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.

Key West Film Festival announces the Diana King Memorial Fund

Key West Film Festival announces the Diana King Memorial Fund in partnership with the King Family Foundation. Photo: google

The Key West Film Festival and The Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation are pleased to announce the creation of the Diana King Memorial Fund, in memory of the Foundation’s founder and longtime President and Chair, an outstanding philanthropist recognized for her commitment to educational opportunities in film, television and other media, who passed away in 2019. The five-year grant from the Foundation, beginning with the 10th Anniversary of the Key West Film Festival November 17-21, 2021, will support Key West Film Festival’s annual celebration of film and filmmakers, as well as student film awards and educational initiatives. (Key West Film Festival, 2021)

“We are beyond grateful for this generous grant from the King Family Foundation. Creativity is alive and thriving through the challenges of the past year – we have seen it in this year’s surplus of film submissions. The Diana King Memorial Fund will help us ensure we can celebrate film, education and student filmmakers for years to come.” – Key West Film Festival Chairman, Brooke Christian 

Diana King grew up in the world of television, a daughter of the late Charles King (who founded King World Productions in 1964) and his wife Lucille King. King World became the leading distributor of television syndicated programming in the United States, including such iconic series as The Little Rascals, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy! The Oprah Winfrey Show, Inside Edition, and Dr. Phil. Diana began working in the accounting department of the family business in 1972, and at the time of King World’s acquisition by the CBS Corporation in 2000 served as Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Director. 

Diana established the Foundation in 1988 to support individuals and organizations committed to educational excellence and professional development, in film, television, and other media. During her 30-year tenure as Board Chair and President, the Foundation awarded hundreds of scholarships to students with a focus in film, television and related media/communications studies at colleges and universities around the country, in many instances to individuals who would have been financially unable to continue their studies without this assistance. In addition, the Foundation has functioned as a longtime sponsor of programs at several leading cultural and educational institutions around the country.

Honoring creativity, diversity, sustainability and beauty, the Key West Film Festival is an annual celebration of film and filmmakers set to take place November 17-21, 2021. A diverse, entertaining, and artistically rigorous selection of films will be represented through a broad array of categories that offer opportunities for filmmakers, both aspiring and established, to commune and exchange ideas while showing their work to audiences in an historic and artistically vibrant tropical paradise.

Whataburger raises money for local families in need

Whataburger presented the San Antonio Food Bank with a check for $31, 624.20. From left to right: Krystal Garza, Whataburger Field Marketing Coordinator, Tom Willet, Whataburger Director of Operations, Eric Cooper, San Antonio Food Bank President & CEO, Melba Harris, Whataburger Community Experience Manager, Brenda Cervantes Sanchez, Whataburger Field Marketing Coordinator. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Orange Spirit Week is Whataburger’s annual tradition of honoring its legacy while giving back to the communities it serves. This year, in honor of its 71st anniversary, Whataburger partnered with Feeding America® to help provide more than three million meals through local food banks across Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Following its first-ever systemwide fundraiser benefitting Feeding America®, Whataburger is giving $31,624 raised in the San Antonio area to the San Antonio Food Bank to help fight hunger in the community. (Whataburger, 2021)

The local gift is part of more than $300,000 that Whataburger customers donated across its 10-state footprint during the company’s Orange Spirit Week celebration. Customers who donated $1 during the fundraiser received a free Whataburger coupon for their generosity. Funds raised benefitted the communities where they were given. It is all part of Whataburger Feeding Student Success, the company’s signature community program operating at the intersection of food insecurity and education and focusing on helping students at all levels of education achieve their goals and dreams.

The magic of Whataburger started on August 8, 1950, in a tiny burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. An entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson set out to build a burger so delicious that customers would take that first bite and say, “What a burger!” Today, Whataburger is known for delicious burgers, big flavor, and the brand’s pride in taking care of its guests, communities, and employees, known as Family Members. Orange Spirit Week celebrates its founding and the foundation for success that Dobson created.

Chefs Steve McHugh and Todd Pulsinelli celebrate Oktoberfest at Cured

This Oktoberfest Wine & Dine dinner will raise funds for San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance. Photo: google

On Sunday, September 19, Cured will be hosting an Oktoberfest Wine & Dine dinner to celebrate San Antonio’s unique German heritage. Multi-James Beard Award-nominee Chef Steve McHugh has created an extraordinary five-course dinner in collaboration with Chef Todd Pulsinelli, the acclaimed chef of chic New Orleans hotel The Chloe. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)

The intimate dinner is on track to sell out as a key fundraiser for the San Antonio Food & Alliance’s (SAFWA) Culinary Grant Program in South Texas. Tickets include a five-course dinner paired with Lone Star Beer and German and Austrian wines selected by acclaimed sommelier and board member Paula Rester-Salinas. Additionally, Rester-Salinas has crafted a refreshing welcome cocktail with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Nikolaihof Elderflower Syrup, muddled blackberries, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, and Mountain Valley Sparkling Water.

The culinary powerhouse team of McHugh and Pulsinelli will present a fresh take on German classics while sharing their inspiration and culinary philosophy with guests.

The menu includes:
● First Course of Presskopf of Local Pork with Gribiche Vinaigrette and Arugula Paired with Lone Star Das Bier Y’all
● Second Course of Blackened and Pickled Beet Salad with Smoked Trout Croutons and Horseradish Cream Paired with Selbach Incline Dry Riesling (Germany)
● Third Course of Quail Schnitzel with Fennel Choucroute, Sweet Potato Mustard, and Blackberry Jam Paired with Berger Grüner Veltliner (Austria)
● Fourth Course of Slow-Cooked Wild Boar Sauerbraten with Schupfnudeln
● Red Cabbage and Jus Natural Paired with Schloss Gobelsburg Zweigelt (Austria)
● Dessert Course of German Bee Sting Cake with Bavarian Cream Filling and Honey Almond Topping Provided with Coffee Service

The Oktoberfest dinner at Cured launches the Wine & Dine series in San Antonio. In the unique dinner format, attendees get an up-close-and-personal opportunity to understand each chef’s inspiration and culinary philosophy with specially designed menus expertly paired with top-tier wines and spirits. Previous Wine & Dine dinners have featured culinary legends Jacques Pépin, Lidia Bastianich, Emeril Lagasse, and more.

The exclusive dinner kicks off with a cocktail hour at 5:30p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30p.m. A limited number of tickets are available now via the SAFWA website for $225.

In addition to hosting the Oktoberfest Wine & Dine dinner, the Alliance will greet guests at the Pearl Farmers Market from 9a.m. – 1p.m. on Saturday, September 18. Guests who stop by the booth can register to win an artisan gift basket overflowing with local goodies from Alamo Gristmill & Spice, Byccombe Natural Solutions, Gourmet Texas Pasta, Pearl Goods, Swift River Pecans, Tio Pelon’s Salsita, Wildflower Caramels, and more.

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.

SAFWA enjoys tremendous community support with H-E-B as a presenting sponsor and key supporters of Barton Springs Mill, Mountain Valley Spring Water, Pabst Brewing, Side Street Hospitality, Skurnik Wines, Sysco, Tender Belly, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Vital Farms.

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.

‘Celebration’ gala supporting San Antonio’s artistic institutions goes virtual

Proceeds from the September 19 gala will benefit the San Antonio Museum of Art, Ballet San Antonio, The Public Theater of San Antonio, San Antonio Chamber Choir, and YOSA. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.

This September, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA), Ballet San Antonio, The Public Theater of San Antonio, San Antonio Chamber Choir, and Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA) will join forces to produce “Celebration,” a collaborative arts showcase and fundraising spectacular. Due to the rising number of COVID cases, the art organizations made the difficult decision to move Celebration to a digital format. Celebration will be broadcast on September 19, 2021 at 10a.m. on News 4 WOAI and at 7:30a.m. on Fox 29 KABB. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2021)

“We are thrilled to come together with these extraordinary performing arts nonprofits to empower the arts in our community. We have much to celebrate after this past year. We hope people will join us in supporting the arts in San Antonio.” – Dr. Emily Sano, Co-Interim Director, Coates-Cowden-Brown Senior Advisor for Asian Art

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.

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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.

San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s inaugural Wine and Dine dinner

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.

Boysville hosts Wildly Magical Auction in the West featuring Penn & Teller

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.

Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic returns to La Cantera Resort & Spa

The annual Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic raises funds for the American Heart Association and United Way. Photo: google

Sponsored by Methodist Health and Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., the 19th Annual Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic is set for Monday, October 11, at the Resort Course at La Cantera Resort & Spa. For information on sponsor packages go to O’Krent Golf or contact Sam O’Krent at (210) 227.7387. Registration begins at 11a.m., with a shotgun start at 1p.m. (The Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic, 2021)

“Margie and I are extremely grateful and very fortunate to have an amazing group of volunteers and sponsors working with us to ensure the tournament’s success these past 19 years. During that time, we have raised more than $1.4 million to benefit the research and programs of the American Heart Association. It’s great to be back and celebrate in person this year. We are mindful of the pandemic and are taking every precaution to ensure proper safety measures are in place.”

Sam O’Krent, president of O’Krent Floors

The community can support the cause by purchasing Super Raffle tickets or memorial markers. Only 350 Super Raffle tickets will be available at $100 each; three for $250; or five for $400 for a chance to win one of seven magnificent prizes – each valued at $5,000. The prize selection includes: Two full access 2-day passes to the 2022 Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Course; two tickets to Super Bowl 56 on February 13, 2022, in Los Angeles, California; a customized Dream Vacation; the ultimate floor makeover from O’Krent Floors; a $5,000 MasterCard gift card; your choice of exquisite merchandise from Ben Adams Precious Jewels and Fine Gifts; or a $5,000 gift card from Bjorn’s Audio Video. It is a no-lose situation – you will be making a difference with your donation, but you just might also win a $5,000 prize package for only $100 or less if you purchase a multiple ticket package.

Memorial Markers offer a special sponsor opportunity to honor someone you know who has been touched by heart disease. For $100, these markers of respect and acknowledgment will be positioned throughout the golf course. Purchase online at okrentgolf.com.

Reserve a room at La Cantera Resort & Spa October 8 – 11, for $279 per night and $50 from every rental will be donated to the American Heart Association via the Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic. A reduced resort fee of $20 (regularly $36) is included. Book fast, though, because this generous offer expires September 16, 2021.

When the American Heart Association eliminated the Cardiac Classic from its roster of events in 2002 Margie and Sam O’Krent stepped in to establish the Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic. Margie and Sam are intimately aware of heart disease. Sam’s father died of heart disease in 1997, and Margie’s father, a prominent cardiologist, underwent bypass surgery himself in 2003. As past chairman of the board of the AHA, Sam is devoted to fighting the number one cause of death among San Antonians – heart and blood vessel diseases. Every year almost 250,000 people suffer cardiac arrest and only about 5 percent of them survive.

When Every Second Counts
The number one cause of death among Americans is heart and blood vessel disease. The American Heart Association is the nation’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to preventing death and disability from the United States’ number one killer – heart disease and the number three killer – stroke. The American Heart Association funds life-saving research over $1 billion since 1949 and education programs designed to minimize heart disease and stroke in San Antonio.

O’Krent Floors is San Antonio’s oldest and largest family-owned floor covering store. Since 1915, now in its fifth generation, its reputation lies in its quality installations, fair pricing, and lifetime labor warranties. Products include carpeting, ceramic tile, natural stone, wood and cork floors, area rugs, and laminate floor coverings. O’Krent’s is so proud and confident in their abilities that it offers a full lifetime installation warranty on every product installed.