Category: Non-profit organization news

San Antonio Food Bank needs summer volunteers

The San Antonio Food Bank is asking for volunteers to help out this summer. Photo: google

Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, is asking community members of all ages to join the Food Bank in a summer of service. The Food Bank is facing an urgent crisis for volunteers as it ramps up to meet the meal needs of a record number of kids who may face hunger this summer. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)

Volunteers are needed to help prepare meals in the Food Bank’s three kitchens, as well as to help pack food boxes in their main facility warehouse and work mobile food distributions. Information on dates, time, age restrictions, and more can be found at the Food Bank’s volunteer website.

An additional service opportunity is available for those seeking full-time service this summer via the Food Bank’s partnership with AmeriCorps and Equal Heart. The Food Bank is recruiting individuals to serve as AmeriCorps Members to reduce community hunger and provide engagement for youth. In exchange for their service, AmeriCorps Members receive a bi-weekly living allowance and an end-of-term education award.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as applications are considered on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Qualified applicants are screened and interviewed by both Equal Heart  and the Food Bank before any formal offer is made. Application information is available online.

“It’s a bit of a collision: a combination of volunteer fatigue and businesses opening up coupled with as many as 250,000 kids being at risk for hunger this summer. Summer is traditionally our highest time of need (for food, funds, and especially volunteers) and we’re usually in great shape with volunteers for the summer. The pandemic, however, has changed the landscape for volunteers and we are in a serious crisis. Our community has been heroic in its volunteerism during the pandemic. I have total faith that together we can help ensure that no child goes hungry this summer.”

Eric Cooper, President/CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank

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.

SAY Sí’s annual Small Scale • Big Change fundraiser

SAY Sí will host their annual Small Scale • Big Change fundraiser from June 1 – 17, 2021. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This June, SAY Sí will host their annual Small Scale • Big Change fundraiser from June 1 – 17, 2021. Over the span of 16 days, the nonprofit youth arts organization will virtually auction off pieces of art that were created by both student artists and celebrated artists from around San Antonio. This year’s theme is Comunidad y Arte (Community & Art) and the auction will include over 150 diverse pieces from local artists, with 50% of proceeds going directly back to participating artists and support of SAY Sí’s tuition-free programming. (SAY Sí, 2021)

List of participating artists include:
Deborah Keller-Rihn (20-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)
Hiromi Stringer (Five-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)
Suresh Pitamber (10-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)
Meredith Dean (Five-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)
Paula Owen (22-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)
Jane Bishop (Six-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)
Louis Vega Treviño (22-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)
Suzy González (Two-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)
Tim Olson (Six-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)
Richard Arredondo (25-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)
Analy Diego (Four-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)
Raul Rene Gonzalez (One-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)
Raul Servin (15-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)
Andy Tschoepe (Nine-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)
Vikki Fields (20-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)
Jorge Garza (20-year participant in SAY Sí’s annual fundraiser)

June 1, 2021: Digital artwork bidding and “buy-it-now” purchasing begin
June 1 – 17, 2021: Artwork is available for bidding digitally
June 16, 2021: “Buy-it-now” purchases will end at 11:59 p.m.
June 17, 2021: Final Auction Night @ 7p.m.; Artwork bidding will end at 7:59 p.m.
SAY Sí Digital Auction Site

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.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Memorial Day deals that give back

Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Good Cause burger. Photo: Hopdoddy, used with permission.

This Memorial Day weekend, from Friday, May 28 – Monday, May 31, Hopdoddy will donate a percentage of proceeds from all menu items purchased to the SEAL Legacy Foundation, a charity that provides support to families of wounded and fallen U.S. Navy Seals. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2021)

Established in 2011, the SEAL Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt organization based in Austin, TX. The Foundation was founded by SEALS is run by SEALS, and supports the brave men of the U.S. Navy SEALS Teams by providing educational assistance for SEALS and their families and other charitable causes benefitting the SEAL community.

All Hopdoddy orders can be placed in-person at any one of the burger joint’s restaurant locations or online for curbside or pickup.

In 2010, four friends had a goal: to set a new standard for burger bars. Hopdoddy Burger Bar pushed the boundaries of what is expected by bringing together craft beer and unique burger concoctions – all with high-quality ingredients and even higher standards. With every purchase of a Goodnight Good Cause burger, a portion of the proceeds give back to Hopdoddy’s favorite community charitable organizations.

Open call for restaurants – Culinaria Restaurant Weeks

There is an open call for restaurants who wish to participate in the upcoming Culinaria Restaurant Weeks in August. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.

The biggest celebration of dining is back this August 14-28 with San Antonio Restaurant Weeks. The organization behind Culinaria, a bi-annual event, is issuing a call for restaurants to participate. “It’s a challenge for us to connect with every individual restaurant in San Antonio, so, we want to make sure that the opportunity is open to all,” says Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, President and CEO of Culinaria. (Culinaria, 2021)

For participation, restaurants agree to offer patrons a three or four course fixed price menu that is $20 for lunch and/or dinner for $35 or $45. Restaurants must offer both dine-in and take-out and can sign-up online to participate. Culinaria benefits from a donation back from each of the menus purchased and uses funds to support its mission of promoting San Antonio as a culinary destination while also supporting the hospitality industry and community.

“The fun of Restaurant Weeks is that it gives our audience a chance to visit old favorites or discover a new find that they have been wanting to try and just haven’t make it yet. In turn, it’s giving restaurants a boost in dining in what is typically a slower time for them during the end of the summer season.” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge

Culinaria is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination while fostering community growth and enrichment. Culinaria is a registered 501 c (3) tax-exempt organization. A volunteer board of directors who represent the community and guide the organization in its mission to champion the wine and food industries governs Culinaria.

Blue Star Contemporary designs art making activities

Blue Star Contemporary designs art making activities for University Health’s Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program. Photo: google

Blue Star Contemporary (BSC), San Antonio’s first and longest-running contemporary art nonprofit, is pleased to announce its partnership with University Health’s Salud-Arte: Art of Healing Program to create an art activity kit for patients of University Health’s Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program. University Health’s AYA Cancer Program delivers comprehensive, expert medical care to teenagers and young adults with all types of cancers. (Blue Star Contemporary, 2021)

The goal of University Health’s Salud-Arte: Art of Healing Program is to use art to inspire healing, compassion, hope, and trust. The art kits, conceived and organized by BSC’s Education Manager Mari Hernandez, use the healing power of art to help young cancer patients navigate the difficult emotional and physical challenges that are part of a cancer diagnosis. Hernandez worked with San Antonio-based artists/educators Joe Harjo and Kim Bishop and writer/educator Viktoria Valenzuela to create art kits that are available to patients of the AYA Cancer Program. “I selected these remarkable artists for their ability to facilitate creative activities for patients in a thoughtful and sensitive manner,” Hernandez said. “We hope to create safe space for reflection and provide aid in the holistic process of healing.”

The kit contains three art activities that stimulate and guide patients through the creative process. Joe Harjo’s photographic prompts encourage the imaginative use of a black and white disposable camera as a form of documentation. Kim Bishop presents a series of cards with playful prompts that encourage the patients to make drawings and watercolor paintings. Viktoria Valenzuela’s poetry writing guide inspires self-expression and emphasizes the importance of one’s ideas and voice.

While the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in limited access to its exhibition spaces, Blue Star Contemporary sought new ways to fulfill its mission to inspire, nurture and innovate through contemporary art. By partnering with University Health, BSC serves a new community and upholds its promise to help San Antonio heal through the power of art.

Blue Star Contemporary (BSC) is the first and longest-running nonprofit venue for contemporary art in San Antonio, Texas. Founded by artists and grown from a grassroots art exhibition in 1986, BSC arose from the need to provide a platform for the work and ideas of contemporary artists. As an artist-centric, educational, forward-thinking, inclusive institution that strives to exceed expectations, BSC welcomes 30,000 residents and cultural tourists each year to experience contemporary art through its exhibitions, public art projects, and education programs. In 2016, BSC became the only San Antonio arts organization to be W.A.G.E.-certified, solidifying its commitment to fair compensation of artists and creative professionals.

“We are thrilled to join University Health’s Salud-Arte: Art of Healing Program to provide a moment of respite for young cancer patients, whose strength and resilience is worthy of admiration, particularly during this trying year. I commend BSC Education Manager Mari Hernandez and the three artists she’s worked with to create an extremely thoughtful and nurturing set of activities with the intent to inspire healing and hope.” – Mary Heathcott, Blue Star Contemporary’s Executive Director.

Donate a book on National Book Day at MAX’s Wine Dive

Donate a brand-new children’s book and receive a complimentary dessert. Photo: Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, used with permission.

Celebrate National Book Day with MAX’s Wine Dive, located in Quarry Village, all day on Friday, April 23, 2021 from 11a.m. to 9p.m. MAX’s Wine Dive is proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio by encouraging guests to bring in brand-new children’s books on National Book Day, which will be donated to the nonprofit dedicated to inspiring youth to achieve their full potential in a safe, positive and engaging environment that promotes education, health and character development. (MAX’s Wine Dive, 2021)

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio keeps children safe after school and throughout the summer by providing a positive environment where they can learn, play, and grow. Club membership focuses on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Character & Leadership programs that target developmental needs, ensuring every child graduates high school on time with a plan for the future.  

“With a motto like “Together We Will Get Through This,” how could the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio not be a perfect match for MAX’s Wine Dive?” said General Manager Ande McBay. “Our team here believes the same thing – from the pandemic to shutdowns to natural disasters and shortages, together, we’ll get through whatever comes next. So, this National Book Day, we’re committed to instilling that sense of togetherness in the next generation by supporting with something that the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio need the most – new books, games, and puzzles,” added McBay.

With the purchase of an entrée, guests who donate a new children’s book, can indulge in popular MAX’s Wine Dive desserts like the white cherry chip cast iron cookie served with vanilla gelato, flourless chocolate torte, or MAX’s seasonal bread pudding with vanilla gelato, complimentary. Satisfy your sweet tooth while helping the local San Antonio community on National Book Day.    

MAX’s Wine Dive – Quarry Village

340 East Basse Road, Suite 101

San Antonio, Texas 78209  

Boulder’s beloved radio show eTown to be inducted into Colorado Music Hall of Fame

Aoife O’Donovan and Che Apalache. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

On Earth Day 2021, Colorado’s favorite multimedia nonprofit, eTown, will be receiving an incredible 30th birthday gift; an induction into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. On April 22, eTown will be inducted into the CMHOF during a virtual concert and celebration honoring eTown’s 30th b’Earthday. (IV-PR, 2021)

Launched on Earth Day in 1991, eTown has grown into a widely respected internationally syndicated radio show—airing on more than 300 stations worldwide—while sticking to its mission to help create a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable world through its musical, social, and environmental programming. Additional event details, including the lineup of performers and how to watch the live stream, will be announced later. 

Leading up to the event, fans are encouraged to revisit eTown’s podcast and video archives, including the treasure trove of finale collaborations like Margo Price and Swamp Dogg covering John Prine’s “Sam Stone” or Che Apalache and Aoife O’Donovan putting a bilingual spin on Cat Stevens’ “Peace Train.” A collection of eTown finales can be found at this link and the entire eTown video archive is available right here.

eTown, the internationally syndicated radio broadcast, podcast, and multimedia- and events-production nonprofit, launched on Earth Day 1991 in Boulder, Colorado. Since then, eTown has produced musical, social, and environmental programming all focused on its ongoing global mission—to educate, entertain, and inspire a diverse audience through music and conversation to create a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable world. Prior to the pandemic, eTown recorded shows in front of a live audience in eTown Hall, a 17,000 square foot former church in downtown Boulder which has been renovated and transformed into a solar-powered performance and recording facility—likely the only zero-carbon facility of its kind in North America. Recently, eTown pivoted to all-virtual episodes and is aired on over 300 radio stations nationwide.

Founded in 2011, Colorado Music Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization with the mission of celebrating the state’s music heritage and inspiring the future of Colorado music through their museum, educational programming, induction concerts, and events. Since the inaugural induction of John Denver and Red Rocks Amphitheatre on April 21, 2011, CMHOF has hosted eleven inductions, honoring more than forty musicians, individuals, and institutions who have made a mark on Colorado’s music history. Sharing the legacies of Colorado music, inductee biographies, videos and memorabilia are exhibited at the Hall of Fame’s museum, located at the Trading Post at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado.

“We’re honored that eTown is being inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. We’ve been working hard for thirty years to bring great music to our audience. What Helen and I started back in ’91 has lasted longer and grown more than we ever imagined, and it means so much to be recognized by the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.” – eTown Founder and Host Nick Forster.

San Antonio Food Bank emergency distributions

The San Antonio Food Bank will be hosting mega mobile distributions this weekend. Photo: San Antonio Food Bank, used with permission.

The San Antonio Food Bank is ramping up emergency outreach on the backside of the recent, crippling weather system. Volunteers are in critical need, with more than 500 needed over the weekend alone. Volunteers can register online to support a mobile food distribution. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)

For individuals needing to restock their shelves this weekend, the Food Bank is hosting 7 mega mobile distributions (details below). Pre-registration is recommended for all who have access to the internet. Those without the ability to pre-register will not be turned away and can access food while it lasts at each site. Additional information for those seeking help this weekend is available by calling the Food Bank’s helpline: 210-431-8326 on Friday or Saturday during normal business hours.

Upcoming Mobile Food Distributions: Friday -Sunday
WHEN: Friday-Sunday (February 19 – 21)
TIME: 10a.m.- 4p.m.
WHERE: San Antonio Food Bank main facility, with pre-check required beforehand at Camargo Park: 5738 Castroville Rd (78227)
WHAT: 1,000 households (more than 5,000 individuals) get 100+ pounds of food, water

WHEN: Friday, February 19
TIME: 11a.m. – 1p.m.
WHERE: NISD Gustafson Stadium: 7001 Culebra Rd (78238)
WHAT: 2,000 households (more than 5,000 individuals) get 100+ pounds of food, water

WHEN: Friday, February 19
TIME: 2p.m. – 4p.m.
WHERE: Rackspace Technology: 1 Fanatical Pl (78218)
WHAT: 2,000 households (more than 5,000 individuals) get 100+ pounds of food, water

WHEN: Saturday, February 20
TIME: 1p.m. – 4p.m.
WHERE: Harlandale ISD Memorial Stadium: 1109 Apollo St (78214)
WHAT: 1,000 households (more than 5,000 individuals) get 100+ pounds of food, water

WHEN: Saturday, February 20
TIME: 9a.m. – 11a.m.
WHERE: River City Church: 16765 Lookout Rd (78154)
WHAT: 2,000 households (more than 5,000 individuals) get 100+ pounds of food, water

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.

“Our community is hurting. We have been meeting the emergency food needs all week for the homeless and those in shelters across our community. Now it’s time to reach those in homes through our distributions and home deliveries.” – Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank.

Pearl’s February programming and curated Valentine’s Day gift boxes

Pearl Farmers Market Curbside Sweets for My Love Valentine Gift Box. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

This Valentine’s season, Pearl is thrilled to offer Month of Love programming. February will be filled with socially distant activities on site or virtually. Throughout the month of February, Pearl will offer “Surprise & Delight” musical acts for guests strolling the property. Pearl offers beautifully curated Valentine’s Day gift boxes in partnership with its farmers market vendors via Curbside. The property will also host the SA is Amor photo wall installation in partnership with Martha Martinez’s SA is Amor campaign benefiting local nonprofits. (Pearl, 2021)

Pearl’s 2021 February offerings include:

Pearl Farmers Market Curbside Valentine’s Gift Boxes: Order January 31 through February 11
This year, Pearl Farmers Market Curbside debuts a variety of curated boxes filled with themed artisan products from regional producers and family farms. Shoppers can pre-order their products packaged in a beautiful, hand-printed Pearl gift box starting on January 31 through February 11. Orders can be placed online and picked up on Sunday, February 14. Gift Box offerings include: Pasta Lovers for Two | $100; Filet Mignon for Two | La Babia $125, Startz Wagyu $200; Ms. Chocolatier Assorted Truffles | $60; Sweets for My Love | $75; Charcuterie for Two | $75

SA is Amor Photo Wall Installation: February 1 – 28
During the Month of Love, Pearl will create an interactive SA is Amor photo wall installation by local graphic designer Martha Martinez to raise support and awareness for local nonprofit Martinez Street Women’s Center while highlighting why San Antonio is so special. The wall will be available from February 1- 28 at the Pearl Shade Structure near Pearl Park and serve as a backdrop for guests to take photos and share on their social channels. There will be a QR code that will allow guests to send an AMOR e-card (a virtual love letter) to someone special.

On Valentine’s Day (1/14), Wide Awake Creative will set up a photo booth at the installation for guests to enjoy. Feliz Modern POP will set up an “Amor” pop-up during Farmers Market to sell SA is Amor merchandise, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits. A new product will be released in February, the proceeds of which will benefit the Martinez Street Women’s Center.

Love, San Antonio Notes: February 1 – 28
Pearl is a place where San Antonio gathers and special moments happen—from the mundane to the monumental. During Month of Love, Pearl will collect stories that illustrate the power of love and human connectedness. Pearl invites the community to share their stories of love from time spent at Pearl. Submissions can be sent from February 1 – 28 to love@pearlbrewery.com or by using this online form. All submissions will be entered to win a $200 gift card to a restaurant of their choice at Pearl.

Love Song Sessions & Playlist: February 1-28
In honor of Month of Love and Valentine’s Day, Pearl will celebrate San Antonio’s legendary music scene with the debut of the Love, San Antonio playlist and with Love Song Sessions music showcase throughout February. The Love Song Sessions will feature songs of love and heartbreak from San Antonio’s esteemed artistic community. The musical acts will be at random dates for guests strolling the property to enjoy, acting as “surprise & delight” moments. The Love, San Antonio playlist will be available on Spotify and feature legendary San Antonio musicians along with many artists that have performed at Pearl over the years. Pearl will announce via social media once the playlist is available to download.

Pearl Farmers Market Heart Healthy Campaign: February 1-28
During the Month of Love, Pearl will encourage self-care by promoting heart healthy produce at the weekend Farmers Market and Curbside. Pearl will promote heart healthy produce and recipes via its social media and newsletter. Leafy greens and other heart healthy produce will be the focus throughout the month at the weekend Farmers Market.

Pearl Restaurants & Retailers: February 1-28
Pearl’s restaurant and retail tenants will be offering their own specials throughout the Month of Love. Pearl will be highlighting the options via its social media and newsletter.

“February is Month of Love at Pearl. Our culinary, cultural, and maker community is at the center of our love-inspired efforts with campaigns promoting positivity, self-care, and human connectedness. Initiatives include surprise and delight music activations, invitations to share love memories from time spent at Pearl, the installation of a SA is Amor wall, and the debut of Valentine’s Day Gift Boxes through Farmers Market Curbside.” – Elizabeth Fauerso, Pearl’s Chief Marketing Officer

Reconnecting with my home town: Veterans Park

Veterans Park in Brownsville. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Part one in a series of posts meant to help me reconnect with my home town and the areas around it while educating the public about the numerous places to see and experience. First of is Veterans Park in Brownsville. Last week I took a trip to see it for myself since I have never been here before, having been gone from the area for almost 20 years. What I found was a respectful and educational memorial to the areas’ veterans.

Veterans Park is located next to the city library and shares an entrance drive and parking.  It consists of veteran memorial walls and placards, a multi-purpose lawn, a walking path, and landscaping. Celebrating the rich heritage of veterans from the Brownsville community, this park is a beautiful living memorial. (City of Brownsville, 2020)

The park focuses on large concave concrete slabs that include the names of Brownsville area veterans from World War II to Afghanistan with each slab holding 40 names each. Currently there are more than 50,000 names of both living and deceased soldiers native to Brownsville. The center of the memorial contains three large flag poles centered on a concrete base with a start embedded within it. There is also a memorial to Medal of Honor Recipient, and Brownsville native, Sergeant Jose M Lopez.

The monument honors veterans from World War II to current conflicts, including the Afghanistan War and its Operation Enduring Freedom. The American Legion aimed to make the park an educational extension of the library by creating two murals showing the locations of conflicts on world maps from the 18th century to present.

If you decide to visit a park or trail, please abide Second Amended Emergency Order guidelines.  Protect yourself and others. Make sure you are wearing a face mask (face covering) and always practice social distancing.  Maintain distance–Stay 6 feet away from other people.  Avoid mass gathering. No crowds, no groups