Category: Philanthropic News

El Sushi Loco’s Chef Francisco Mendoza featured on Tastemade

El Sushi Loco’s CEO and Head Chef Francisco Mendoza. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

El Sushi Loco, named “Best Mexican Sushi” by LA Weekly, was recently featured on Tastemade’s Dave’s Killer Bread Foundation’s (DKBF) Second Chances stories. Second Chances is a video series produced by Tastemade that highlights chefs who have found success despite going thru challenging times. The stories are sponsored by the Dave’s Killer Bread Foundation, which was established by Dave’s Killer Bread to help provide more second chance employment opportunities. (El Sushi Loco, 2020)

El Sushi Loco CEO and Head Chef Frank Mendoza strongly empathizes with the struggles that persons with past  histories experience when seeking employment. The Tastemade video features Frank Mendoza speaking about how he overcame the odds to begin a successful Mexican-Asian fusion restaurant business. The brainchild of Frank Mendoza, El Sushi Loco is a place to bond with family and a lively place to hang out with friends. El Sushi Loco may be the truest expression of east meeting west, with tastes and textures both exotic and familiar. The flavors and ambiance provide the perfect place for a festive and tasty lunch or dinner.

For the Second Chances campaign video, Frank Mendoza has created a tasty new dish for El Sushi Loco’s menu – the Crispy Chicken Burger. The dish begins with diced chicken breaded with crumbs made fresh from Dave’s Killer Bread Burger Buns, fried to a golden brown, then served on butter baked Dave’s Killer Bread Burger Buns covered with avocado, tortilla strips and El Sushi Loco’s Mexican/Asian fusion sauces.  Frank Mendoza’s second chance story, and many more inspirational cooking videos sponsored by DKBF, is available on the Tastemade Instagram and YouTube channels.

“We’re a place of second chances because, how could we not? I was down and out at one point, and somebody gave me a chance.” – Frank Mendoza

The Dave’s Killer Bread Foundation was created to power second chance employment. A lack of information or understanding about employing people with criminal backgrounds can make businesses hesitant to explore this option and the DKBF is here to change that. DKBF believes that in the long term, second chance employment has the power to reduce the negative impact of reoffending in America. The foundation works to educate organizations on the importance of employing this part of our population.

In 2010, Frank Mendoza purchased a street vendor food cart off a Craigslist ad in Tijuana, Mexico for $1200 and began selling his unique cuisine in the streets of Los Angeles, California. In its food-cart days, the Mexican-Asian fusion food concept was called Sushi Island. Frank Mendoza, his wife and his nephew developed the brand tirelessly by serving high quality Mexican sushi and mariscos. The success of Sushi Island further fueled Mendoza’s desire and he renamed the business El Sushi Loco. In 2011 they opened the first brick and mortar restaurant in La Puente, California and  soon after, they opened another branch in Downey. Most recently, Mendoza opened his third restaurant in Pomona, California.

El Sushi Loco Locations: 11837 Downey Ave, Downey, CA 90241, 15711 Amar Rd, La Puente, CA 91744 and 1542 W. Holt Ave, Pomona, CA 91768

Texas Book Festival announces 2020 Lit Crawl schedule

This year’s Lit Crawl will take place from November 7 through November 15. Photo: Texas Book Festival, used with permission.

Texas Book Festival will be hosting their annual Lit Crawl events virtually this year during the Festival, with several evening times between November 7 to November 15 along with two Sunday brunches. The events include storytelling sessions, spoken-word performances and themed discussions, ranging from topics including moments of pivoting, celebrating Black creativity and more. Featured authors include Kathy Valentine, Natalie Diaz, Kelly J. Baptist, and more. (Texas Book Festival, 2020)

For the evening event “Literary Death Match” and brunch event “Tarot Town Hall with Typewriter Tarot,” the first 100 registrants per event will receive a special Camp Mocha cocktail kit from Desert Door Texas Sotol. Cocktail pickup will take place on Saturday, November 7 from 12p.m. to 5p.m. outside the Texas Book Festival office (1023 Springdale Road, Building 14, Suite B, Austin, Texas 78721). All recipients must be 21 years of age or older, with proper ID, and must wear a mask to pick up the cocktail kit.  Sparkling water from Rambler will also be available. 

Lit Crawl Austin 2020 schedule (all times CST)

The 2020 Virtual Texas Book Festival will take place from October 31 through November 15. As always, all Lit Crawl events are free and open to the public thanks to the generosity of the Texas Book Festival community. To support the Texas Book Festival, Lit Crawl Austin and participating authors, donations can be made online. For the first time ever, Texas Book Festival is offering an exclusive Lit Crawl armadillo enamel pin. Donations of $25 or more to Lit Crawl will receive the one-inch pin, perfect to embellish denim jackets, backpacks, tote bags and more. 

With a vision to inspire Texans of all ages to love reading, the Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. Founded in 1995 by former First Lady Laura Bush, Mary Margaret Farabee and a group of volunteers, the nonprofit Texas Book Festival promotes the joys of reading and writing through its annual Festival, the Texas Teen Book Festival, the Reading Rock Stars Title I elementary school program, the Real Reads Title I middle and high school program, grants to Texas libraries and year-round literary programming.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat debuts Hiatus Everyday product line

Hiatus Everyday product line includes Friday Happy Hour, Saturday Pastime and Sunday Matinee. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat, the award-winning Texas day spa with eight locations across the state, is excited to announce the launch of the Hiatus Everyday product line, which is now available at all locations and online. The product line features two collections, The Weekend Collection and The Spa Day Collection, and includes over 20 products, such as aroma oil, hand and body wash, body butter, charcoal scrub and more. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2020)

Created to embody each unique day of the weekend, The Weekend Collection features the Friday Collection, the Saturday Collection and the Sunday Collection.  Each day of The Weekend Collection features two unique aromas in the following products: aroma oil, hand and body wash, body butter and charcoal scrub.

The Friday Collection features uplifting and invigorating aromas with Happy Hour, a blend of blood orange, cardamom and pine needles, designed to put a smile on your face and leave you sparkling and Recess, featuring  white sage, eucalyptus and spearmint, inviting you to exhale and hold space for whatever comes next.

The Saturday Collection blends soothing herbal and calming floral notes in the aromas with Pastime, a blending of layered florals with Amyris and citrus for an interesting yet playful aroma; and Daydream, a combination of lavender, bergamot, and chamomile for a soothing way to rest the senses.

The Sunday Collection brings warming woods, earthy herbals and a hint of sweet citrus to the aromas with Take Five, a comforting, warm, slightly herbal aroma of frankincense, petitgrain, and sandalwood; and Matinee, a balanced blend of clary sage, lavender, and cedarwood with a hint of floral.

In addition to The Weekend Collection, Hiatus is also debuting The Spa Day Collection featuring three products, including a Margarita Lip Scrub that was inspired by the sweet and tangy grit of margarita salt; Mojito Lip Balm, a velvety balm with refreshing cucumber and bergamot for a fresh take; and All-Clear Aroma Mist, a smudge in a spray with a balance of sage, sweet orange, and cedarwood to bring a moment of ritual to your everyday routine.

Hiatus Everyday products are now available online and in all eight Hiatus locations with product prices ranging from $7 to $27. Throughout the month of October, Hiatus invites guests to Spa for a Cause with $1 from the sale of every Hiatus Everyday product benefitting Peabody Fund: The Cancer Vaccine Project. The packaging design features watercolor images that mimic the art in each of the spas created by Texas-based artist Jan Heaton. The Weekend Collection features colors that are representative of the day of the week–Friday is green, which evokes life; Saturday is blue, which has a calming effect; and Sunday is terracotta, which grounds the soul. The team at Hiatus is excited to continue to grow the collection with additional products in the future.

With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry. Powered by products with real green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’ personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle. 

“Five years in the making, this project is truly a labor of love. Our debut line is an extension of the Hiatus experience, made to enhance daily health and wellness rituals—hence the name Hiatus Everyday. We selected the cleanest natural ingredients and were grateful to have found a Texas partner who crafts exquisite, sustainably sourced, small-batch products, which help to incorporate our core principles into everyday life.” – Hiatus Co-Founder Sheila Garrison

Whataburger and San Antonio Food Bank team up for fundraiser

Whataburger and San Antonio Food Bank team up for fundraiser for student hunger relief. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This month, as part of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program, Whataburger is partnering with the San Antonio Food Bank to help fight hunger and provide meals for San Antonio’s most vulnerable, as there are 50,000 more children in need since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2020)

From Monday, October 5 at 3p.m. through Friday, October 30 at 12a.m., customers who donate $1 or more to the San Antonio Food Bank at any Whataburger location across San Antonio or Schertz will receive a thank-you coupon for a free Whataburger with purchase of a medium fry and 32-ounce drink. The $1 donation provides seven meals from the San Antonio Food Bank and helps reach their goal of providing 350,000 meals to local children.

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.

Whataburger has focused on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 840 locations in 10 states and sales of more than $2.5 billion annually. Whataburger has 46,000 Family Members (employees) and more than 14 million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.

“A few weeks ago we pulled the trigger on preparing thousands of meals a day for kids who were struggling with food. We needed a miracle to cover our unexpected expenses. Whataburger provides the opportunity for the magic, but the customer will be the real miracle maker. I have full hope that our great community will come through and make it happen.”-  Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank

“Too many families in our community struggle to put food on the table for their children, and since the pandemic began, we know more children than ever are facing food insecurity. We started the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program to remove obstacles for our students, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with the San Antonio Food Bank to support families at a critical time, and get kids the nutrition they need to be healthy and successful.” – Rob Rodriguez, SVP and Chief Restaurant Operating Officer of Whataburger

North Star Mall food drive to benefit San Antonio Food Bank

North Star Mall be be hosting a food drive on Friday October 30 during which those who donate five or more items will receive a Cowboy Boots Fiesta Medal. Photo: North Star Mall, used with permission.

North Star Mall is holding a food drive on Friday, October 30 from 10a.m. to 4p.m. to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank.  A San Antonio Food Bank truck and red donation bins will be on site to receive food items all under gray tents with orange trim — the orange symbolizing hunger awareness — at the corner of Rector and San Pedro. North Star Mall staff and volunteers from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Society for Design Administration (SDA) will man the contactless collection point.  While supplies last, they will also be handing out a commemorative, limited edition, Fiesta Medal of its iconic Cowboy Boots, including stars that light-up, to those donating five items or more. (North Star Mall, 2020)

The San Antonio Food Bank’s 12 most wanted foods are: peanut butter, cereal, tuna, beans, rice, mac ‘n cheese, canned chili and soups, baby food, canned meats, pet food, full meals boxed or canned and pop top food items.

The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non-profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 500 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas. 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.

 “We created the medal to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the World’s Largest Cowboy Boots, along with the memory of its creator, the late Bob ‘Daddy-O’ Wade. It was our intent to offer the medals during Fiesta, but no one could foresee the impact of COVID-19. The pandemic also affected our ability to host CANstruction, an event where we would have typically partnered with architects, engineers and contractor teams representing the San Antonio chapters of the AIA and SDA. The event benefits the SA Food Bank during Hunger Action Month. This is our way of giving back to the community and helping such a worthy cause.” – Brenda Crawford, Sr. General Manager, North Star Mall.

Independence Brewing Co releases beer to spark voter engagement


Independence Brewing Co announced the release of Freak Power, a new blood orange hefeweizen. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.

Ahead of its sixteenth anniversary, Independence Brewing Co. announced the release of Freak Power, a new blood orange hefeweizen named in honor of Hunter S. Thompson’s groundbreaking campaign for sheriff of Aspen in 1970. The beer will debut just in time to kick off the voter registration period for Texas residents ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Just as Thompson created the “Freak Power Party” to inspire fellow “freaks” to vote, Independence Brewing aims to inspire the inner freak in all of us to participate in our democracy.  (Independence Brewing Co., 2020)

Freak Power is part of Independence Brewing’s upcoming initiative to help spread political awareness and civic engagement among eligible voters in markets where their beer is sold. As part of the Freak Power rollout, team members will be deputized as volunteer voter registrars for Travis County and the South Austin brewery will host voter registration drives ahead of Texas state elections on November 3, 2020. In addition to the brewery’s efforts in Austin, Independence Brewing’s sales representatives throughout the state will organize promotional events at local bars and retailers and assist on-site voter registration.

The recipe for Freak Power is a twist on the classic Bavarian hefeweizen, balancing the sweet clove esters with the citrusy tang of blood orange. The result is a hef that starts like a traditional German wheat beer and ends with a crisp finish that does not linger too long on the palate. It pairs best with light, starchy, and lemony foods, and at 5.4% ABV, Freak Power is an ideal candidate to engage and mobilize voters of all stripes without clouding their judgment.

The seasonal brew is available through November at the taproom and at local retailers throughout Texas. The can will be easy to spot, too. Bright pink and orange graphics against a matte-black backdrop will make this beer a standout on store shelves. 

Independence Brewing Co. is a local craft beer brewery and taproom located in Southeast Austin, Texas. Founded by Amy & Rob Cartwright in 2004, Independence Brewing Co. has grown from a small mom, pop, and dog operation to a team of 40 people producing more than 17 thousand barrels a year with distribution throughout Texas, Arkansas, and Colorado. Independence Brewing Co. is now one of the largest, longest-standing, and most beloved breweries in Central Texas.

Independence’s core lineup includes Austin Amber, Native Texan Pilsner, Power & Light Session IPA, Redbud Berliner Weisse, Convict Hill Oatmeal Stout, and the brand’s top-selling beer, Stash IPA. These beers and several seasonal/limited releases are available to be enjoyed in a laid-back, industrial-style tasting room with views of the beer-making process set to live music from local musicians. Birds Barbershop offers beers exclusively from Independence Brewing Co. in all nine of their locations across Texas.

“Now, more than ever, we need to encourage each other to speak up and enact change. The 2020 election is a critical moment for our nation and will set the political agenda for the coming years. With Freak Power, we sought to create something that ignites enthusiasm the way Hunter S. Thompson did back in 1970.” – Amy Cartwright, President and Co-Founder of Independence Brewing Co.

Virtual BUDDY WALK to benefit Down Syndrome Association of South Texas

This year’s BUDDY WALK is set for Saturday October 17. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Like so many non-profit organizations this year, the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas (DSASTX) is reworking event plans to respect the safety of the community and COVID compliance.  As a result, the 20th annual BUDDY WALK will be held virtually on Saturday, October 17.  This year’s participants will be asked to walk in their own neighborhoods, at their own pace and post videos and photos online to show support for DSASTX. (Down Syndrome Association of South Texas, 2020)

With income down 62 percent this year, the BUDDY WALK is critically important. Sponsorships, as well as individuals forming teams ‘walking’ to honor a loved one with Down syndrome, raise much needed funds. The goal is to raise $200,000. Registration fee is $10; if you cannot participate but would like to donate to the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas, please select the DONATE button online. Down Syndrome affects more than 1,275 families in San Antonio and surrounding areas and the DSASTX is there to assist with support groups, educational programs, fun activities and more.

The Down Syndrome Association of South Texas is determined to empower and support individuals with Down Syndrome and their families in South Texas.  The goals are to help give access to resources, provide engagement opportunities in the community and assist with progress toward self-actualization. It also provides lifelong services and support that optimizes well-being, develops rewarding relationships and fosters inclusion in the community. For additional information, please visit Down Syndrome Association of South Texas and follow @DSASTX on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“We are honored to have Kym’s Angels Foundation as our presenting sponsor. We share similar programming goals and with support from sponsors like Kym’s Angels we are able to provide virtual activities for those home-bound during these difficult times.”  – Brian Lopez, executive director for Down Syndrome Association of South Texas.

Garrison Brothers raises funds for Good Bourbon for a Good Cause

Garrison Brothers raised $400,000 using their Laguna Madre bourbon. Photo: Rob Cordes, used with permission.

In April 2020, Garrison Brothers Distillery launched Operation Crush COVID-19, a fundraising campaign to help American communities recover and rebuild from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The initiative raised $400K by pivoting and dedicating the release of their rarest, most exclusive, top-shelf bourbon called Laguna Madre.  Fundraising ended on August 15 and recipients of the donations included 53 Texas bartenders, veteran-led disaster response organization Team Rubicon, Southern Smoke Foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund and the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s TX Restaurant Relief Fund. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2020)

Laguna Madre is named after the beautiful blue waters along Texas’ Gulf Coast. The ultra-premium bourbon was first aged for four years in new white American oak barrels. It was then aged for four more years in barrels made of Limousin oak from France, which is prized for the vanilla flavor it bestows. Limousin oak imparts spirits with distinct flavors of vanilla, sweet candy, cacao and thick, white chocolate. There are only 400 bottles of Laguna Madre remaining and they are available for purchase for $299/each exclusively at the Garrison Brothers Distillery Gift Shop in Hye, Texas. Additional donations to Good Bourbon for a Good Cause are strongly encouraged at point of purchase. 

Garrison Brothers Distillery is a small farm and ranch, located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, that authentically produces straight bourbon whiskey. Garrison Brothers introduced the first bourbon whiskey legally made in Texas in 2010 and they currently have a wait list of more than 17,000 people hoping to land a spot on bottling days. The distillery and its barrel barns are open to the public for tours in Hye, Texas.

Funds of Good Bourbon for a Cause  are distributed to charitable organizations in Blanco and Gillespie counties of Texas and also to charitable organizations that serve current and former American military personnel nationwide. The types of charitable causes that are supported include but are not limited to:

  • Organizations that help current or former American military veterans and their families
  • Organizations that help former American military personnel get back to leading a rewarding life
  • Organizations that help American veterans recover from debilitating medical, mental health or psychological challenges
  • Organizations dedicated to conserving and preserving nature, wildlife, green spaces, or historical landmarks and historical sites
  • Other charitable organizations that the board of directors determine to be within the intent and spirit of the formation of this corporation

To date, the nonprofit organization has raised and contributed over to $500,000.

 “The mission of Good Bourbon for a Good Cause is to change the world through the power of good bourbon. The highly-anticipated Laguna Madre release provided us the best tool to raise the maximum amount of money, and I’m inspired by the coalescence of our community during these uncertain times.” Dan Garrison, founder and proprietor of Garrison Brothers Distillery. 

Celebrate National Dog Day with Whataburger and San Antonio Humane Society

Celebrate National Dog Day this Wednesday August 26 with Whataburger. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

This National Dog Day, Whataburger and the San Antonio Humane Society are partnering to host ‘The Ulti-Mutt Pooch Party’ for dog lovers everywhere. (Whataburger, 2020)

Set for Wednesday August 26,from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Whataburger’s YouTube channel, the live-stream celebration will feature adoptable pets, pool playtime with pups of all shapes and sizes, plenty of dog-friendly cake eating, an orange-and-white striped doghouse and maybe even a shout out to cats. Whataburger will also be launching their new pet collection that day, details coming soon.

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.”  Now with more than 800 locations across the country, Whataburger 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.

Pearl announces Fabric Shop and Nonprofit Labor Program

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Niche at Pearl has created The Stitch at Niche. Photo: Niche at Pearl, used with permission.

Pearl is announcing new initiatives by select retailers to better serve customers and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar to the launch of the Pearl Farmers Market Online to aid local farmers, these programs showcase the resilience of Pearl tenants as they adapt to changing circumstances. (Pearl, 2020)

With sewing and crafting on the rise across the country since the start of the pandemic, Niche at Pearl is creating its newest concept: The Stitch at Niche – a carefully curated fabric shop and project space. The shop will launch at the Niche at Pearl store starting on Friday, August 21, 2020. The Stitch at Niche will include one-of-a-kind textiles, trims, and buttons not available at other fabric stores. Much of the fabric has been developed specifically for the Niche brand with textile manufacturers from all over the world that only work with the garment industry. Niche at Pearl will be offering the fabric and trims by the yard and prices vary based on the material.

The Stitch at Niche will stock simple sewing patterns from the Niche collection for garments and projects. By Fall, it will roll out a collection of limited in-stock and semi-custom home decor to include pillows, curtains, napkins and other soft goods. Once it is safe to do so, Niche will host maker workshops and classes in store in the project area, led by its designer Nilgun Derman, its team and guest makers. In the meantime, the store will release short how-to videos on practical sewing tips and easy at-home projects.

The Stitch at Niche will stock over 75 kinds of rotating textiles and hundreds of buttons and trims:

  • Silks and silk dupioni in a rainbow of colors and patterns
  • Linens and linen blends, including solids and digital prints
  • French jacquards and brocades
  • Embroidered knit jersey and cotton shirting
  • PFD (prepared for dye) linens, cotton and knits for tie-dye and small batch dyeing projects
  • Boiled wool and lightweight outerwear fabrics
  • Handmade, detailed buttons in shell, horn and wood, including large decorative buttons
  • Beaded and crocheted trims

Traveling sewing kits will also be available for $8 and will include: black hinged tin, needle/thread, seam ripper, tape measure, “twinbutton” shell buttons, black mini safety pins, elastic band and set of snaps. Niche at Pearl will additionally carry pattern kits for simple home projects.

With the recent rising trend of virtual wine classes and wine packs to go, High Street Wine Co. added them to better serve its customers. But High Street’s programming offers a unique give back approach with the launch of its Nonprofit Labor Program.

For every wine pack and select wine classes purchased, High Street allocates service hours and sends its team members to volunteer with its nonprofit partners — all of which were selected by their team. At online check-out, guests can choose which organization to support, including San Antonio Hope Center, Meals on Wheels, West Avenue Compassion or San Antonio Food Bank. Guests can also choose to match labor contributions to pay High Street’s staff to take additional time to volunteer for the organizations. Wine packs and classes vary in price and selections are available on High Street online.

High Street has temporarily transformed its interior into a donation drop-off station. Guests can drop off donation items, which High Street then delivers to its nonprofit partners. To kick-start the program and encourage donations, High Street is providing complimentary Pearl beer to anyone who drops a donation from the approved list (must be 21 and older to receive complimentary beer).

“I’m continually inspired by the resilience and innovation of our retail and restaurant community. Our partners are responding to the needs of San Antonio and creating avenues of support for their businesses and employees.” – Elizabeth Fauerso, Pearl’s Chief Marketing Officer