together some of Aaron’s favorite chefs, cooks, and musicians from all over the country and beyond. Individual tickets and weekend passes for the four-day fest are available online. (Hot Luck Fest, 2022)

“Super stoked that we’re able to bring Hot Luck back this year. I’ve invited a whole lot of my homies to come down to Austin to cook,” said Aaron Franklin. “We’ve all been through a lot in the last year and a half, and it’s going to be fun to all get together and catch up, and help our friends at Southern Smoke, who continue to serve our industry unfailingly.”

The Hot Luck weekend means fun food events by day, featuring some of the most talented chefs in the world making food and serving good times at beloved Austin-area venues. At night, the focus shifts to music as guests can experience Austin nightlife with shows at some of Austin’s most iconic clubs, including Mohawk and Antone’s. This year, Hot Luck is excited to welcome Superchunk, Shannon and The Clams, DJ Jazzy Jeff with DJ Mel, Cam Cole, Joe Marcinek Band featuring George Porter Jr., (of The Meters) and more. 

Hot Luck and the Southern Smoke Foundation are joining forces in a forward-looking partnership focused on helping folks in our industry when they need it most. To that end, the Hot Luck team announced recently that Southern Smoke will become the charity beneficiary of the Hot Luck festival.

Whether you want to attend every event for four days straight with the Whole Enchilada Pass or come check out one food or music event, Hot Luck has got you covered. Ticket prices for music shows start at only $10. 

The 2022 events and chef lineup is as follows:  

THURSDAY, MAY 26

The Giddy Up: Mohawk

Guests can expect to taste some of the best pies (among other things) gathered together in one place (plus tasty treats from Whole Foods and Christina Tosi’s Milk Bar). If you are into high-quality pizza, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and heroic excess in general, look no further than The Giddy Up event at Mohawk in downtown Austin. Presented by YETI and Whole Foods Market and with DJ Mel on the decks to get things started. 

This event is from 6p.m. to 9p.m. and is accessible only via the Whole Enchilada Ticket Package. No individual tickets are available for this industry event. DJ Jazzy Jeff will follow immediately after the food event. Individual tickets for DJ Jazzy Jeff (with DJ Mel continuing) will be available at the door at 9p.m. Early entry for Whole Enchilada buyers is at 5:30p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 27

Hi, How Are You?: Franklin Barbecue

Welcome to Hot Luck ’22, and for a lot of you, welcome to Austin. Join us for our extravagant East Side backyard get-together featuring Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue — famous for the longest lines in the history of lunch. We will eat, drink, and hoot with the chefs and culinary nerds behind all this prandial extravagance. All are welcome. Presented by our friends at Creekstone Farms.

SATURDAY, MAY 28 

Al Fuego: Wild Onion Ranch

What happens when the masters of flame and forge gather together on a Texas ranch to sacrifice sparks unto the heavens? The answer is Al Fuego, Hot Luck’s celebration of live-action, flame-fueled cooking styles that run the gamut. A place where we ask chefs to utilize fire as inspiration and where chefs use all types of cooking contraptions, Al Fuego is an obsessively imagined and passionately executed showcase of the most inspiring food on the planet. If you ever wonder what chefs cook for their friends in their backyard, this is the shindig for you. Boots optional. Koozies required.

This event is from 7p.m.–10p.m. and is included in the Whole Enchilada Ticket Package who can get in early at 6:30. Individual tickets are also available.

TICKETS

The Whole Enchilada Ticket Package: $500 for adults, $150 for ages 12-20; $75 for 12 and under, and $1,000 for family (two adults and two kids). 

Hot Luck is offering a limited opportunity to experience the full weekend of the fourth annual Hot Luck food and music festival. Enjoy main events, music shows and more. Come hang with chefs, mingle with the industry and enjoy the most intimate festival experience available. For a behind-the-scenes look into Hot Luck, look no further. Limited to a handful of (really) lucky folks.

The Whole Enchilada Ticket Package includes:

  • The Giddy Up — Thursday night industry welcome party (only available with Whole Enchilada Pass)
  • Hi, How Are You? at Franklin Barbecue — Main event Friday evening with early entry
  • Al Fuego at Wild Onion Ranch — Main event Saturday evening with early entry
  • The Whole Enchilada Pass is the only way into the industry kickoff Giddy Up at Mohawk and offers access to every music show

As always, Whole Enchilada passes as well as industry passes can be picked up at the YETI Austin Flagship on Thursday, May 26 where Luis ‘Beto’ Robledo from Cuantos Tacos will be cooking. There will be a window early on the 27 to pick up passes there too.

Hot Luck would like to thank its partners, YETI, Whole Foods Market, Goldbelly, Karbach Brewing Co., Knob Creek, Hornitos, VANS, Creekstone Farms, Tillamook, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, KeVita, Performance Food Group, Fernet, Vital Farms, Rambler Sparkling Water, Big Green Egg, Johnnie Walker, American Lamb Board, Oatly, Desert Door, Tabasco, Montinore Estate Wine, Minamoto Foods, Genji Sake, William Chris Vineyards, Medici Roasting, Spiritless, LoLo, Alaska Seafood, Thaan Charcoal, Jacobsen’s Salt Co., Rock Sound Rum, JuiceLand & Music Water. 

Fairmont Austin continues to be Hot Luck’s preferred accommodations partner, along with Austin Motel, Hotel Magdalena, South Congress Hotel, East Austin Hotel, Hotel Van Zandt, The Carpenter Hotel, Hotel San Jose, Hotel Saint Cecilia, and Hotel Ella.

Hot Luck is a food and live music gathering in Austin, Texas, brought together by James Beard Award–winner Aaron Franklin, Guerilla Suit principal James Moody, and Mike Thelin, cofounder of Feast Portland. Hot Luck is inspired by friendly tailgates, family reunions, get-togethers, and potlucks of our past and present. It is a fun, chef-driven celebration of fire, food, music and camaraderie. An a la carte, eat-with-your-fingers picnic and party experience that highlights open-pit feats of culinary know-how and music in your ears that is as thoughtfully curated as the food on your plate. Come hungry, thirsty, and bring your dancin’ boots.

 

 

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Hot Luck Fest

Charity Night Market kicks off with tribute to the flavors of Asia

San Antonio’s top indie chefs celebrate global cuisine with launch of Sunset Series this Sunday May 22,sd 2022. Photo: San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance.

Some of San Antonio’s most talented chefs will heat up Cherrity Bar for the launch of the Sunset Series on Sunday, May 22, 4p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets for the sure-to-sell-out event are up for grabs for $45. All funds raised will support San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s (SAFWA) unique grant program for culinary innovation and community giveback. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2022)

Inspired by the night markets popular throughout Asia, the Sunset Series is a regular program of evening bazaars showcasing the inclusivity of San Antonio’s food scene. The intimate backyard setting of Cherrity Bar (302 Montana St.) will allow guests to mingle with some of Alamo City’s hottest chefs and hear the personal stories behind the fare. 

Each edition will have a new global theme highlighting emerging and independent chefs. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Sunset Series will kick off with a tribute to the diverse flavors of Asian cuisine.

More than just an occasion to share some of the region’s most exhilarating food, the new Sunset Series aligns with the Alliance’s mission of fostering awareness and innovation in Texas culinary communities. Granting the next generation of culinary talent a platform is near and dear to Ernie Bradley, chef and partner of Cherrity Bar.

“Our mission is to support our community in every way possible. Giving up-and-coming and independent chefs a chance to challenge themselves and showcase their skills is a natural extension of what Cherrity Bar already does for charity organizations, artists, and musicians. Without these people, our community does not grow.” – Ernie Bradley

Bradley’s team will throw down with John Constantino and Chris Christal of Howdy, Kuya!, James Canter of Guerilla Gourmet, Nari Hodges of Ooyoo Pan, culinary expert Hugh Daschbach, sought-after personal chef Katrina Cailao, and Heather Larican-Rejino of Your Sassy Chef. Larican-Rejino received an honorable mention at the 2021 San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s grant awards.

The chefs will spotlight Asia’s staggering contribution to global cuisine with traditional and unconventional takes on the theme.

The menu includes:

Chefs John Constantino & Chris Christal of Howdy, Kuya!
Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Filipino Fried Rice

Chef James Canter of Guerilla Gourmet
Jap Chae: Potato Starch Noodles with Mesquite-Smoked Tofu, Korean Cowboy Q Sauce, Vegetables, & Sesame

Chef Heather Larican-Rejino of Your Sassy Chef
Pancit Noodles with Chicken Adobo & Pinay Pico

Chef Hugh Daschbach
Shrimp with Okra, Crispy Spam, Miso Shrimp Stock, Jasmine Rice, Scallion, & Burnt Coconut & Macadamia Salsa Matcha

Chef Katrina Cailao
Sans Rival: Traditional Filipino Cake with Cashew Meringue & French Buttercream

Chef Nari Hodges
Assorted Japanese Macarons

“We are delighted to salute the diverse cuisines of Asia at our inaugural Sunset Series,” says Erika White, executive director of the Alliance. “The chefs have truly wowed us with their creative dishes and support of the local food community.”

Sunset Series attendees will be greeted by a welcome cocktail to keep the event spirited. Guests will also be able to sample fine spirits and beer. Additional drinks will be available for purchase.

Proceeds from the signature tasting event will help SAFWA give back to the local culinary community through a vibrant grant program for chefs, farmers, artisan producers, and nonprofits by funding projects focused on culinary innovation and community giveback. The organization debuted its grant program in 2021 by funding $17,000 in local culinary projects.

Under the Texas Food & Wine Alliance umbrella, 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.