The Power of Music and Charity: Gibson’s Role in Helping Communities Affected by Wildfires

Gibson and Gibson Gives join forces with music brands and humanitarian aid organizations to provide immediate assistance to wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles. Photo: Gibson Gives

NASHVILLE, TN – In the wake of the devastating wildfires in Southern California, Gibson, the iconic American-made instrument brand,and its philanthropic division Gibson Gives, have joined forces with multiple music brands to help support the recovery of music programs and musicians impacted by the fires, as well as raise immediate funds for relief efforts and humanitarian aid organizations across Los Angeles. Gibson has pledged an initial $250,000 across its nonprofit partners for wildfire relief. Gibson Gives is taking action–independently and in partnership with other brands–to make the largest possible impact. For more details and to donate directly, visit here. (Gibson/Gibson Gives, 2025)

To maximize this effort, Gibson, Gibson Gives, and Guitar Center–the world’s largest retailer of musical instruments–as well as its charitable organization The Guitar Center Music Foundation have enlisted the assistance and support of many prominent manufacturers from the music instrument (MI) industry including AKG, AlphaTheta/Pioneer, Audio-Technica, Eastman, ESP Guitars, Hoshino (Ibanez Guitars/TAMA Drums), JBL Professional, C. F. Martin & Co., Pearl Drums, Remo Inc., Roland, DW, Saga, Schecter Guitar Research, Shure, Sony Music, Universal Audio, Vater Percussion, Yamaha, and Avedis Zildjian Co, in a massive and unprecedented donation relief effort.

For musicians, music professionals, or a nonprofit music program based in the Los Angeles area affected by the fires, the Guitar Center Foundation and Gibson Gives are donating a special one-time grant to replace instruments and gear. Los Angeles musicians who lost their instruments and gear can reach out and apply HERE now through February 28th 2025. Proof of loss or address may be required.

“The recent wildfires have deeply impacted our artists and friends in Los Angeles. Gibson is committed to donating directly to these incredible organizations and working together with the music community to deliver immediate and impactful aid, and to help communities rebuild.” – Cesar Gueikian, CEO of Gibson.

“I am deeply grateful to see such an outpouring of support from everyone coming together to assist musicians who have tragically lost their instruments in the fire. This collective effort is not just about replacing instruments; it’s about restoring the power of music in people’s lives—a vital source of healing, renewal, and strength as they navigate the journey of rebuilding their lives and communities.”  –Myka Miller, Executive Director of The Guitar Center Music Foundation

Gibson and Gibson Gives, Fire Relief 2025:

1. Community and Shelter Support: Gibson Gives is partnering with local organizations and brands to deliver essential life resources such as food, water, and apparel to all wildfire affected communities. In partnership with Vans, Liquid Death, and more Gibson will provide supplies including Gibson t-shirts, Vans socks, shoes, Liquid Death water, and more to help meet immediate needs at shelters around Los Angeles.

2. Assistance to Individual Artists: To support individual artists affected by the disaster, Gibson Gives will contribute a cash donation to MusiCares, helping provide essential necessities and aiding in their stabilization and recovery. MusiCares provides short-term disaster relief,including$1,500 in financial assistance and a $500 grocery card, to music professionals impacted. MusiCares disaster relief is intended to cover short-term costs, should you incur costs from evacuating (hotel, food, supplies).

3. Instrument and Gear Replacement: In collaboration with Guitar Center and the Guitar Center Foundation, Gibson and Gibson Gives will jointly promote and manage instrument replacement requests. Additional music manufacturers contributing to this effort so far include AKG, AlphaTheta/Pioneer, Audio-Technica, Eastman, ESP Guitars, Hoshino (Ibanez Guitars/TAMA Drums), JBL Professional, C. F. Martin & Co., Pearl Drums, Remo Inc., Roland, DW, Saga, Schecter Guitar Research, Shure, Sony Music, Universal Audio, Vater Percussion, Yamaha, and Avedis Zildjian Co. Our priority is to assist professional artists, schools, and nonprofit music programs and organizations that have lost instruments, helping to restore creativity and continuity.

4. Fundraising for First Responders and Community Assistance: We are providing funds raised to support and address broad community needs, ensuring that resources are effectively directed to where they are most needed. For the next two months, Gibson Gives will channel online and onsite donations at our Gibson Garage Nashville flagship store location, and disaster relief donations to the following foundations below:

  • The LAFD Foundation provides vital equipment and funds critical programs to help the LAFD save lives and protect communities.
  • The SoCal Fire Fund provides immediate and long-term support for community-centered recovery initiatives that aid students, school employees, and families impacted by the January 2025 fires.
  • Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund The Pasadena Community Foundation Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund provides flexible support to local nonprofit organizations as they respond to the local Eaton fire.
  • The American Red Cross is working 24/7 with partners in Southern California to make sure people have the support they need in the face of the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, Lidia Fire, Sunset Fire and Kenneth Fire.

5. School Music Programs: Gibson Gives is supporting Music Rising, a disaster relief fund administered by the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation that rebuilds school music programs and replaces student instruments lost in natural disasters.

6. Gibson Employees: Gibson’s GoldTop Foundation assistance is available for all Gibson employees directly affected by the Los Angeles area wildfires.

7. Animal Relief: As a company of animal lovers, Gibson is supporting a variety of animal shelters and veterinarian clinics alongside Gibson artist, Miranda Lambert through her foundation, MuttNation. The MuttNation–Tractor Supply Relief for Rescues Fund is supporting shelters in the California region impacted by the fire.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat’s Spa For A Cause during Earth Month

Spa For A Cause during Earth Month benefits Charity:Water. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Earth Month, celebrated annually in April, serves as a global reminder of our planet’s fragility and the urgent need for environmental stewardship. It’s a time for individuals, communities, and organizations to unite in sustainable actions, raising awareness about pressing environmental issues like climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Earth Month is a call to action, inspiring collective responsibility and fostering a deeper connection to nature, emphasizing the importance of sustainable living and conservation efforts year-round.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat, the award-winning Texas day spa with eight locations across the state, is delighted to announce its annual Spa for a Cause campaign to celebrate Earth Month, taking place from April 1-30. Each Hiatus Spa location and online will raffle off one of their most popular HydraFacial services, with 100% of ticket proceeds benefiting Charity: Water, a nonprofit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to millions of people around the world. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2024)

The Change Your Life HydraFacial®, valued at $305, is the ultimate treatment that includes all the luxurious essentials of the HydraFacial System while balancing performance and relaxation. Guests can purchase one raffle ticket for $5 or five raffle tickets for $20 at any of the eight locations or online throughout April. 

Since 2016, Hiatus has funded two wells through Charity: Water, one in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and one in Jahapur, Bangladesh. This has given over 700 people access to clean water.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat was founded in Dallas in 2007 by longtime friends Sheila Garrison, Kristin Heaton Peabody, and Bill Garrison. With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies list 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 environmentally friendly 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.

Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission

Texas Food & Wine Alliance announces Live Fire! and Rick Bayless meet and greet

Tickets are now on sale for can’t miss Texas Food & Wine Alliance fundraisers. Photo: Texas Food & Wine Alliance, used with permission.

The Texas Food & Wine Alliance (TFWA) has released a schedule of fundraising events featuring beloved TV personalities, Top Chef all-stars, and James Beard Award honorees. (Texas Food and Wine Alliance, 2024)

Ahead of his appearance at the Potluck feast at Willie Nelson’s ranch, iconic restaurateur, television host, and cookbook author Rick Bayless will be in Austin for a book signing and meet-and-greet at Nixta Taqueria. On Tuesday, March 12 from 4p.m. – 5:30p.m., foodies will have a chance to chat with the Michelin-starred master chef as he signs copies of his classic cookbook, “More Mexican Everyday: Simple, Seasonal, Celebratory.” The $50 ticket price, available online, includes a copy of the book, wine and beer, and light bites from Nixta’s kitchen.

Then, Live Fire!, Austin’s favorite cookout, returns to Camp Mabry on Thursday, April 11 from 6:30p.m. – 9p.m. with a dynamic lineup of award-winning chefs. General admission tickets for the sell-out event are now on sale for $125 HERE. All proceeds will benefit the Alliance’s culinary grant program.

This year, Live Fire! is celebrating global culinary traditions with a blazing party showcasing open-flame cooking, premium wine and beer, and cocktail craftsmanship. Top-notch chefs from across the state will showcase the versatility of Texas beef in innovative bites cooked on-site. 

Keeping with tradition, a lineup of nationally recognized chefs and statewide favorites will turn up the heat. Some of the nation’s most recognized chefs will be participating, including beloved Top Chef finalists, James Beard Award nominees, and emerging pitmasters.

Minding the grills will be:

  • Chef Laila Bazahm — El Raval (Austin) 
  • Chef Mattison Bills — Three Six General (San Marcos), Howdy Child (San Antonio)
  • Chef Aaron Bludorn — Bludorn Restaurant, Navy Blue (Houston)
  • Chefs Chuck Charnichart, Alexis Tovías Morales, and Haley Conlin — Barbs B Q (Lockhart)
  • Chefs Krystal Craig and Ian Thurwachter — Poeta (Austin)
  • Chef Jakub Czyszczon — Garrison (Austin)
  • Chefs Mike Diaz and Laura Sawicki— Oseyo (Austin)
  • Chef Todd Duplechan — Lenoir (Austin)
  • Chefs Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu — Top Chef, Jūn (Houston)
  • Chef Levi Goode — Credence, Sidebar, Goode Company Restaurant Group (Houston)
  • Chef Robert Hale with special guest Chef Rick Neal — Beef Loving Texans
  • Chef Rebecca Masson — Top Chef: Just Desserts, Fluff Bake Bar (Houston)
  • Chef Jess Pryles — Hardcore Carnivore
  • Chef Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman — José (Dallas)
  • Chef Nic Yanes — Murray’s Tavern (Austin)

Chef Jason Dady of San Antonio’s Tre Trattoria will also fire up the ovens for the Live Fire Pizzeria activation. More culinary talent will be announced in the upcoming days.

In addition to the fiery grand tasting, the 2024 edition of Live Fire! will also feature an exclusive VIP experience. The Live Fire! Steakhouse will transport guests to a midcentury supper club, complete with cocktail carts and flaming desserts. Featured chefs include Andy Knudson of All Pro Smokeshow, John Bates of Interstellar BBQ, and special guests to be announced. VIP tickets are $175 and include early admission at 6p.m.

“We are thrilled to work with some of Austin’s most talented chefs and excited to bring in so much culinary talent from out of town. We’re fired up to show Austin everything they have to offer.” – TFWA Executive Director Erika White

Proceeds from the signature tasting event will help TFWA 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. Since 2012, AFWA has awarded $528,500 in grants to fund local culinary projects. 

As the sole beneficiary of the Austin Food + Wine Festival, held every year in November, the Texas Food & Wine Alliance also features educational programming and culinary events showcasing Texas chef talent, artisan and local producers, world-class wine and spirit makers, and craft brewers.

The Texas Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness and innovation in 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 commitment is to promote Texas food, wine, spirits, and craft brews and to increase appreciation of Texas’ culinary impact.

Taco Cabana’s Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets

Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets to benefit Texas Children’s Hospitals. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

This October, Taco Cabana will celebrate the Fall season with the return of its beloved, limited-time Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets, featuring five FREE signature bean & cheese tacos. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

Beginning Friday, September 29, 2023, the Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets will be available for purchase at all Texas Taco Cabana locations for just $2 while supplies last. This year, all proceeds from the booklet sales will be donated to Dell Children’s Medical Center at Ascension Seton in Austin, TX; Children’s Health in Dallas, TX; El Paso Children’s Hospital in El Paso, TX; Christus Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, TX; and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX. The booklets will be available for purchase in-restaurant only through Tuesday, October 31, 2023, and coupons must be redeemed by Wednesday, November 30, 2023.

“Giving back to the local communities we serve has always been a big part of Brand Taco Cabana since we opened our first TC in San Antonio forty-five years ago. The Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Booklets have become a philanthropic tradition at Taco Cabana and something that so many of our loyal guests look forward to each year. We’re so happy to bring them back for the 2023 Halloween season, and we are even more honored to donate the proceeds to Texas children’s hospitals so that they may continue their life-saving efforts.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana President and Chief Operating Officer

The Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets must be purchased in-store, and they may be redeemed only in-restaurant or via the drive-thru.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of September 25, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Night of Artists showcases the best of today’s western art

The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s annual exhibition and sale proves once again the strength of the genre. Opening weekend events take place March 24 – 25. Photo: Google

If you imagine Western art as dusty, historic relics of the past, you need to set your sights for San Antonio and the Biscoe Western Art Museum’s  2023 Night of Artists Exhibition and Sale, March 24-25. With the opportunity to view and purchase nearly 300 new works of painting, sculpture, and mixed media by 80 of the country’s leading contemporary Western artists, Night of Artists draws artists, collectors and art enthusiasts to the banks of the San Antonio River Walk for two days of unforgettable festivities kicking off one of the premier Western art exhibitions and sales in the world. Beyond the opening celebration, Night of Artists is a public exhibition and sale that spans six weeks at the Briscoe, March 26 – May 7, and is included with general admission to the museum. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2023)

The wide range of artwork reflect the vastness of the great American West. From scenic landscapes and inspired Native Americans, classic cowboys, and dazzling vaqueros, to stunning wildlife and detailed portraiture, Night of Artists features something for every art enthusiast. Some of the featured artists include Billy Schenck, Don Oelze, Z.S. Liang, C. Michael Dudash, George Hallmark, Kim Wiggins, Bonnie Marris, Michael Ome Untiedt, Teresa Elliot, and Jan Mapes.

Notable new artists participating this year include Jeremy Lipking, Eric Bowman, Glenn Dean, Dustin Van Wechel, Bob Guelich, Kevin Red Star and Tony Pro.

The Briscoe’s signature event and a must for any collector, Night of Artists, serves as the primary fundraiser for the museum, benefiting the Briscoe’s full array of exhibitions and programs throughout the year. The event’s two-day opening weekend kicks off with the annual Briscoe Bison Society Collectors Summit, where artists, collectors and gallery owners gather to share their insights during panel discussions and conversations exploring the Western art market and trends. Intended for everyone from the novice to the seasoned art collector, the panels feature nationally recognized Western artists, experts and gallery owners. The two-part summit takes place March 24 and March 25 at The Westin Riverwalk.

The Exhibition Preview, Dinner and Live Auction taking place in the Briscoe’s Jack Guenther Pavilion on the banks of the San Antonio River Walk unfolds on March 24 with an evening of cocktails in the Night of Artists exhibition, an elegant, seated dinner, and a spirited live auction. Conducted by Troy Black, the live auction features 35 separate works.

The Night of Artists Awards Luncheon takes place March 25, honoring the artists in this year’s exhibition and recognizing the annual award winners.

Night of Artists’ signature event, the Exhibition Opening, Art Sale and Reception, takes place March 25. This memorable evening includes the “Luck of the Draw” Art Sale, where works of art are available for purchase at a fixed price established by the artist. Attendees receive a ballot book and place an intent to purchase slip in the box next to a work of art they would like to purchase. When time expires, two slips are randomly drawn, allowing the first drawee the opportunity to purchase the piece or pass it along to the second drawee. All the excitement happens to the tune of live music under the stars in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden.

Tickets for all Night of Artists events are available online or by calling 210.299.4499. The Night of Artists public exhibition will be on display during regular museum hours March 26 – May 7 and is included in museum admission. Unsold works during opening weekend will be available for purchase both in-person and online.

Culinaria helps hospitality industry

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Culinaria is helping out the hospitality industry with several programs. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.

The hospitality industry is one of the major industries in San Antonio and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it is an industry struggling more with each passing day. With many furloughed and inevitable restaurant closures, the situation will most likely get worse before it gets better. Culinaria, with its mission to promote San Antonio as a culinary destination for food and wine, is stepping in to help. The other component of its mission is to offer support to the industry it serves in times of financial hardship. In the past, fundraising was structured through events to benefit a specific individual or family, but now, at this time an event is not an option, and the need to assist others is of growing importance. (Culinaria, 2020)

Culinaria has initiated three tiers of assistance to address short and long-term needs for individuals and restaurants/bars in the San Antonio area.

HospitALLity House focuses on short-term needs by ensuring those in the hospitality industry receive a hot meal. Service is provided Monday through Saturday at Alamo BBQ from 4p.m. to 7p.m. and several other restaurants have stepped in to help with meals at their locations.  Food donations and monetary contributions from generous businesses and individuals have helped keep this program going. It has already fed more than 12,000 in its first two weeks of operation.

Culinaria Family Meal Kits are networked through chefs for distribution to furloughed workers. Hospitality businesses who have employees in need can email Culinaria to be included in the kit distribution.

For long-term needs, an Emergency Relief Fund has been established and will issue funds to hospitality workers in need of financial assistance. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to donate to the Emergency Relief Fund through PayPal or Venmo online. An application process is available online and the current need is greater than the resources available, so Culinaria will continue its outreach  to raise enough funds to assist more individuals and to later provide relief for restaurants and bars to reopen.

Culinaria’s social media channels will be posting the locations and times where hospitality industry workers can get the hot meals.

In addition, Culinaria is offering the Restaurant Weeks To-Go, to promote restaurants that have remained opened for to-go, curbside and delivery services. A complete listing of those restaurants,  menus (when available) as well as restaurant websites and phone numbers is available online.

 Some of the key support includes contributions from Chef Jason Dady, Silver Eagle, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Sysco, Alamo BBQ, Bakery Lorraine, Chef John Brand and Hotel Emma, Gaucho Gourmet, Cheesecake Factory, Panifico Bake Shop, Hush San Antonio, San Pellegrino and Texana Brands

“This is definitely an unprecedented time for us all and our hope is to support furloughed industry workers that have helped put this city on the map as a culinary destination.”- Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, President/CEO of Culinaria.

Garrison Brothers Distillery launches fundraiser

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Garrison Brothers Distillery launched Operation Crush COVID-19. Photo: Garrison Brothers Distillery, used with permission.

Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, has launched Operation Crush COVID-19, a fundraising campaign to help American communities recover and rebuild. The campaign, launched in partnership with Good Bourbon for a Good Cause, the distillery’s 501(c)3 public charity, aims to raise more than $2 million dollars for veteran-led disaster response organization Team Rubicon, which is currently serving in communities across the country, leading efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Good Bourbon for a Good Cause will also be naming a secondary beneficiary that is helping with the immediate needs of hospitality industry professionals and their families. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2020)

Until recently, Garrison Brothers had planned to release Laguna Madre, a special project over 10 years in the making, later this summer through traditional liquor retail channels. Laguna Madre is the oldest bourbon Garrison Brothers has made to date; an eight-year-old, top-shelf release named after the beautiful blue waters along Texas’ Gulf Coast. The ultra-premium bourbon was aged in new white American oak barrels for four years and aged secondarily for four more years in Limousin oak from France, which is prized for its vanilla content. Limousin oak wood imparts spirits with distinct flavors of vanilla, sweet candy, cacao and thick, white chocolate that an experienced bourbon drinker will never forget.

The original plan was to release just over 2,000 bottles to the distillery’s original supporters, then to close friends, then to bars and restaurants who have always championed the brand. But in light of COVID-19, Laguna Madre will now be available only to donors who contribute $1,000 or more to Good Bourbon for a Good Cause in partnership with Team Rubicon, a global disaster response organization composed primarily of military veterans and first responders who are deploying teams to areas heavily affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The first 2,004 people to contribute $1,000 or more will receive a bottle of Laguna Madre. Everyone is invited and encouraged to donate whatever they can. “If you donate $100, you will forever have our respect and you can choose to take home any clothing item from our gift shop for free,” adds Rob Cordes, marketing director at Garrison Brothers Distillery.  “If you donate $500, we’ll reserve one bottle of Boot Flask (375ml) and one bottle of Honey Dew (750ml) for you.”

There will be 4,008 bottles of Boot Flask, 4,008 bottles of Honey Dew and 2,004 bottles of Laguna Madre available.

“At Team Rubicon, we know we’re only as strong as our volunteers, partners and donors, as we fight this invisible war on COVID-19, we must all work together. During this unprecedented time, we are entirely grateful to have Garrison Brothers Distillery and its customers by our side, supporting our efforts in response to this deadly virus. This generous donation will help us continue to prepare, respond and aid community recovery efforts across the country.” – Jake Wood, co-founder and CEO of Team Rubicon.

 

Spa for a Cause at Hiatus Spa + Retreat for Earth Month

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Hiatus Spa + Retreat’s Spa for a Cause in April benefits charity:water. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission. 

Hiatus Spa + Retreat is excited to announce their annual month-long fundraiser at all locations to honor Earth Month this April. Hiatus will host ‘Spa for a Cause,’ to benefit charity:water, which includes a special water-conserving monthly retreat and special pricing on Essential Services. Each of these specials will support Hiatus’ $10,000 fundraising goal for charity:water, a nonprofit organization delivering clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. For the past three years, by reaching their fundraising goal, charity:water was able to build two wells in Ethiopia benefitting over 300 people. Hiatus intends to meet its goal again this year.(Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2019)

Hiatus is offering a special discount of 20% off all Essential Services during the month of April when guests book ‘Spa for a Cause’ branded services with promo code “charity water.” 20% of profits from these services go towards charity:water. Hiatus will also donate $10 to charity:water for each guest who enrolls in the H-Circle membership program during the month of April.

This year, Hiatus will offer Stone Unturned, a special water conserving monthly retreat for April. A skin-quenching experience, after a dry-brush exfoliation, the skin is drenched in nourishing shea and cocoa butter while hot stones glide from head to toe. As the warmth of the stones fades, they are gently situated under the body to continue melting away tension while the body is enveloped in layers of a warm wrap. Fall into deeper relaxation with a reflexology session and awaken with a refreshing cool stone face massage. The result is radiant skin and good karma knowing this service contributes to clean water initiatives.

Hiatus strives to be earth-friendly year-round and has made the environment a cornerstone of its business philosophy. This includes from initial build-out to ongoing initiatives, such as bottle cap recycling, 100 percent wind-powered energy, VOC-free paint finishes, post-consumer recycled paper printed with soy ink and its no-bottled-water policy.

Sheila Garrison, Kristin Peabody and partner Bill Garrison founded Hiatus Spa + Retreat in Dallas in 2007. Since then, the spa has received numerous accolades, including the Innovate Award, International Spa Association – 2013, Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies 2012 – 2018, American Spa Magazine – Favorite Day Spa 2016, D Magazine’s Best of Big D 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 – Best Spa. With five successful locations in Dallas, Austin, Plano and San Antonio and two new Texas locations opening soon, the Texas-born day spa features fifty-plus signature treatments with a high-touch experience.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Parkway, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355

Whataburger fundraiser for Aue Elementary

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The next Oh Whata Night is Thursday March 21 to benefit Aue Elementary. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission. 

Whataburger periodically hosts events to help the community and its various schools. These events have ranged from “Oh Whata Nights” to jalapeño eating contests, drawings and raffles. This Thursday March 21 from 4p.m. to 7p.m., Whataburger is hosting a fundraiser to benefit Aue Elementary School. The public is invited to come and show their support by enjoying their favorite menu items and during the posted hours, Whataburger will donate 20 percent of the sales to the school. (Whataburger, 2019)

The first 100 guests will receive a free Whataburger drawstring pencil bag. Attendees will also have a chance to enter the popular Whataburger for a Year prize drawing where one lucky winner will receive a free Whataburger each week for an entire year. There will also be fun, family-friendly activities, including a photo booth. This Whata Night fundraiser will be at the posted location only.

“Whataburger believes in investing in the communities we call home. We’re fortunate enough to have the most generous customers, and with their help, we’re so proud to host a fun-filled evening for the San Antonio-area community and the students at Aue Elementary School.” Tom Willet – Whataburger Director of Operations

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 700 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.

Whataburger
25111 W IH 10 (near Ralph Fair Rd)
San Antonio, TX 78255
(210) 698-5485

Gingerbread house decorating parties to benefit SA YOUTH

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La Cantera Resort & Spa will host Gingerbread Decorating Parties to benefit SA YOUTH. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission. 

La Cantera Resort & Spa is having Gingerbread Decorating Parties this month at the San Gabriel Meeting Room to benefit SA YOUTH and children and adults can both participate in this sweet event. La Cantera Resort will provide the home-made, ready to assemble house and resort Pastry Chefs will offer decorating tips while guests provide the creativity. These decorating parties are set for Thursday, December 6 from 7p.m. to 9p.m. and Saturdays, December 8, 15 and 22 from 10a.m. to 1p.m. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2018)

Gingerbread Houses are $50 each and may be reserved by calling (210) 558-2247 or emailing the recreation department. Ten dollars from every Gingerbread House purchased will benefit SA YOUTH. SA YOUTH’s mission is to develop the character, strengths, talents and skills of San Antonio’s high-risk urban youth through fun, safe experiences, positive learning environments and holistic programs that inspire everyone to fulfill their potential personally and in the community. More information holiday events is available online.

La Cantera Resort & Spa
San Gabriel Meeting Room
16641 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500