Whataburger will host its first ever systemwide fundraiser to benefit Feeding America®. 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 is partnering with Feeding America® to help provide at least 2.5 million meals through local food banks across Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. (Whataburger, 2021)
From Sunday, August 8, through Sunday, August 15, customers who donate a minimum of $1 at any of the more than 850 Whataburger restaurants across these ten states will receive a thank-you coupon for a free Whataburger with the purchase of a medium fry and 32-ounce drink. A $1 donation helps provide at least ten meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks. Whataburger guarantees a minimum donation of $250,000 with no maximum set.
Every dollar donated during the week-long fundraiser will go to Feeding America and its member food banks in the local communities. It is all in support 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 2021 celebration will kick off in San Antonio on Sunday, August 8, with a drive-through teacher appreciation event at The DoSeum. As part of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program and Whataburger’s commitment to providing support for education in the communities it serves, the event will include classroom supply and summer swag giveaways for teachers with whom student success begins. Teachers will also have the opportunity to participate in drawings for classroom grants and receive free meals from the Whataburger Food Truck, which debuted during last year’s Orange Spirit Week, among other fun activities. Teachers must show their school IDs for entry into the event.
During the week, Whataburger employees, known as Family Members, will assemble and deliver 10,000 school supply bags to local organizations across ten states.
“Feeding America is doing such amazing work through their network of food banks. All of us at Whataburger are looking forward to joining our customers in showing support for them during Orange Spirit Week. We invite our friends and neighbors to visit their local Whataburger throughout the week and donate to help keep our children nourished and on the path to bright futures.” – Ed Nelson, Whataburger CEO
The magic of Whataburger started on Aug. 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. Today, Whataburger 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 sixty million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.
For the first annual Taco Rumble, 19 celebrated San Antonio and Austin restaurants will bring their boldest flavors to the competition. Photo: google
An acclaimed crew of San Antonio and Austin restaurants will battle for the championship belt during the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s (SAFWA) first annual Taco Rumble on Thursday, July 15, from 7:30-10 pm, presented by H-E-B. Limited tickets for the sure-to-sell-out event are available online for $65. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)
The electric competition, the first in-person event for the recently formed nonprofit, will be held at The Espee, located east of Downtown San Antonio. Formerly known as Sunset Station, this historic spot offers a convenient rideshare location.
The menu for Taco Rumble promises to be a true taco lovers delight. Guests can indulge in a dizzying array of styles and flavors, ranging from traditional to new school. Competing to be the taco supreme will be:
Asador, Austin (Chef Joe Becerra) — Grilled Mushroom Taco with Mole Amarillo
¡Bucho! Tejano Street Fare, San Antonio (Chefs Gino Vidal & Jerry Moreno) — Chino Latino Poke Taco with a Tejano Furikake-Dusted Crispy Wonton Shell, Avocado, House Tuna Tartare, Habanero-Mezcal Aioli, & Micro Cilantro
Carnitas El Guero, Austin (Chef Gustavo Reyes) — Traditional Carnitas Taco
Carnitas Lonja, San Antonio (Chef Alex Paredes) — Michoacán- Style Carnitas Taco with Fresh Corn Tortillas
Eldorado Café, Austin (Chef Joel Fried) — Thunderosa Taco with Sirloin, Bacon, Roasted Jalapenos, Sautéed Green Chile and Onion Rajas, & Melted Jack Cheese.
La Fonda de Jaime 2.0, San Antonio (Chefs Jaime Hernandez & Pedro Rebollo) — Birria 2.0 Taco
La Generala, San Antonio (Chef Blanca Márquez ) — Costilla Taco with Pork Ribs Cooked in Signature Blend of Spices & Chiles
Jason Dady Catering, San Antonio (Chef Esteban Valdez) — Smoked Beef Short Rib Taco with Sikil Pak (Mayan Pepita Dip), Avocado, Oaxaca Cheese, & Salsa Macha
Lala’s Gorditas, San Antonio(Chef Steven Anthony Pizzini) — Puffy Tacos Norteño with Shredded Chicken, House Adobo Sauce Curtido, Crema, & Salsa Verde
Milpa (Chef Jesse Kirk), San Antonio — Taco Arabe with Shawarma-Style Pork, Crema Mexicana, Cucumbers, Cilantro, & Chile Arbol Salsa; Flor de Jamaica Taco with Hibiscus Flower con Sazon, Avocado Spread, Cilantro, Queso Fresco, & Salsa Habanero
Naco Mexican Eatery, San Antonio (Chefs Francisco Estrada & Liz Estrada) — “Mexican Grandmother” Dry Fideo Taco with Cream, Avocado, & Chicatanas (Mexican Flying Ants) Roasted Salsa on Heirloom Blue Corn Tortillas.
Paprika, Austin (Chef Margarito Pérez) — Taco de Suadero with Brisket Confit, Cilantro, Onion, and Salsa de Arbol
R19 Taqueria, Austin (Chef Christopher Haydostian) — Báhn Mì Tacos with Twice Cooked Pork Belly, Pickled Jicama Tortilla, Traditional Vegetables, Herbs, & Hanoi Vinaigrette
Trill Foods, Austin (Chef Nick Belloni) — Charred Broccoli Taco with Lime, Queso Oaxaca, Smoked Scallop XO Sauce, & Lobster Tortilla
Austin Taco Mafia (Chef Luis “Beto” Robledo of Cuantos Tacos, Chef Anthony Pratto of Discada, Chef Edgar Rico of Nixta Taqueria, & Chef Gerardo Guerrero of La Tunita 512) — Campechana Taco with Arrachera (Skirt Steak) & Longaniza Confit, Salsa Verde, Habanero Pickled Onions, Cilantro, and Epazote Marbled Tortilla
Tempering the spice will be a delectable variety of sweet treats from San Antonio favorites, including:
Bakery Lorraine (Chefs Anne Ng & Jeremy Mandrell) — Assortment of Mexican Chocolate, Churro, & Piña Colada Macarons
Paletería San Antonio (Chef José Rodriguez) — Assorted Artisan Paletas
In addition to showcasing the best intaco craftsmanship, Taco Rumble will feature an impressive selection of wines, craft beers, and premium spirits tastings including Chawar Andean Agave, Bribón Tequila, Dandy Rosé, Dahlia Tequila, Doña Vega Mezcal, Lone Star Rio Jade, Lone Star Seltzer, Mijenta Tequila, Milagro Tequila, Pearl, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and more.
The unique VIP experience includes early entry from 6:30p.m. to 7:30 p.m., a stainless-steel YETI wine tumbler, and access to an exclusive agave spirits lounge with a tour of Mexican street fare from celebrated San Antonio restaurant Cuishe Cocina Mexicana and tastings of fine spirits from Chacolo, Gusto Histórico, Patrón, Real Minero, Rey Campero, Sotoleros, and Uruapan. The Taco Rumble VIP experience is $150, and only 100 passes are available.
An esteemed crew of celebrity judges including Texas Monthly Food Editor Pat Sharpe, San Antonio Express-News Food Critic Mike Sutter, Latin Grammy Award-nominated musician Gina Chavez, San Antonio-based blogger and influencer Stephanie Guerra, and Texas Eats host David Elder of San Antonio’s KSAT. Event attendees also will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite taco as part of the final score.
Taco Rumble is a fundraiser for the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, the culinary nonprofit dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the South Texas food and beverage community. SAFWA is the culmination of 34 years of pride, innovation, and talent that reflects the unique culinary landscape of the great state of Texas. Beginning with the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival — one of the nation’s longest-running food fests with 26 years —the organization transitioned to the Austin Food & Wine Alliance in 2011 to be the sole beneficiary of the Austin Food + Wine Festival. In 2020, the nonprofit formed a statewide organization and expanded throughout Texas’ major cities including San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.
Proceeds from the signature tasting event will help SAFWA give back to the local culinary community through a vibrant grant program for chefs, farmers, artisan producers, and nonprofits by funding projects focused on culinary innovation that support the community.
SAFWA hosts engaging culinary events throughout the year to raise funds for grants that will be awarded specifically to the San Antonio culinary community. The unique grant program that started with the Austin organization has now extended to Texas’ top cities and is the nation’s first based on culinary innovation and community giveback. Since 2012, the Austin Food & Wine Alliance has awarded $367,500 in grants to fund local culinary projects.
The Alliance continues to win tremendous community support with H-E-B as presenting sponsor and other key supporters, including American Lamb Board, Bribón Tequila, Chawar, Canopy by Hilton, Doña Vega Mezcal, El Silencio Mezcal, The Espee, Fever-Tree, FreshPoint, Giant Noise, Heavy Métl Premium Imports, Mijenta Tequila, Milagro Tequila, Mountain Valley Spring Water, Pabst, Patrón Tequila, Sage & Honey, Siete Foods, Sysco, Tender Belly, Texas Beef Council, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Twang, Unifresh, and US Foods.
The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the Central 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.
“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.
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.
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.
Bakery Lorraine launches specialty cookie in observance of Pride Month with a portion of all proceeds contributed to local LGBTQ+ organization. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
Bakery Lorraine, a local favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop, will offer a rainbow-colored cookie in celebration of Pride Month. They will be joining forces with San Antonio-based LGBTQ+ organization, ThriveYouth Center. (Bakery Lorraine, 2021)
A portion of all proceeds will be donated to Thrive Youth Center, an organization whose mission is to help homeless LGBTQ+ youth in San Antonio. The cookies will be available throughout the month of June starting Friday, June 4, and will be sold in packs of three cookies for $6.50. Cookies can be purchased at all Bakery Lorraine locations in San Antonio and Austin for dine-in or to go. This June Thrive Youth Center aims to raise over $20,000 for its organization. Meeting this goal will allow the organization to accommodate the growing numbers of youth entering their shelter, assist with housing programs, provide funding for increased staffing needs and supply necessary items for LGBTQ+ youth.
Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including items like its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, chicken potpie, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.
Thrive Youth Center’s mission is to provide a safe, effective, and supportive center for homeless LGBTQ youth in San Antonio and Austin, so they may become productive, skilled, educated, and successful adults with the ability, opportunity, and possibility of achieving their dreams. Thrive has 10 beds at their emergency shelter located on Haven for Hope’s campus, and are now in the third year of housing young adults in their own apartments for up to a year through a federal government grant. Thrive Youth Center has served over 200 young adults in 2019 alone.
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.
Surf dog Ricochet survived COVID and continued saving lives by training a service dog puppy for a combat marine veteran. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Ricochet is a certified therapy dog, first-ever surf therapy dog, champion surf dog and celebrity star of the IMAX film, Superpower Dogs. She provides human-animal intervention for veterans and active-duty service members recovering from combat PTSD, moral injury, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. She has won scores of awards for her substantial work in human-animal intervention and healing. She also provides canine-assisted surf therapy and adaptive surfing to kids with autism and other special needs, differently abled individuals, wounded warriors and veterans with PTSD. (Surf Dog Ricochet, 2021)
Surf Dog Ricochet’s paw·té·gé, a seven-month-old black lab puppy named Balboa has been training with Ricochet as a service dog for Staff Sergeant Persons B. Griffith IV Ret (Griff), a Marine combat veteran with PTSD. Griff is Ricochet’s costar in the IMAX film, Superpower Dogs now showing at theaters that have finally re-opened, and is on Hulu as well. Ricochet worked with Griff as a therapy dog which ultimately led to their co-star status in the film. Ricochet and Griff originally met during a canine therapy clinic at Balboa Hospital, now called the Naval Medical Center San Diego. The puppy, Balboa was named after the place that brought Ricochet and Griff together.
Due to the stay-at-home orders and social distancing brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, Ricochet’s therapy dog work with the military, as well as her canine-assisted surf therapy and adaptive surfing were suspended in March of 2020. After two months, Judy Fridono, Ricochet’s guardian noticed that she appeared aloof and depressed. “Ricochet’s entire life had been remarkably busy providing in-person support to others. But when Covid arrived, everything came to a complete stop. Because Ricochet had too much time on her paws, coupled with her need for human interaction, I was afraid she would not survive the pandemic. She’s 13 ½ years old now and I worried she would feel her life no longer had meaning and would check out,” said Fridono.
That is when Fridono, a service dog trainer had the idea of enlisting Ricochet’s help in the training of a PTSD service dog puppy for Griff. Training is time intensive and they certainly had an over-abundance of time. So, Ricochet became a mentor to the puppy, and the puppy became a paw·té·gé to Ricochet.
Griff served our country, kept us safe, sacrificed family, and so much more but he returned home fighting PTSD. Military recruits go through rigorous training to learn how to fight a war, but nobody teaches them how to come home after experiencing horrific battlefield atrocities. Every 65 minutes a veteran takes their life by suicide. That is one of the reasons Ricochet is helping Griff continue his healing journey with a service dog. She is committed to helping him in his recovery through healing. The things Griff experienced and saw in Afghanistan are too horrific to utter out loud but Balboa will know when Griff is anxious, having a panic attack, or a night terror. Balboa will know how to calm Griff and help him navigate further through recovery. Balboa will know because Ricochet will teach him.
Recognizing Griff’s service to our country, Ricochet is providing Balboa at no cost to him with the help of her supporters. The cost of raising and training a puppy to be a service dog for a veteran is not cheap. In fact, it can run upwards of $25,000. This includes training, placing, providing support, vet bills, wellness checks, food, treats, bones, supplies, grooming, vaccinations, license, monthly preventatives, wellness checks, team training, and other miscellaneous expenses. But just as importantly, Ricochet’s legacy will live on through Griff and Balboa… and that is priceless.
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.
Hopscotch announces a pop-up restaurant incubator series to benefit the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance. Photo: Hopscotch, used with permission.
Hopscotch, a uniquely curated immersive art experience created by entrepreneurs Nicole Jensen and Hunter Inman, is excited to announce a new restaurant incubator series, Hop-Up. Hopscotch is currently soliciting proposals for unique pop-up food concepts to be included in its inaugural Hop-Up series benefiting the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance (SAFWA). (Hopscotch, 2021)
Hop-Up will be an excellent opportunity for local up-and-coming food concepts to test out a longer service format, as well as an opportunity for out of market concepts to gauge San Antonio for a potential long-term restaurant. Each selected concept will operate during a two-month residency at Hopscotch, providing food service during Hopscotch’s regular business hours and any special events, they will also be able to operate independent of Hopscotch on days the gallery is closed. The monthly rent will be a total of just $1,000, which includes water and electricity, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting SAFWA. Concepts will rotate every two months, with new concepts being announced via social media, newsletter and more.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Hopscotch on the Hop-Up Series,” said Mariam Parker, Executive Director of the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance. “We can’t wait to highlight the diversity, passion, and brilliance of San Antonio cuisine.”
All chosen concepts will operate on the open-air Hopscotch patio, located in downtown San Antonio across from Travis Park and the St. Anthony Hotel. Hopscotch is located at 711 Navarro St Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78205. Concepts can operate out of a food truck, food trailer, or pop-up tent. Proposals are being accepted starting now until May 7 via San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s.
During the era of COVID-19, Hopscotch will be taking enhanced precautions to make sure the experience is safe for both staff and guests.
“Hopscotch strongly believes in cultivating lasting relationships and synergy with the local creative community — we feel that food and beverage is an important part of a holistic immersive experience. We like to include a multitude of contrasting styles and mediums in our art gallery, and we would like the same for our Hop-Up Series, showcasing an array of different flavors and unique concepts. We’re excited to support and partner with the San Antonio Food and Wine Alliance.” – Nicole Jensen, Co-Founder of Hopscotch.
Hopscotch is an immersive and experiential brand that brings together artists in collaborative environments to create distinctive shared experiences. Co-founded by entrepreneurs Nicole Jensen and Hunter Inman, Hopscotch provides distinct experiences through the curation of local-centric, immersive, and experiential art. Hopscotch creates platforms for local, national and international artists to experiment with a wide spectrum of mediums and technology. Hopscotch’s aim is to elicit a sense of joy and wonder in the curated spaces, where guests may explore beyond their day to day reality. Hopscotch strongly believes in cultivating lasting relationships and a synergy with artists and the local communities they are in.
Under the Texas Food & Wine Alliance umbrella, the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance is dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in South Texas culinary communities 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 work ensures a strong local food system and promotes the next generation of culinary businesses and nonprofits throughout South Texas.
SA Examiner 