Acclaimed Chef Steve McHugh welcomes special guest Chef Todd Pulsinelli to support South Texas’ culinary community. Photo: google
Texas food lovers will have the opportunity to be entertained by some of the nation’s most acclaimed chefs as the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance (SAFWA) launches its celebrated Wine & Dine dinner series. James Beard Award nominee Steve McHugh will host special guest Chef Todd Pulsinelli for an Oktoberfest feast paying homage to San Antonio’s German heritage. Money raised will benefit the Alliance’s Culinary Grant Program in South Texas. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)
“We are extremely excited and honored by the support of such an incredible Texas chef. With a lauded Louisiana chef added to the lineup, we are sure to have a memorable Wine & Dine dinner.” – Gina Burchenal, interim executive director of the Texas Food & Wine Alliance.
In the unique dinner format, attendees get an up-close-and-personal opportunity to understand each chef’s inspiration and culinary philosophy through specially designed menus expertly paired with top-tier wines and spirits. Previous Wine & Dine dinners held in Austin have featured culinary legends Jacques Pépin, Lidia Bastianich, Emeril Lagasse, and nationally acclaimed chefs Hugh Acheson, Aaron Franklin, Matthew Jennings, Alon Shaya, and more.
The exclusive dinner will take place on Sunday, September 19 at Cured, McHugh’s acclaimed restaurant located at the historic Pearl. Five-time James Beard-nominated Chef McHugh will collaborate with Chef Pulsinelli on five delectable courses.
Recognized by his peers as one of the Best Chefs America, Pulsinelli is a fixture of New Orleans’ hospitality community, with stints at Warbucks, The American Sector at the National World War II Museum, and August. His fresh take on classic Creole cooking is currently wowing guests at buzzy boutique hotel The Chloe.
Tickets are available now at San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s (SAFWA) for $225 and include wine and beer pairings by acclaimed sommelier and TFWA board member Paula Rester-Salinas. The experience will kick off with a cocktail hour at 5:30p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30p.m.
Guests can also support the Alliance from September 18-October 3, two weeks of activations celebrating German culture at the historic Pearl. Lick Honest Ice Creams, Park Bar, and Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery will offer special treats or flights with a portion of the proceeds benefiting SAFWA.
All funds raised will benefit the host city’s culinary communities through SAFWA’s programming, including the Culinary Arts Career Conference for high school students and a unique grant program supporting culinary innovation and community giveback. As a continuation of its dynamic decade of success in supporting and cultivating Austin’s culinary businesses and nonprofits, the Austin Food & Wine Alliance (AFWA) expanded statewide in September 2020 to replicate its mission in Texas’ major cities, a move that will support pandemic recovery over the next several years. The newly formed Texas Food & Wine Alliance is the umbrella organization overseeing the AFWA, SAFWA, the Dallas Food & Wine Alliance, and the Houston Food & Wine Alliance.
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.
The 55th annual event is the primary fundraiser for the local nonprofit. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Boysville’s 55th Annual Wildly Magical Auction in the West, presented by WellMed and the WellMed Foundation, is set for 6:30p.m. Friday, September 17, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Stars at Night Ballroom. The event will be live again this year after moving online in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Boysville, 2021)
With sold out runs on Broadway, world tours, Emmy-winning TV specials, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and hundreds of outrageous guest appearances on everything from Fallon to Friends, The Simpsons to Colbert, Modern Family to Big Bang Theory; the magic of famed Las Vegas entertainers, Penn & Teller, highlights the evening emceed by local personality Chuck Cureau. Alamo city jazz musician Michael Alanis will entertain guests prior to the spellbinding magic performance of Penn & Teller.
Penn & Teller. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
“This is our largest fundraising event. Every bit of money raised at this event goes right back to Boysville for the recreation, education and therapeutic needs of our kids. If you can’t attend, there are still many ways the public can support this event through either auction bidding, raffle or direct donations.” – Beth Green, Boysville’s chief development officer
In keeping with city mandated safety precautions, the event will be limited to fifty tables, or five hundred guests. The public is invited to bid on auction items online beginning September 6, 2021.
Now in its 55th year, the auction had humble beginnings. According to Green, it started in the barn on Boysville’s campus with livestock and chickens. About 20 years ago, the event moved off campus and has continued growing since, with sixty-five volunteers working to make the event happen.
Each year Boysville cares for over three hundred boys and girls on its campus. Boysville provides transitional housing and support to young adults who are exiting the foster care system. Former Boysville resident, Shaun Billings, CEO of IAQ Experts – a cleaning service specializing in indoor air quality solutions – will share his story as part of the evening program.
Other highlights of the evening include the Chicken Coop Raffle. There will only be two hundred tickets available at $100 each. Winners can choose from up to ten items valued at $250 or more. Green encourages the public to donate for that raffle as well as the silent auction. Sponsorships from a “Date Night Table for Two” for $500, $3,000 to $10,000 are still available, as well as donations to the Funds for the Future Campaign which goes toward underwriting the educational needs of Boysville residents – even through college.
To become a sponsor or donate to Boysville, contact Beth Green or call 210-659-1901.
Boysville has been providing a safe, family environment for children in need since 1943. Today, Boysville provides a continuum of trauma-informed services and care for children and caregivers affected by abuse, neglect, and family crisis. Through holistic wrap-around services, each child receives the opportunity to heal from past trauma while focusing on their future.
The organizations are calling for community volunteers to help restore the “Leyendas Aztecas” mural in San Antonio’s Westside. Photo: google
Local arts nonprofit SAY Sí is teaming up with San Anto Cultural Arts and community volunteers to restore the “Leyendas Aztecas” mural on San Antonio’s Westside. Located directly across from SAY Sí’s new campus at 1310 S. Brazos, San Anto Cultural Arts artists, a staple arts organization of the Westside that has historically created San Antonio’s murals that vibrantly tell the story of the community, created the mural. (SAY Sí, 2021)
A team of lead muralists and assistants from San Anto Cultural Arts will direct the volunteers and no previous painting experience is required. SAY Sí students, parents, family members, alumni, and San Antonio residents at large are welcome to join forces to help repair this Westside relic.
Participants are welcome to volunteer for multiple time slots and should dress in comfortable clothes that can get paint on them. Volunteers will receive water, sunscreen, and bug spray. To sign up to volunteer or for more information, complete the Google Form.
Volunteer dates include:
Saturday August 14 from 11a.m. to 2p.m.
Tuesday August 17 – Thursday August 19 from 5p.m. to 7p.m
Saturday August 21 from 11a.m. to 2p.m.
Tuesday August 24 – Thursday August 26 from 5p.m. to 7p.m.
Saturday August 28 from 11a.m. to 2p.m.
Founded in 1994, SAY Sí is a national award-winning, art-based nonprofit youth development program located in San Antonio, Texas. The goal of the organization is to provide San Antonio area students in grades 6-12 with the opportunity to develop artistic and social skills in preparation for higher educational advancement and career building. SAY Sí programs serve over two hundred students from all of San Antonio’s school districts – in addition to serving 4,000 youth in community programs. SAY Sí’s unique approach to education has placed the organization on the national stage, with recognition as one of the top out-of-school-time organizations in the country by The Wallace Foundation, as well as serving as one of seven international youth arts organizations chosen to receive an inaugural Creative Catalyst Award by Adobe Project 1324 in 2016.
Leyendas Aztecas on San Antonio’s Westside. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Events include a new Human Rights Campaign installation, a celebration of all things LGBTQ+, and more. Photo: Hopscotch, used with permission.
Hopscotch, the immersive art gallery in downtown San Antonio, is excited to announce a variety of programming, specials and more for the month of August including a new LGBTQ+ celebration, new installation from the Human Rights Campaign, yoga, nonprofit partnerships and more. The gallery will also begin opening its doors to the public on Thursdays at 2p.m. starting August 5. These are some of the events coming up in August and beyond. (Hopscotch, 2021)
Human Rights Campaign Installation Hopscotch will officially debut its newest installation on Thursday, August 5. The gallery has partnered with the Human Rights Campaign to bring GAZE to San Antonio. GAZE transports guests into a world that encourages them to see beyond their own experience and into a future that is full of light, love, and acceptance for all. Rainbow colors shine on through designs etched into acrylic panels illuminated by a programmatic array of LED lights. The subtly shifting colors make for an ever-changing and layered experience that mirrors the ever-changing exterior world.
Equality is on the move. This installation will change over time, progress is the ultimate interactive experience. Guests can become a member of the Human Rights Campaign in the Hopscotch Gift Shop. Their participation moves equality forward and helps the change occur.
The Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation together serve as America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBTQ+ equality. They have spent 40 years creating the most powerful movement for equality that the world has ever seen. By inspiring and engaging individuals and communities, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
ThursGayz at Hopscotch – 7p.m. to 11p.m. Ongoing – First Thursday of each month. In addition to opening to the public on Thursdays, Hopscotch is implementing Thursgayz on the first Thursday of every month starting August 5. Thursgayz is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and allies that will feature DJs, dancing, drag queens, drink specials, diversity, disco, and more. For the special price of $20, guests will get exclusive access to the entire gallery and all festivities. Specialty cocktails, including the Rain on Me Rita, Pride Paloma, and Seltzers will be available for purchase at happy hour pricing at the bar. There is no cover charge for the lounge or patio. All guests over the age of 18 are welcome. The $20 tickets for Thursgayz are available online.
For the inaugural Thursgayz event on August 5th guests can expect: • Music by DJ LilLatinPup • Entertainment from drag queen Maria Maria Whitney • Food from Backwoods BBQ available for purchase • Complimentary cookies from Tiff’s Treats (while supplies last) • Photo opportunities that celebrate all things pride • Be some of the first to experience the new GAZE art installation in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign.
Sunday Storytelling – The Warrior Women Project: A Sisterhood of Immigrant Women August 7 from 3p.m. to 5p.m. Hopscotch will be hosting a book signing event with Dr. Lulu, AKA the Momatrician, on Sunday, August 7. Dr. Lulu is a board-certified pediatrician and mom of three. She is proudly Nigerian and a youth suicide prevention activist. As the CEO of Teenalive.com and Dr. Lulu’s Youth Health Center, she is dedicated to youth suicide prevention. She is a TEDx, United Nations and Global Pan African Speaker, a 3-time bestselling author and a freelance writer. Dr. Lulu tells the story of twenty-two immigrant women from thirteen different countries and their plight with joy, pain, success, failure and love in “The Warrior Women Project.” This book takes readers on a journey in an attempt to educate, entertain and emphasize the embodiment of strength within immigrant women. Guests are encouraged to stop by, grab a copy of the book and get it signed by Dr. Lulu.
Hopscotch plans to do more regular storytelling events and artist talks to continue to highlight and uplift the amazing voices in our community.
Cocktails for a Cause – Martinez Street Women’s Center Hopscotch is continuing its Cocktails for a Cause campaign. Each month, a different nonprofit is highlighted through various activities such as providing discounted or free tickets for members, sending staff to volunteer for the organization, sharing information about the non-profit on social media, and collecting physical and monetary donations on behalf of the organization. Through the “Cocktail for a Cause” series, a portion of the proceeds from the sales of the Cocktail of the Month goes directly to the non-profit. This August proceeds from the “Solidarity Spritzer” help support the Martinez Street Women’s Center. The cocktail can be purchased in Hopscotch’s lounge for $12.
Solidarity Spritzer – Waterloo No. 9 Gin, House-made Blackberry Sage Syrup and Fresh Lemon Juice topped with Prosecco.
Tiff’s Treats + Hopscotch Collaboration Tiff’s Treats is partnering with Hopscotch for a variety of upcoming events. Starting in August on Sunday mornings, Hopscotch ticket holders can enjoy complimentary warm cookies from 10a.m. to noon while supplies last. Hopscotch will also be hosting an Instagram giveaway in honor of National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day on Wednesday, August 4 for two tickets to the gallery and a $100 Tiff’s Treats gift card on Hopscotch’s Instagram page.
Cookies for Community – Martinez Street Women’s Center During August, Hopscotch visitors will receive a code to use when they purchase Tiff’s Treats. 20% of the sales from those cookies will be donated to Hopscotch’s non-profit of the month – Martinez Street Women’s Center.
Third Eye Awakening – Saturday, August 28 at 8:30a.m. Guests are invited to make their way down the Hopscotch rabbit hole and unroll their mat in a consciously curated yoga and art experience designed to awaken the mind and body while inspiring the soul with the immersive masterpieces at the gallery. Inspired by the mural Conscious by local artist Los Otros, the yoga class led by Mobile Om will interweave breath, mindful movement and meditation into a holistic experience aimed to unlock guests’ connections to their third eye consciousness, the home of their intuition and imagination. After a blissful savasana, guests can awaken their taste buds with a refreshing Rabbit Hole Rita to sip while they enjoy exclusive access to browse the Hopscotch gallery. The yoga sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and space is limited. Guests are required to bring their own mats.
Tickets for Third Eye Awakening are $45 and are available online.
Food Trucks ChipKabob and Backwoods BBQ will make their respective returns to Hopscotch in August. See below for dates that they will be serving at Hopscotch.
Stephen Garza-Guzman and Nicole Amri announce first in-person events at Westside location and registration for 2021-2022 school year. Photo: google
Following the recent announcement of SAY Sí’s executive evolution, SAY Sí’s new Co-Executive Directors Stephen Garza-Guzman and Nicole Amri are excited to welcome the community into its new location as they prepare for the return of in-person events and student applications for the 2021-2022 school year. After delays to its official opening due to the pandemic, SAY Sí is excited to open its doors to the Westside for the first time as construction on the first phase of the new location ends. In order to remain accessible, SAY Sí will continue to offer virtual programming to serve as many students as possible throughout the upcoming school year. (SAY Sí, 2021)
“How often does a new leader have such blessings? Our mission is tried and true, and we’ve had the honor of growing up with and around our powerhouse of a staff. All this to serve students, parents and alumni who are truly the energy and power behind our organization. We’re ready.” – Nicole Amri, Co-Executive Director of SAY Sí.
Co-Executive Directors Stephen Garza-Guzman, a nine-year employee of SAY Sí, and Nicole Amri, a SAY Sí alumna and employee, plan to take what they have learned from the organization to build upon existing programs and serve more youth as they transition into their new roles and open the doors of the 1310 S Brazos location this August. As the organization continues to establish its new home in 78207, the leadership team looks forward to making more meaningful connections on San Antonio’s Westside.
“We are eager to recruit new students again, pilot new creative mediums and deepen our service to new populations,” – Stephen Garza-Guzman, Co-Executive Director of SAY Sí.
After graduating the class of 2021 and taking a short break this summer, SAY Sí will welcome the return of its students back into its studios starting this August, as well as four major in-person events for the public, including:
August: Back-to-School Art Supply Drive As part of many efforts to put school and art supplies in the hands of San Antonio youth, SAY Sí will give away free art supply kits to elementary- and middle school-aged students on Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 10 a.m. to Noon at SAY Sí (1310 S. Brazos St. San Antonio, TX 78207).
September: The San Antonio Show Centered around local artists, both established and emerging, this celebration of San Antonio’s LatinX roots will dig into the past, present and future, and showcase all the things SAY Sí loves about San Antonio. The exhibition will be free and open to the public. Official dates will be shared at a later time.
November: Muertitos Fest SAY Sí will celebrate both Native American Heritage Month and Día de los Muertos in a slow reopening of in-person events/activities. More details to be announced in the coming weeks.
December: We Are Now: Youth Voices During Challenging Times In collaboration with UP Partnership, SAY Sí is taking submissions for this city-wide high school art show. For more information or to apply, contact SAY Sí.
Applications for the 2021-2022 school year will open on August 1, 2021. Updates and more information on the application process can be found online.
Founded in 1994, SAY Sí is a national award-winning, art-based nonprofit youth development program located in San Antonio, Texas. The goal of the organization is to provide San Antonio area students in grades 6-12 with the opportunity to develop artistic and social skills in preparation for higher educational advancement and career building. SAY Sí programs serve over 200 students from all of San Antonio’s school districts – in addition to serving 4,000 youth in community programs. SAY Sí’s unique approach to education has placed the organization on the national stage, with recognition as one of the top out-of-school-time organizations in the country by The Wallace Foundation, as well as serving as one of seven international youth arts organizations chosen to receive an inaugural Creative Catalyst Award by Adobe Project 1324 in 2016.
“We are thrilled to come together with these extraordinary performing arts nonprofits to empower the arts in our community,” said Dr. Emily Sano, Co-Interim Director, Coates-Cowden-Brown Senior Advisor for Asian Art. “We have much to celebrate after this past year. We hope people will join us in supporting the arts in San Antonio.”
Throughout the evening, gala attendees can enjoy performances by participating organizations in the Tobin’s H-E-B Performance Hall, as well as a live auction, catered dinner, and a live performance by renowned 10-piece band, Professor D., at the conclusion of the evening in the Carlos Alvarez Theater overlooking the Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza. Tickets are on sale now including individual and VIP options, as well as sponsorship options. Purchase tiers are available below:
Individual Ticket – $300
Includes audience seating in the H-E-B Performance Hall for the arts showcase
Cocktails and a buffet in the Red and Charline McCombs Lobby
VIP Tickets for Two – $1,000
Includes cabaret seating, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails during the artists showcase
Cocktails, buffet, and a reserved cocktail table in the Red and Charline McCombs Lobby
Tiered Sponsorship Packages
Sponsorship levels are available ranging from $2,500 to $10,000
More information on each sponsorship tier is available online.
The “Celebration” gala is chaired by Kristin and Dick Tips. Funds raised during the gala will support the missions of the San Antonio Museum of Art, Ballet San Antonio, The Public Theater of San Antonio, San Antonio Chamber Choir and YOSA.
The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history. Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. The Museum hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.
WellMed Charitable Foundation is teaming up with Blessed Angels Community Center. Photo: google
WellMed Charitable Foundation is teaming up with Blessed Angels Community Center to offer the one-dose Johnson & Johnson/Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 shot. Everyone who gets the vaccination will receive a free Fiesta Texas ticket provided by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, and will have a chance to win one of 100 Visa gift cards worth $50, courtesy of Kym Rapier Verette. People who pre-register will receive a box lunch from Jason’s Deli, provided by the community center. Visit SignUp to register. Walk-ins will also be accepted. (WellMed, 2021)
Wednesday, July 7, 2021 8a.m. to 12p.m.
Blessed Angels Community Center 14078 Nacogdoches Road San Antonio, TX 78247
There will be a drawing to win $50 Visa gift cards every 15 minutes until all 100 are given away. Insurance is not required. Vaccines are free to anyone 18 and older who has not previously received a COVID-19 vaccine. Proof of Texas residency required.
This Fourth of July, Project Pollo is offering 1,000 free Smart Dogs, tasty menu samples, a chance to shop local vendors, and a hot dog eating contest to support local nonprofits. Photo: Project Pollo, used with permission.
This is a July Fourth celebration that is going to the dogs—hot dogs, that is. On Sunday, July 4, from noon to 4p.m., San Antonio’s only vegan chicken fast food restaurant chain invites the public to its 303 San Pedro location, where 1,000 Vegan Lightlife Smart Dogs will be given away. The free dogs are part of a day filled with food, philanthropy, and doggone fun designed for both the plant-based and plant-curious diners alike. (Project Pollo, 2021)
Project Pollo has been disrupting the fast-food industry with its vegan chicken concept since opening its doors in the fall of 2020 and it shows no signs of slowing down. With five new restaurants throughout San Antonio, nine more scheduled to open across Texas by the end of the year, and a long range plan of 100 locations in the U.S. by the year 2024, the locally based restaurant is committed to making plant-based options affordable, accessible, and most of all, delicious.
FOOD Smart Dogs are not the only thing on the holiday menu. Guests will be able to try FREE samples of some of Project Pollo’s newest items, including the decadent double chocolate cookie or creamy strawberry shortcake milkshakes made with Oatly Milk. In addition, the full menu, complete with the signature Original Project Chickn sandwich, the loaded Papas smothered in Credo Cashew Queso, and the vegan Mac n Cheese will be available for purchase. It is the perfect time to exercise your freedom to explore just how good plant-based eating can be.
PHILANTHROPY What is a Fourth of July party without an eating contest? Project Pollo is inviting representatives from local nonprofits to participate in a “dog-off.” For every Smart Dog consumed, $25 will be donated to the organization. The grand prize winner will walk away with a $500 donation. A supply drive will be held for supporters to drop off donations and show their support for the participating organizations. It is all part of Project Pollo’s “people over profits” philosophy that extends to the community year-round. Through the “People Project,” charitable initiative, Project Pollo donates two additional sandwiches for the sale of every $5.50 People Project Crispy Strip sandwich. This effort allows the company to give away a minimum of 1,000 sandwiches on a designated day each quarter to those in need. In addition, for those who cannot afford the $5.50 cost, a “pay what you can” option is available, making it easier for everyone to enjoy sustainable foods.
FUN Ate too many Smart Dogs? Walk it off as you browse local vendors who will be showcasing their wares during the Fourth of July event. Artists, plant sellers, and other merchants will be on hand with unique items to purchase. Shop, snack, and support local.
Established in 2020 by vegan entrepreneur Lucas Bradbury, Project Pollo gives a cluck about the planet and the people who inhabit it. The first of its kind plant-based fast-food chicken concept, Project Pollo is built on bold flavors and bolder principles, including fair wages, sustainability, and people over profit. The scratch-made menu offers delicious vegan chicken sandwiches, wraps, and strips, as well as plenty of mouthwatering sides, including crispy Papas, smothered in cashew queso, and Mac N Cheese. Project Pollo is committed to changing the face of the fast-food industry by offering affordable, delicious, convenient access to quality, plant-based options that everyone from the veteran vegan to the curious carnivore will enjoy. With locations across Texas (some drive-thru), Project Pollo hopes to spread its wings to 100 stores by 2024.
Surf Dog Ricochet helps triple amputee combat veteran catch waves by gifting him a custom made adaptive surfboard. Photo: Surf Dog Ricochet, used with permission.
Surf Dog Ricochet is proud to announce her sponsorship of a custom adaptive surfboard she gifted to Army Veteran Jose Martinez, which was shaped by the non-profit, One More Wave. Ricochet has been sponsoring Jose for several years now thanks to her supporters. She is honored to include a surfboard to the sponsorship. (Surf Dog Ricochet, 2021)
Jose Martinez, a purple heart recipient, became a triple amputee after stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan. Jose has been competing in adaptive surfing competitions since 2017. He is a member of Team USA’s Adaptive surfing team, and later this year he will be entering the US Open of Adaptive Surfing in Oceanside, CA and the 2021 Ampsurf ISA World Para Surfing Championship in Pismo Beach, CA.
“The custom board that One More Wave shaped has made a big difference,” says Jose. “I’m able to paddle better and make better turns. I can’t wait to use it in competition. I can’t thank Ricochet enough for her continued support. In return we have changed people’s minds and hearts, showing them anything is possible.”
In 2014, Jose was introduced to surfing as part of his rehabilitation with the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. He did not surf prior to his accident, but now he says he cannot imagine life without it. He has become a dynamic competitor and respected athlete with impressive results in both local and national adaptive surfing competitions. He has won gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Jose and Ricochet have also joined forces to battle the suicide epidemic among veterans through Jose’s inspirational speaking and Ricochet’s emotional healing abilities. They also catch waves together to raise awareness of the healing power of the ocean and the healing power of a dog.
Jose has his sights on going to the Paralympics in 2028. But sadly, it will not happen in Ricochet’s lifetime because she is 13 years old now. “I take great comfort in knowing Ricochet’s legacy will live on through the sponsorship of Jose. It’s a privilege to be so closely associated with one of adaptive surfing’s most recognizable individuals”, said Judy Fridono, Ricochet’s guardian.
“Surf Dog Ricochet and Judy have been spreading stoke and joy to the adaptive surfing community for years,” said One More Wave founder, Alex West. “Everywhere they go, they bring knowledge, advocacy, and intention to a population of athletes too often left aside. Getting to partner with a community leader like Surf Dog Ricochet and provide a custom adaptive board to a living legend like Jose Martinez is an honor and joy for us as an organization.”
Ricochet is a certified goal-directed therapy dog that has been helping wounded warriors and veterans with PTSD since 2009. She is also an honorary member of Team USA due to her broad support of the adaptive surfing community. She became the first-ever canine-assisted surf therapy and adaptive surfing dog in 2009 when she jumped on the board of a 14-year-old boy with a spinal cord injury.
One More Wave is a 501c3 tax-exempt non-profit that provides wounded and disabled veterans with customized adaptive surfing equipment and fosters growth in the surf therapy community. Since its establishment in 2015, One More Wave has awarded over 500 grants that empower vets to find healing in surf zones across the country. There are many surf therapy organizations out there, but One More Wave is the only one that builds boards soup-to-nuts through a 27-step process to provide veterans with the adaptive tools they need to mend themselves.
Surf Dog Ricochet with Army Veteran Jose Martinez. Photo: Surf Dog Ricochet, used with permission.
SAY Sí will offer an online film series with a Q&A and a writing workshop. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
SAY Sí is thrilled to announce their LGBTQ+ Pride Month Event Series, “Youth Voice, Youth Pride,” that will take place this June. The local nonprofit is committed to supporting and amplifying the voices of young artists and also recognizes the importance of highlighting the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. “Youth Voice, Youth Pride ” will feature an online film series and discussion, as well as a writing workshop. Both will be held virtually later this month. (SAY Sí,2021)
The online film series will be held on Tuesday, June 22 via Zoom, with a live discussion to follow that will be streamed live on SAY Sí’s Facebook and YouTube channels. The film series will feature three LGBTQ+ youth films created by SAY Sí alumni Carlo Rodriguez, Alejandro Peña and Yoomi Park. Links to the films will be provided to participants to watch before the livestreamed Q&A with the filmmakers at 6p.m. that evening. Students will have the opportunity to ask SAY Sí alumni questions about their roles in the film industry, the inspiration behind their films and their experiences with the LGBTQ+ community. Summaries of each film can be found below. To register for the event, visit SAY Sí online.
Featured films include:
PEDAZOS – Alejandro Peña
After a garish and violent ceremony, two lovers are thrown into a mysterious cave inhabited by flying creatures. A reflection on the beautifully loud dress of the ancients, a meltdown of repressed romance and a hyper vision of a fantastical world. PEDAZOS is a series of technical video-art experiments strung together by a narrative about restrained, intimate feelings between two friends.
Skye – Yoomi Park
Skye is a semi-autobiographical short film about a young teenage girl who starts to question her sexual orientation after yet another break up with a boy. The film follows Skye as she talks things out with her friends, has discussions with her church youth group, and even as she comes out to her mom through an email. The biggest hurdle for Skye is if and how she will ever tell her best friend that she is gay, and whether or not she is ready for her reaction, good or bad.
Ty – Carlo Rodriguez
Ty was being homeschooled by Claudia when he was diagnosed with Asperger’s. Although hesitant, she was persuaded to let him experience his last year of high school. On Ty’s first day, he experiences ableist comments from both staff and classmates. However, Austin, a classmate, befriends him. As weeks pass, Ty and Austin become good friends, to the point where Austin invites Ty over, and kisses him. Unable to process this, Ty stays home for a couple of weeks to sort out his emotions. After a needed conversation with Claudia, he returns to school.
On Tuesday, June 29 from 6p.m. to 8p.m., SAY Sí will present a virtual writing workshop, “Documenting Joy,” with acclaimed poet and public speaker Yosimar Reyes. Open to high school and college students 14-22 years of age, the two-hour virtual workshop will give participants an opportunity to take inventory of the rich cultures they come from and build narratives of strength. The goal is to honor the powerful legacies everyone comes from and envision futures in which each individual and collective thrives. Registration is required to participate and can be done online.
Yosimar Reyes is a nationally-acclaimed poet and public speaker. Born in Guerrero, Mexico and raised in Eastside San Jose, Reyes explores the themes of migration and sexuality in his work. Reyes was named one of “13 LGBT Latinos Changing the World” by The Advocate and Remezcla previously included Reyes on their list of “10 Up And Coming Latinx Poets You Need To Know.” His first collection of poetry, For Colored Boys Who Speak Softly…, was self-published after a collaboration with the legendary Carlos Santana
“As a young queer person growing up in San Antonio, I desperately searched for community spaces that accepted me. Now, as a leader at SAY Sí, I am able to contribute to a community that welcomes and empowers all marginalized groups, including our LGBTQ+ community. It’s important for us to amplify voices that have historically been silenced and celebrate creative youth exploring their identities. We invite the community to join us in celebrating LGBTQ+ youth voices who can show us how to be a more inclusive and equitable society.” – Stephen Garza-Guzman, SAY Sí Co-Executive Director
Alejandro Peña is an LA-based experimental artist. Born and raised in San Antonio, TX, he first began making short films at the age of 17. Ranging from handmade animation to special effects, his short films mix acting with distorted narrative structures and vibrant, fever-dream textures and colors. His body of film work from 2012 to 2016 includes a music video and four short films, two of which screened at festivals around the world. Currently, Alejandro is primarily a painter and photographer, hoping to start making short films again.
After graduating from Texas with degrees in Radio-Television-Film and Sport Management, Yoomi Park worked as a set PA for a few years before moving to NYC, then worked at Instagram in content and policy review. They serendipitously landed at HBO’s Creative Services department as an editing PA in 2019, contributing to campaigns for shows such as Westworld, Room 104, Legendary, and the upcoming reboot of Gossip Girl. At WarnerMedia, Yoomi continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ employees and other marginalized groups in the workplace while also focusing on connecting fellow creatives to each other to continue telling new and personal stories.
Say Si Alumni, Carlo Antonio Rodriguez, was born in San Antonio, Texas. Carlo’s art focuses on how personal experiences influence human connection. He utilizes his own experiences as a gay man to portray the obstacles that prevented him from making human connections with others. He hopes that anyone who encounters his work will reflect and break down any borders that they placed around themselves. Carlo believes that once people rid themselves completely of these borders, it would allow them to establish deep, strong, and powerful connections with others and themselves, allowing the world to become a more unified and accepting place.
Founded in 1994, SAY Sí is a national award-winning, art-based nonprofit youth development program located in San Antonio, Texas. The goal of the organization is to provide San Antonio area students in grades 6-12 with the opportunity to develop artistic and social skills in preparation for higher educational advancement and career building. SAY Sí programs serve over 200 students from all of San Antonio’s school districts – in addition to serving 4,000 youth in community programs. SAY Sí’s unique approach to education has placed the organization on the national stage, with recognition as one of the top out-of-school-time organizations in the country by The Wallace Foundation, as well as serving as one of seven international youth arts organizations chosen to receive an inaugural Creative Catalyst Award by Adobe Project 1324 in 2016.
SA Examiner 