Category: Non-profit organization news

Agarita continues to bring the arts to the community through mobile concerts

Agarita was founded by Daniel Anastasio (piano), Marisa Bushman (viola), Ignacio Gallego (cello), and Sarah Silver Manzke (violin). The new mobile concert hall is scheduled to complete its season run through all ten city districts. Photo: Agarita

Agarita, San Antonio’s innovative chamber ensemble, has announced that it will be performing six more of its unique Humble Hall mobile concerts during the remainder of the year. The outdoor, open-air concerts, featuring classical and contemporary music, are part of a series taking place in all the city’s 10 districts. (Agarita, 2021)

“At a time where classical music and the arts are needed even more to connect, we’re thrilled to continue to bring free concerts to San Antonio and throughout South Texas. Our theme is bringing the music to you without financial barriers and without the extra expense of traveling to a concert hall or venue. We’re excited to have fulfilled our goal, by the end of year, to have performed in every district in San Antonio, exposing our live music and artist expression to new audiences.” – Marisa Bushman, viola and Agarita executive director.

All ages are welcome and attendees are invited to bring a chair or blanket. The concerts, which are outdoors, are sponsored by the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts. Performances will be held at the following times and locations:

Saturday, October 30
1p.m., Castle Hills, The Commons, 207 Lemonwood Drive
4p.m., District 4, Christus Santa Rosa, 2827 Babcock Road

Sunday, November 7
11a.m., District 4, Pearsall Park, 5102 Old Pearsall Road
3p.m. District 5, Roosevelt Park, 331 Roosevelt Ave.

Saturday, December 18
11a.m., District 6, location TBD
3p.m., Districts 9 and 10, McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road

Agarita’s Humble Hall, the first of its kind in Texas, debuted in December 2020 and provides easy public access to world-class performances while reinventing the traditional concert experience. The concerts are bilingual and open to the public. They last approximately 45 minutes, with no intermission, and include members of Agarita discussing their art with audiences, thereby forging a deeper connection with them.

Other sponsors for The Humble Hall series include Blossom Storage Ltd., US Signs New Braunfels, Humble House Foods, Terra Nova Violins, Chula Boyle, Marco Chalaby, Angela Pfeiffer, Wine Guys, Alexander Vineyards, Pulmonary Consultants of San Antonio, San Antonio Symphony League, H-E-B, and the Paulena F. Mitchell Testament Trust.

An innovative chamber ensemble dedicated to producing bold, collaborative musical events, Agarita offers a new way to experience classical and contemporary music. Rooted in San Antonio and founded by Daniel Anastasio (piano), Marisa Bushman (viola), Ignacio Gallego (cello), and Sarah Silver Manzke (violin), Agarita nourishes the local community through artistic collaborations, community engagement and free, adventurous programming. With concise, eclectic performances that are “splendid – unified, spirited, [and] well prepared” (Greenberg, Incident Light), the young chamber group offers a new, open-armed experience for listeners.

Agarita was recently named San Antonio Magazine’s Best of the City 2021: Culture winner for its collaboration with area partners. It collaborates intimately with local artists of various genres to weave cross-artistic narratives for each concert. Agarita’s past collaborations have included the McNay Art Museum’s Pop América exhibit, lighting artist Chuck Drew, Cameron Beauchamp from the Grammy Award-winning vocal group Roomful of Teeth, chef Elizabeth Johnson and Pharm Table restaurant, poet Laura Van Prooyen, sculptor Danville Chadbourne, educational arts institution SAY Sí and the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival for a concert inside San Antonio’s historic Mission San José.

As a nonprofit organization, Agarita believes that the arts should be accessible to everyone in its community. Agarita presents free public concerts, performs at local schools, and offers opportunities for other artists through its collaborations.

Papa John’s kicks off promotion for David’s Legacy Foundation

Papa John’s kicks off 2021-2022 promotion during National Bullying Prevention Month. Photo: google

As part of National Bullying Prevention Month, the 21 San Antonio-area Papa John’s stores owned by Pizza Venture of San Antonio, LLC, are proud to announce the kickoff of their 2021-2022 school year commitment to the David’s Legacy Foundation. This partnership with Papa John’s comes at a time when spending time online has increased due to the pandemic, thus increasing the opportunity for cyberbullying among children and teens. (Papa John’s, 2021)

Through its Better Neighbors program, Papa John’s has contributed more than $84,000 to David’s Legacy Foundation to combat cyberbullying since 2018. Papa John’s commitment will take place during the 2021-2022 school year.

With this promotion, all Pizza Venture stores will offer a $2 donation to David’s Legacy Foundation for every sale using the promocode STANDUP for 2 large, 2 topping pizzas, and 2-liter soda for $26.

For those who donate, sales will go toward helping David’s Legacy Foundation’s initiative to provide classroom presentations about bullying and David’s Law. To order your Cyberbullying Special and help raise awareness about the foundation’s mission, click here.

“This year, David would have celebrated his 22nd birthday, and through David’s Legacy Foundation, we honor him by bringing awareness to National Bullying Prevention Month. We are very touched to have a continued partnership with Papa John’s through its Better Neighbors Program since 2018.” – Maurine Molak, David’s Legacy Foundation co-founder.

“As a family-owned business, we are honored to shine a light on David and his legacy through David’s Legacy Foundation by combatting cyberbullying,” “We are a local company that has supported our community for more than 25 years, and we are honored to continue to do that with dedicated groups through our Better Neighbors Program.” – Clark Mandigo, III, president and COO of Pizza Ventures of San Antonio, LLC.

David’s Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to ending cyber-assisted bullying by educating communities about the harmful effects of cyber abuse, providing support for bullying victims, promoting kindness, and supporting legislation that prohibits the cyberbullying of minors.

David Bartlett Molak, aged 16, passed away on Monday, Jan. 4, 2016 in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas. David had recently achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 809. Among David’s passions were hunting, fishing, and playing video games with his older brothers Cliff and Chris. He was extremely knowledgeable about professional football and could lead any fantasy association to success. David never passed up on an opportunity for an outdoor adventure or a chance to dominate his family in Monopoly. His infectious smile and sharp wit entertained his peers to the dismay of his teachers, but all in good fun.

‘Pay What You Wish’ night at Magik Theatre for Snow White

Expect the unexpected in this reimagined take on the classic fairy tale with special performances including Pay What You Wish on October 23, 2021. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Back by popular demand, Magik Theatre is thrilled to bring the not-your-usual “Once Upon a Time” classic tale of Snow White, written by Greg Banks, from October 16-October 30, as part of its fall season. This comedic mix of theatre and drama is back but with two new cast members — Elysa Aguilar and Devon Moreno of Maddi’s Fridge. (Magik Theatre, 2021)

Magik Theatre’s cast featuring Aguilar and Moreno will morph into a multitude of characters including a princess, her evil queen, a magical mirror, a huntsman, and the beloved seven dwarfs. Both lively and imaginative, this new adaptation of Snow White will leave you experiencing this classical story with an entirely fresh perspective while wondering: How did they do that? So expect the unexpected in this fabulous fairy tale with (spoiler alert) ‘you-will-not-see-it-coming’ hilarious hijinks and meaningful lessons.

“We are pleased to bring our two-person Snow White back this fall! This time, Elysa Aguilar and Devon Moreno step into the roles of Snow White and all the characters under the direction of Rosa Gardner. I can’t think of a better team to bring this hilarious, high-energy production to life!” – Anthony Runfola, artistic director of Magik Theatre.

Snow White opened October 16 and runs through October 30 at Magik Theatre, located at Hemisfair. It is recommended for ages 6 years old and up. 

PAY WHAT YOU WISH PERFORMANCE

WHEN: Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 2p.m.

The October 23 at 2p.m. “pay what you wish” performance is Magik’s way of granting an opportunity for families, who may never have been to a Magik performance or could not afford to do so due to financial hardships.

Tickets are normally $20- $25 each but with the “pay what you wish” performance families can donate any amount they would like at the door. Tickets are limited and can be purchased by visiting the Magik Theatre Box Office on site on the day of that performance on October 23. The Box Office will open at 12p.m. For questions, families can contact the Box Office for more information at (210) 227-2751.

DOUBLE FEATURE PERFORMANCE

Maddi’s Fridge and Snow White will be performed on the same day: 

Maddi’s Fridge – October 23 at 10:30a.m.

Snow White – October 23 at 2p.m.

Maddi’s Fridge – October 30 at 2p.m.

Snow White – October 30 at 5p.m.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

  • American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted Performance: Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 2p.m.

Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons that require ASL as their primary form of communication.

Click here for a full listing of dates/times. Tickets are now on sale online magiktheatre.org or calling the box office at (210) 227-2751. Discounted tickets are available for children, seniors, military, and educators. A full list of Magik Theatre’s COVID-19’s health and safety measures is available online. 

Magik Theatre is San Antonio’s professional family theatre. Founded in 1994, the theatre has presented more than 160 main stage and touring productions for over 2 million children and their families. Magik Theatre’s mission is to utilize the power of theatre to create Magikal storytelling for children that Activates imagination, Grows young minds, Inspires creativity and a love of learning that is the Key to a more literate future for our community. Magik Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

WB Liquors & Wine announces online Bourbon Vault Auction

WB Liquors & Wine’s online Bourbon Vault Auction will benefit Home For Our Troops (HFOT). Photo: google

WB Liquors & Wine has launched its exciting online Bourbon Vault Auction, which will give customers the chance to bid on 15 different bundles of rare and highly coveted bourbon bottles. The auction is only available in San Antonio, and will run from Thursday, October 14 at 10a.m. (CST) through Wednesday, October 27 at 1p.m. (CST). (WB Liquors & Wine, 2021)

The Bourbon Vault Auction will include fifteen bundles with various assortments of 2-5 bourbon bottles, including Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, W. L. Weller, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, and more.

All bundles have a starting price of $100 and additional bids can be placed at increments of $100. All bids require online registration before placing a bid. While bids will be placed online only, the location for pick-up of the bundles will be at 9801 IH-10 West San Antonio, TX 78230. Individuals can view the bourbon bundles, register an account and submit bids online. 

All proceeds from the auctions will 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 has partnered with HFOT since 2017 and this year they have chosen to support Marine Corporal Raymond D. Hennagir III of Arlington, Texas. Marine Corporal Hennagir was serving as a combat engineer 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. He underwent more than 50 surgeries within two months before learning how to walk on prosthetics.

“Last year, we were able to donate over $40,000 to various food banks across Texas with our Pappy Van Winkle auction. We’re excited to try something completely new with this year’s auction, but more importantly it will allow us to build something really meaningful for veterans like Raymond Hennagir and his family – a new home.” – John Herrmann, President of WB Liquors & Wine.

WB Liquors & Wine has helped Texans across the state celebrate their special occasions for more than 50 years. As a family-owned business, the brand specializes in convenient locations and a great variety of liquor, beer and wine – along with fast, personalized and expert-level service. As of October 2021, WB Liquors & Wine operates 59 locations across the Texas region, which includes 34 WB Liquors & Wine stores and 25 WB Liquor stores adjacent to COSTCO.

Photo: WB Liquors & Wine, used with permission.

Pearl announces collaboration with San Antonio Street Art Initiative

San Antonio Street Art Initiative Board President Shek Vega. Photo: Karissa Rangel, used with permission.

Pearl is excited to announce a new creative partnership with San Antonio Street Art Initiative (SASAI) to help elevate the pedestrian experience on the east side of the property. Pearl has a long track record of celebrating and supporting local artists and this collaboration is the latest installment of that commitment. Five artists will be tasked with transforming the underpass between Broadway and Avenue A at Pearl into a dynamic mural that references the brand’s rich history in San Antonio through the lens of some of the region’s most talented street artists. (Pearl, 2021)

“The team at Pearl is honored to partner with San Antonio Street Art Initiative for this project. They are the ideal partners to help create a transformational space between Broadway and the heart of Pearl.” – Pearl’s Chief Operating Officer Mesha Millsap.

As part of Pearl’s dedication to support a community of makers on the property, the transformed underpass and pedestrian area will feature the works from local artists including:

• Shek Vega – Project Manager and SASAI Board President
• SCOTCH
• Eva Sanchez
• Matt Tumlinson
• Nik Soupè

“San Antonio Street Art Initiative has grouped together some of its strongest homegrown artists to aid in the completion of this Pearl project. This is a great opportunity to be a part of something that means so much to San Antonio.” – SASAI Board President Shek Vega.

The works will feature inspiration drawn from the San Antonio community that frequent Pearl as well as ideas taken from Pearl’s archives. The art initiative is officially underway at Pearl and the project is set to be complete by early November.

Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer. Learn more atpearl.com.

San Antonio Street Art Initiative (SASAI) is an artist-run, independent, non-profit focused on two areas of advocacy: education/career development and mural art programming. Since November of 2018, SASAI has been leading the way for street and mural art in San Antonio, while working to create “The Largest Outdoor Gallery in Texas™.” SASAI’s acclaimed projects have beautified neighborhoods, contributed to economic development, advocated for fair-pay jobs to local talent, while being a driving force in the public art scene.

Grant funding open to San Antonio’s food and beverage trailblazers

Grant funding is open for culinary innovation and community giveback projects. Photo: google

The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance (SAFWA) recently announced that $17,000 in grants will be awarded this year to support culinary innovation and community giveback projects in South Texas. In its ninth year, the unique grant program has provided $441,500 in funding to Texas chefs, artisan producers, culinary nonprofits, and businesses with innovative projects that support the community. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)

Grant applications will be accepted beginning Friday, October 1, through Sunday, October 24, 2021 via online submission. Grant winners will be announced and awarded at a ceremony at Fairmont Austin on December 13 and honored at a local celebration in January.

With the success of the nonprofit’s start in Austin, the organization expanded statewide last year to form the Texas Food & Wine Alliance and for the first time, will award an additional $57,000 in grants total in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.

Eligible applicants for the Alliance’s one-of-a-kind grant program include farmers, artisan producers, chefs, wine/beer/spirits makers, culinary nonprofits, businesses, and professionals whose projects and initiatives show innovation and impact to the community.

To assist prospective applicants in the grant process, there will be a virtual statewide information session via Zoom at 1p.m., Tuesday, October 12. For registration and information, email Texas Food and Wine Alliance.

San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, one of South Texas’ most impactful culinary nonprofits, is dedicated to fostering education, awareness, and innovation in the South Texas food and wine community. The Alliance’s grant program is the first in the nation to provide funding to support culinary innovation that also gives back to the local community.

Despite the challenges Covid-19 brought to nonprofits, Austin Food & Wine Alliance (AFWA) announced a statewide expansion in 2020, allowing it to replicate its innovative grant funding program in Texas’ major cities with a goal to help the stricken culinary communities across the state due to the pandemic. The newly formed Texas Food & Wine Alliance serves as the umbrella organization overseeing AFWA, SAFWA, the Dallas Food & Wine Alliance, and the Houston Food & Wine Alliance.

“We’re so thrilled to be able to continue with our grant program despite the setbacks inflicted by the pandemic. It’s only through amazing partnerships such as with the great support of HEB, and the generous and supportive culture in San Antonio and South Texas that we’ve been able to raise the funds to award grants this year. These funds will continue to go back into the community through unique and innovative projects.” – Cathy Cochran-Lewis, Grant Chair and Alliance President

Since 2012, Alliance grants have funded innovative local projects such as the state’s first organic apple orchard (Argus Cidery), the first USDA-inspected salumi producer in Texas (Salt & Time Butcher Shop & Salumeria), the state’s first locally grown and malted barley to support craft beer production (Blacklands Malt), a unique volunteer program teaching farming skills to diverse populations and culinary students (New Farm Institute at Green Gate Farms), Austin’s first and only community-supported bakeshop (Miche Bread) and a Texas farm producing stress-free, free-range meat while helping wounded veterans (Snodgrass Farms).

“Being able to support and enable the dreams of so many in our community is truly a heartfelt mission for our organization. We are privileged to do this work and are inspired by the many chefs, artisan producers, bartenders, wine- and spirit-makers who have contributed to this remarkable culinary landscape for South Texas. It’s been a challenging year for our nonprofit and we’re extremely grateful to our sponsors and partners that have supported us in our mission.” – Gina Burchenal, TFWA Interim Executive Director

Each year, the TFWA board of directors determines the amount of grant funding based on the organization’s fundraising efforts from key signature events, community partnerships, and beneficiary events. The TFWA Grant Judging Committee in each city, composed of a private panel of prominent culinary professionals and community members, will award the 2021 grants based on the grant criteria, application information, and goals of each applicant. Deadline for applications is Sunday, October 24 and all applicants will be notified by Tuesday, November 23, 2021.

This year’s San Antonio grant total is boosted by three specifically funded grants:
· H-E-B Grant for $5,000, open to San Antonio area chefs, farmers, artisan producers, food-focused nonprofits, and educational groups that prioritize education, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
· Tito’s Handmade Vodka Entrepreneur Grant for $5,000 awarded to an entrepreneur who has pursued his/her business dream despite setbacks, showing that success often comes from failures, as exemplified by founder Tito Beveridge in the pursuit of his Texas-made vodka
· The Truffle Masters Grant for Community Heroes for $2,000 awarded to a chef who has overcome diversity and challenges to bring support to others during a time of crisis to help their community

Additional grant funding of $5,000 will be awarded to more generalized grant projects with special consideration given to initiatives supporting diversity and inclusion within the San Antonio community.

The Alliance continues to win tremendous community support from presenting sponsor H-E-B and key supporters ABC Bank, American Lamb Board, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Austin Monthly, Buffalo Trace, Canopy by Hilton, Con ‘Olio Oils & Vinegars, Fairmont Austin, Fever Tree, Giant Noise, Lifeworks, Pabst Brewing, Patrón Tequila, Premiere Events, Republic National Distributing Company, Siete Family Foods, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Sysco, Texas Beef Council, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Twang, Unifresh, and William Grant & Sons.

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 is committed to promoting Texas food, wine, spirits, and craft brews and to increase appreciation of Texas’ culinary impact.

Taste of the Dominion 2021 to benefit San Antonio Food Bank

Taste of the Dominion 2021 will take place October 7, 2021. Photo: google

After a one year hiatus, Taste of the Dominion, San Antonio’s favorite restaurant tasting, returns on Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. Sponsored and held annually at the exclusive Dominion Country Club, the event features more than 20 restaurants, alcohol tastings, and a silent auction – all benefitting the San Antonio Food Bank. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)

The event is a largely-outdoor event and is one of the few times non-members can visit the Club. Tickets for the event are going fast and available for $50 each.

Silent auction highlights include:
· 5 days in a luxury 3-bedroom condominium in Beaver Creek, CO starting at $2,400
· Private wine class for 20 at Total Wines starting at $500
· Whataburger mixed basket with custom sneakers starting at $750
· Private dinner for 10 at Carrabba’s starting at $500
· A Night on the Town in Gruene (4) Gift Certificate Bundle: (Appetizers for 4 at Cantina Del Rio,
Appetizers for 4 at Mozie’s, Dinner for 4 at the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, Admission for 4 to Gruene Hall, a $25 Gift Certificate from The Grapevine, and a $60 Gift Certificate from Cotton Eyed Joe’s.) starting at $295

Parking for guests is conveniently located next to the Dominion Country Club at Raymond Russell Park (free shuttle). Tickets will sell out so get yours soon.

Dominion Country Club
1 Dominion Drive
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 698-3364

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

Pinks on the Patio at La Cantera Resort & Spa

Pinks on the Patio benefits Wings and moves to Friday nights in October. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Pinks on the Patio at La Cantera Resort & Spa is moving to Friday this year with themed events to Play up your Pink from 6p.m. to 9p.m. at Sire Bar on Plaza Saba. Pink is the symbolic color of breast cancer awareness as it symbolizes good health and playfulness. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2021)

Every Friday Evening, October 1-29, during the month of October, the La Cantera Family will be raising its glasses – and donations – to the efforts and actions of WINGS. Since its inception in 2017, Pinks on the Patio at La Cantera Resort has donated more than $21,000 to WINGS from the overall resort wide donation initiatives.

Pinks on the Patio themed Fridays will feature either live music or DJ Celina from 6p.m. to 9p.m. and cocktail and wine specials along with tasty snacks. Two dollars from each drink special will go back to WINGS. Resort beverage partners include Belvedere, Whispering Angel Rose, Rock Angel Rose, Moët Chandon, and Western Son Vodka.

Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness, Signature Restaurant and SweetFire Kitchen will all have Pink menu options to benefit the charity. Landscaping on Plaza San Saba just off the resort’s main lobby will have a rosy hue at dusk, as Pink LED lights bring focus to the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Every Friday during the Month of October from 6p.m. to 9p.m.

October 1 All Things Pink, Anything Goes
October 8 Pink Lipstick – matted, frosted or glossy
October 15 Pink Hats ─ fascinators, chapeaus, any head embellishment with a Pink hue
October 22 Fifty Shades of Pink! ─ scarves and feather boas
October 29 Pink Masquerade ─ feathered, rhinestone or lace

Free ticketed event up to four (4) tickets per transaction at SquadUp, search Pinks on the Patio. Landscaping will cast a pink glow nightly through October.

La Cantera Resort & Spa – Plaza San Saba patio at Sire Bar
16641 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500

WINGS mission is to bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, providing comprehensive breast health services to women in Central and South Texas who are uninsured – because everyone deserves a lifetime.

Key Strengths
• WINGS is the only program of its kind in the country providing this kind of support for women with breast cancer.
• Provided support to over 900 South Texas women with breast cancer.
• Provided over $12 Million in healthcare services to women with breast cancer.
• Over 95 percent of the women treated through WINGS are still living, because of the program.
• Since its inception in 1999, WINGS has seen five-year survival rates for the women it serves increase from zero (untreated breast cancer) to 100 percent for Stage I disease.
• Received the Guidestar Gold Seal demonstrating a commitment to transparency.
• Maintains an efficiency rating of 94 percent, which is above that of the average nonprofit organization.

Landscaping at La Cantera Resort & Spa will cast a pink glow nightly through October. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

San Antonio Food Bank needs volunteers for Hurricane Ida food relief effort

Volunteers needed this weekend at the San Antonio Food Bank. Photo: google

The San Antonio Food Bank received an urgent request on Thursday to send six truckloads of food to counties in Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Ida. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are needed on Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday to help prepare the relief effort. Volunteer work will take place at the Food Bank’s main facility just west of downtown. COVID safety protocols are in place (masking, social distancing). Those interested in volunteering can visit San Antonio Food Bank to sign up or get more information. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)

Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank commented on the urgent need for volunteers: “Our community is in its finest hour when it serves. I have no doubt that our love and compassion will shine in this call to action over Labor Day Weekend. Let’s make it a labor of love for our neighbors in Louisiana.”

The San Antonio Food Bank’s mission is to fight hunger in Southwest Texas through food distribution, programs, education, and advocacy.

Whataburger and UTSA reopen Resource Room to support student success

UTSA Whataburger Resource Room at UTSA Main Campus Ribbon Cutting. Left to Right: LaTonya (LT) Robinson, Senior Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA); Whataguy; Dash Blaker, Director of Community Experience and Public Relations, Whataburger; Herb Ganey, Executive Director of the Student Union at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA); Rowdy the Roadrunner; Melba Harris, Manager, Media & Community Experience, Whataburger; and Eric Cooper, President & CEO, San Antonio Food Bank. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Last week, Whataburger and The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) celebrated the reopening of the enhanced UTSA Whataburger Resource Room at UTSA’s Main Campus. (Whataburger, 2021)

As part of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program, this rebranded, student-operated resource room provides nutritious food, toiletries, and other basic needs to help UTSA students succeed on their college journey. This is all made possible by Whataburger’s three-year commitment to support this resource room. With the help from the San Antonio Food Bank, nutritious food, free of charge, is now available again year-round. The UTSA Whataburger Resource Room is open to all UTSA students. A similar Whataburger resource room also operates at the UTSA Downtown Campus.

Since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Whataburger has focuses on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 850 locations across its 14-state footprint, and sales of more than $2.8 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than 60 million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.

UTSA Whataburger Resource Room at UTSA’s main campus. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.