Whataburger delivered on childhood dreams for a selected group of fans. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
As a year, 2020 has been more Scrooge than Santa, more coal than cookies, more “no, no, no!” than “Ho, Ho, Ho!” But for some of Whataburger’s biggest fans, it was the year that their childhood wishes came true. Whataburger asked fans across its social channels “What’s the one thing you asked Santa for but never got?” Then, Whataburger surprised 15 lucky fans across the United States from Arizona to Florida with their childhood dream gifts. These included retro game consoles, action figures, model cars, Legos, light sabers and more. Santa even hand-delivered gifts to two lucky fans in his orange hot-rod sleigh, a 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe. His gift bad also included their favorite Whataburger meals and Whataburger-For-A Year gift basket. (Whataburger, 2020)
Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Whataburger now has over 800 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals every day with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.
The public can now enjoy San Antonio Museum of Art’s ‘Seasons of Art – A SAMA Celebration.’ Photo: google
Last Friday, December 4, the San Antonio Museum of Art held their first-ever virtual fundraiser, ‘Seasons of Art – A SAMA Celebration,’ which featured a beautiful live streamed performance by several area performers. As a gift to the San Antonio community this holiday season, SAMA has now made the virtual performance available to the public for viewing for free, with a suggested donation. The performance may be viewed on YouTube. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2020)
In addition, SAMA has opened their raffle to the public. Those interested can purchase raffle tickets starting at $25 for one ticket or $100 for five raffle tickets. Prizes include: 1) an exclusive dinner for eight in the Museum catered by Tre, Trattoria 2) a one-night stay at Hotel Emma and dinner for two at Supper 3) an autographed, limited edition Vincent Valdez print of former Spurs player Manu Ginobili and four courtside Spurs tickets (date to be determined) and 4) a spectacular piece of vintage Mexican silver from the SAMA shop.
Tickets may be purchased online. Raffle winners will be announced on Thursday, December 17, 2020. All proceeds will benefit SAMA, allowing the Museum to continue to provide extraordinary experiences with art, digitally and in person, to the San Antonio community.
H-E-B’s Feast of Sharing will be this Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at the AT&T Center. Photo: google
Because of the pandemic, after 28 years of putting on their annual Feast of Sharing dinners for San Antonio, H-E-B is changing their way of setting the table for families this year. H-E-B is donating 10,800 H-E-B Meal Simple holiday dinners, along with 40,000 pounds of fresh produce, to add to the San Antonio Food Bank’s upcoming mega distribution at the AT&T Center on Tuesday December 15, 2020. H-E-B also will have more than 200 H-E-B Partner volunteers to help distribute the food to the expected 2,000 households that morning. There is still time to pre-register for Tuesday’s distribution which will be held at the AT&T Center at 9a.m. sharp. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)
In addition to H-E-B, other partners are joining in to bring additional holiday cheer to families. Those partners, anchored by Spurs Give and Spurs Sports & Entertainment include: Frost Bank, Valero, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, EVO Entertainment, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and Silver Eagle Beverages, Jack Daniel’s, and Décor IQ. Non-food items being donated by these generous companies include gift cards, water bottles, gas cards, coloring books, crayons, candy canes and chocolate candies, blankets, masks, children’s books, movie passes, and vouchers to illumiNight: A Magical Drive-Thru Experience.
H-E-B has been a longtime and critical partner to the Food Bank’s mission of setting the table for those facing hunger. Along with its year-round support of hunger relief organizations, H-E-B supports San Antonio Food Bank through several company initiatives such as the H-E-B Help End Hunger donation campaign, which raises funds for local food banks in Texas, and large-scale donations during National Hunger Action Month in September.
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.
With sales of $28 billion, H-E-B operates more than 400 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 115th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and lowest prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 120,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities.
“The pandemic has seen thousands more hurting in our community. Imagine the anxiety the holidays bring, and then add on top of it not having food. It breaks your heart. H-E-B bring both hope and meal ingredients to our hurting neighbors, and we could not be more grateful.” – Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank
‘Portraits From The Woods’ is Norman Reedus’ new book of photography. Photo: Big Bald Gallery, used with permission.
Norman Reedus is best known as Daryl Dixon in the popular AMC horror drama series The Walking Dead and for his television show Ride with Norman Reedus. His film credits include The Boondock Saints and its sequel The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, Blade II, and Deuces Wild. He is seldom without his camera and in his new book “Portraits From The Woods,” he combines his day job with his passion for photography to create a new coffee table book of more than 140 pages of glossy images. These images range from behind-the-scenes moments from the set and personal portraits of small screen zombies and snapshots of crewmates and family members. (CWPR, 2020)
In “Portraits From The Woods,” Norman Reedus captures moments behind the scenes of TWD as only Norman could deliver. With his unique sense of humor, traveling into the Georgian woods with Norman’s cast of characters and zombies, alongside portraits of Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Hideo Kojima, Lena Dunham, Diane Kruger, Dave Chapelle, and many more to reveal the individuals that inhabit his life. Norman has an indelible way of capturing the beauty and mystery in others. His photographs are beautiful and terrifying, macabre, and provoking, alternately dark, and sublime. Certain portraits remain vivid and clear, while others are washed in intrigue: grainy, hazy, and obscured. What unites all these faces are the eyes that see them: Norman’s. From those eyes come a piercing intimacy, both precious and rare.
“Portraits From The Woods” is available now as Hardcover First Edition (144 pages), exclusively on Reedus’ website for $75. The Special Collector’s Edition: Clothbound Clamshell Box which includes book plus signed archival photograph is also available. Proceeds from sales are being donated to the COVID-19 Response Fund.
“I always have my eyes open. ‘Portraits From The Woods’ is like stepping in my own shoes, seen through my eyes with my sense of humor.” – Norman Reedus
Hopscotch lounge. Photo: Hopscotch, used with permission.
Hopscotch, the uniquely curated immersive art experience that opened earlier this year in downtown San Antonio, is preparing for the holidays with decorations, giveaways, new festive cocktails, a holiday brunch and more. From November 27, 2020 through January 3, 2021, guests are invited to make Hopscotch a part of their holiday festivities this season. (Hopscotch, 2020)
Hopscotch Holidays will feature unique trees, including a white 12-foot tree, four seven-foot rainbow trees and two seven-foot zebra trees. There will also be plenty of holiday photo opportunities throughout the space.
The gallery’s food and beverage program is getting into the holiday spirit with festive cocktails that guests can sip as they stroll through the installations. Hopscotch’s seasonal cocktails that will be available from December 4th through January 3, 2021 include: Velveteen Rabbit (Hot) – Mexican Hot Chocolate – Hot Chocolate, Cinnamon and Jalapeno Infused Espolon Tequila; Mistletoe Marg – Desert Door Sotol, Lime Juice and Agave with a Floater of Pom and a Pomegranate or Cranberry Garnish; Sweater Vest – Chai and Orange Infused Treaty Oak Old Fashioned Cocktail and Año Nuevo – Deep Eddy Vodka, Simple Syrup and Prosecco with Cranberry Garnish.
Hopscotch will also host its second 2020 Hangover Brunch on Sunday, December 13. Guests are invited to say goodbye to the present year and usher in 2021 with specials from Smack’s Chicken Shack and music from vinyl DJ Aaron Peña. Hopscotch is closing out 2020 in the giving spirit and will offer 21 days of giveaways on its Instagram starting December 4, 2020 and ending January 1, 2021. The 21 items will be announced daily, and winners will be selected starting December 11, 2020.
Guests who want to do some holiday shopping can pick up a unique item at the gift shop and support local artists by purchasing items like one-of-a-kind Justin Parr glasses, Amada Miller sculptures and earrings, books and prints from Eva Marengo and Matt Tumlinson. Shoppers can also purchase a custom postcard from Gary Sweeney to send to friends and family this year. Proceeds from the sale of each postcard will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. Hopscotch also has a range of other gifts and merchandise available for purchase, including gift cards to experience the gallery. Shoppers can visit the gift shop without purchasing admission into Hopscotch.
Hopscotch offers three-hour complimentary parking in the Travis Park Plaza Garage, making it an ideal starting point for guests to visit downtown San Antonio this holiday season. The Christmas tree in Travis Park is located directly across the street from Hopscotch and the San Antonio River Walk is only a few blocks away.
During the era of COVID-19, Hopscotch will be taking precautions to make sure the experience is safe for both staff and guests—including state of the art automated air decontamination systems, limited touch points, mandatory masks and temperature checks for guests and employees, HEPA HVAC filters, professional deep cleans, hand sanitizer stations throughout, limited venue hours and strict capacity limits.
Hopscotch 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.
“It goes without saying that this has been a difficult year for most, so we wanted to offer an opportunity to bring joy to our guests and show our appreciation for our fans who have helped make Hopscotch a success. There is so much to see and do in Downtown San Antonio during the holiday season, and we are happy to add to that experience in our own safe way.” – Nicole Jensen, Hopscotch co-founder.
The Geffen Playhouse production of A Christmas Carol. Photo: Chris Whitaker, used with permission.
The Classic Theatre and producer Hunter Arnold unofficially kicked off the holiday season early by announcing that a special filmed version of Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic A Christmas Carol, starring one of the finest stage actors of our time – Tony Award® winner Jefferson Mays, will be released worldwide on Saturday, November 28. This streaming video event will benefit The Classic Theatre as well as other community, amateur, regional theaters across the country which have been devastated by the pandemic. Directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Michael Arden, adapted by Mays, Susan Lyons, and Arden, and conceived by Arden and Tony Award nominee Dane Laffrey, the filmed version is based on the wildly acclaimed 2018 production which made its world premiere at Los Angeles’ Geffen Playhouse. The Classic Theatre San Antonio is a partner through a joint project between Arnold’s TBD Pictures, La Jolla Playhouse, and On The Stage. Tickets for A Christmas Carol are now available to purchase online. (The Classic Theatre, 2020)
Experience A Christmas Carol unlike any other – past, present or future. The timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge comes to thrilling new life as Jefferson Mays plays over 50 roles in a virtuosic, master class of a performance that must be seen to be believed. This theatrical achievement comes from the haunting vision of one of Broadway’s most imaginative directors, Michael Arden. Staged exclusively for this film and captured live with breathtaking clarity, this must-watch streaming event conjures the powerful spirits of Christmas and brings all the magic of live theatre home for the holidays.
A Christmas Carol was filmed at New York’s United Palace, chosen to preserve the power of the theatrical storytelling Mays and Arden have created. When it played the Geffen Playhouse in 2018, A Christmas Carol and was called “a stunning adaptation” by Jordan Riefe of The Hollywood Reporter, and “a tour-de-force performance” by Jefferson Mays. A Christmas Carol is produced by Hunter Arnold with George Bamber, Kayla Greenspan, Carl Daikeler, Roberto Quiroz Mata, and Tom Kirdahy serving as Executive Producers for the film.
“Due to COVID-19, the country’s theaters have lost over 80% of their income, a number that is devastating to our community. These theaters, the work they produce, and the artists and workers they support are a fundamental part of our society. We must fight for their survival.” – Hunter Arnold
Registration is now live for the San Antonio Food Bank’s 10th annual Turkey Trot. Photo: google
This is the race that puts the “turkey” in Turkey Trot: the 10th annual San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot. Registration is now live and walkers and runners are encouraged to sign up early. Presented by H-E-B, the 2020 event on Thanksgiving will be virtual due to the pandemic, so participants can walk/run the 5K from anywhere in the world on Thanksgiving Day. Every registration provides a turkey for someone in need in our community. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)
Walkers and runners can receive a Turkey Trot tech running shirt, finisher’s medal, and more as part of their registration. They also can opt to provide more than the one turkey provided from their registration. Walkers and racers will be asked to post their day-of photos in their social media platform of choice and tag the Food Bank (safoodbank) or hashtag the race (#turkeytrotsatx). Registration information is found online.
“While we truly miss the annual event from the H-E-B headquarters and Commander’s House, this virtual event means that so many more can participate. We would expect more than 5,000 in-person, but this virtual option to run or walk a 5K (3.2miles or so) means that anyone can participate from anywhere they happen to be on Thanksgiving Day. We hope to see families participate with multi-generations that have never come downtown for the race. It could be huge. And it all benefits those facing hunger.” – 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.
‘Cocktails to go’ include the Mint To Tea. Photo: Rob Cordes, used with permission.
Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, announced this week the inaugural San Antonio Whiskey Month, a month-long promotion to support local businesses while celebrating the joy of good bourbon throughout the city. The award-winning Hill Country bourbon maker has teamed up with some of San Antonio’s best cocktail bars and mixologists to feature a limited-time San Antonio Whiskey Month cocktail. A portion of proceeds from every cocktail sold, from both dine-in and to-go cocktails, will benefit Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, a 501(c)3 public charity founded by the Garrison Family and their staff in 2018. Funds of Good Bourbon for a Good Cause are distributed to charitable organizations primarily, but not exclusively, in Blanco and Gillespie counties of Texas and also to charitable organizations that serve current and former American military personnel. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2020)
Participating businesses include local favorites like Bamboo, Botika, Broadway 50/50, Cover-3, Dorrego’s, Francis Bogside, Lucy Cooper’s Icehouse, On the Bend Oyster Bar, Ostra at Mokara Hotel & Spa, Paramour at the Phipps, Rebelle, The Good Kind, Tucker’s Kozy Korner and The Well. More business will be confirmed on a daily basis and will be added to the running list.
San Antonio Whiskey Month customers are encouraged to share their experience on social media with #sawhiskeymonth for a chance to win a Garrison Bros. prize pack (ages 21+ only).
Garrison Brothers Distillery is a small farm and ranch located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country that authentically produces straight bourbon whiskey and only straight bourbon whiskey. In 2010, Garrison Brothers introduced the first bourbon whiskey legally made in Texas and has since developed a rabid fan base. They currently have a waitlist of more than 17,000 people hoping to land a spot on bottling days, and their Cowboy Bourbon™ normally sells out within hours of its release. Garrison Brothers is the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas history and is one of the first distilleries in America outside of Kentucky to produce authentic, handmade bourbon whiskey. The business was founded in 2006, though rumor has it they may have started production a little earlier. Garrison Brothers is a proud and active member of the communities of Blanco, Fredericksburg, Hye, Johnson City and Stonewall. The distillery and its barrel barns are open to the public for tours in Hye, Texas.
At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2020, the Garrison Brothers team was awarded a double gold medal for its Balmorhea Double-Barreled Bourbon, a silver medal for its Single Barrel Bourbon and a bronze medal for its Small Batch Bourbon. Garrison Brothers was voted Best Craft Whiskey Distillery in America by readers of USA Today in 2017.
“The mission of Good Bourbon for a Good Cause is to change the world through the power of good bourbon. The inaugural San Antonio Whiskey Month gives us another tool to raise money for those impacted by the pandemic, and I’m inspired by the coalescence of our community during these uncertain times.” – Dan Garrison, founder and proprietor of Garrison Brothers Distillery.
Culinaria’s second music festival to benefit those affected by the pandemic will be held on Sunday November 22, 2020. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.
Culinaria continues to support all facets of the hospitality industry, including supporting musicians and crew members whose livelihood has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. On Sunday, November 22 from 2p.m. to 8p.m., Culinaria will host its second music festival at Freiheit Country Store in New Braunfels, Texas to benefits those affected by the pandemic. (Culinaria, 2020)
Some familiar faces on the Texas music scene will perform at the Culinaria Music Festival including Wade Bowen, Americana Country; Cody Canada, rock/alternative country; Bri Bagwell, contemporary country; Jamie Lin Wilson, country/folk; William Beckmann, traditional country/Americana; Tony Taylor, country/folk/Americana; and Austin Gilliam, Americana rock. The outdoor event will also showcase a silent auction and guest bartenders.
Seating is limited. General admission and VIP tables range in price from $300 to $900, for parties of four to six people. To purchase tickets and view the complete artist lineup visit Culinaria online.
Freiheit Country Store is located at 2157 FM 1101 in New Braunfels, Texas. To meet safety protocols, the venue is limiting capacity and designated seating is socially distanced. Masks are required when not seated.
Cash donations to support the Culinaria Hospitality Fund can be made through PayPal, Venmo, or by check payable to Culinaria, 999 East Basse Road, Suite 180-448, San Antonio, TX, 78209. Donations are tax-exempt through Culinaria.
This year’s San Antonio Food Bank’s Turkey Trot will be virtual. Photo: google
It is time for the race that puts the “turkey” in Turkey Trot: the 10th annual San Antonio Food Bank Turkey Trot, presented by H-E-B. This year, due to the pandemic, Turkey Trot has gone virtual, but this only means participants can run anywhere, anytime on Thanksgiving Day. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)
Walkers and runners can receive a Turkey Trot tech running shirt, finisher’s medal and more as part of their registration. They also can opt to provide more than the one turkey provided from their registration. Registration is live and walkers and runners are encouraged to sign up early. The 2020 event on Thanksgiving will be virtual. Walk/run your 5K from anywhere in the world. Every registration provides a turkey for someone in need in our community. Registration information is available online.
Walkers and racers can post their day-of photos in their social media platform of choice and tag the Food Bank (safoodbank) or hashtag the race (#turkeytrotsatx).
“While we truly miss the annual event from the H-E-B headquarters and Commander’s House, this virtual event means that so many more can participate. We would expect more than 5,000 in-person, but this virtual option to run or walk a 5K (3.2miles or so) means that anyone can participate from anywhere they happen to be on Thanksgiving Day. We hope to see families participate with multi-generations that have never come downtown for the race. It could be huge. And it all benefits those facing hunger.” – 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.
SA Examiner 