Soccer for a Cause unveils proposed expansion of Toyota Field to create top-tier soccer stadium

scorpions logoSoccer for a causeSoccer for a Cause unveiled a proposed expansion of the home of the San Antonio Scorpions – Toyota Field – to make it one of the nation’s premier soccer and special-events venues.

“The escalating interest in the Scorpions and professional soccer over the past two years has been mind-boggling,” said Gordon Hartman, who launched Soccer for a Cause to bring pro soccer to San Antonio and benefit the special-needs community.  “We are blessed to be a franchise playing in the North American Soccer League, however we must be prepared to expand once support and investment are secured to allow for additional opportunities.

“We want to be ready to take our venue to the next level as fan and sponsor support in soccer continues to grow.  The recent World Cup competition serves as a great example that the most popular sport internationally is gaining even more popularity all over the globe including San Antonio and South Texas.”

In the interest of elevating soccer to the highest professional level, District 10 City Councilman Mike Gallagher has already received the support of four fellow Council colleagues to request that the full City Council pass a resolution affirming its desire to assist in bringing Major League Soccer (MLS) to San Antonio.

“The success of the San Antonio Scorpions and Toyota Field is providing compelling evidence that a professional soccer market exists here in San Antonio,” Councilman Gallagher said.  “Soccer has the same potential to transform San Antonio into a major league city as pro basketball did over 43 years ago.  The opportunity to bring MLS to San Antonio not only benefits the citizens of this city but also impacts South and Central Texas and Mexico.”

Toyota Field Additions and Improvements
The cost to expand Toyota Field is estimated at $38-45 million.  Designed by Pro Sports Developments (PSD) of San Antonio, the expansion envisions the addition of 10,000 seats to the existing 8,000, with 9,000 of the new seats on a new upper tier that would create a bowl-like configuration around the playing field.

“A roof canopy above the new upper-tier seating would provide shade as well as amplify the crowd noise that Toyota Field is famous for,” Hartman explained.  “This would rival the fan experience and atmosphere of any top-tier soccer-specific stadium across the country.”

Eighteen suites accommodating up to 24 fans apiece would be added to the east side of the stadium, bringing the total number of Toyota Field suites to 32.  Plans also call for three new clubs – the East Club with 130 balcony seats on the east suite level, the West Club with 40 observation-terrace seats on the existing west suite level and a Members Club at the southeast corner of the stadium.  Club patrons and suite holders would be allowed to use a new entrance directly across from existing reserved parking.

Other proposed enhancements include concessions, restrooms and merchandise outlets on each stadium level to efficiently meet the level of fan demand at halftime; field lighting for Division 1 network broadcasting; and a team store accessible from inside and outside the stadium.

Just as Soccer for a Cause has been a “beacon of light” for San Antonio and professional sports, Hartman said, a high-powered beam of light is planned to extend from the southeast corner of the stadium high up into the night sky during Scorpions matches.  The shaft of light would be seen for miles away, reminding San Antonio and surrounding areas that the home team is on the pitch.  The beam of light would turn red when the Scorpions score a goal or win the match.

About Soccer for a Cause
In 2010, Soccer for a Cause mobilized community support for pro soccer and ultimately led to the establishment of the Scorpions franchise, the only one of its kind in professional sports.  The Scorpions and Toyota Field – along with the nearby STAR (South Texas Area Regional) Soccer Complex, with its 13 FIFA-sized fields for league and tournament play – commit all net profits to Morgan’s Wonderland, which was designed with special-needs individuals in mind and built to be enjoyed by everyone.  This helps the non-profit theme park meet its operating expenses as well as expand programs and services for the special-needs community.

Hartman sold his homebuilding business in 2005 to devote – along with wife Maggie – time, vision and energy to philanthropic pursuits.  They began with Morgan’s Wonderland so people of all ages with and without disabilities could come together in an inclusive, safe, totally wheelchair-accessible theme park for fun and understanding.  Now in its fifth season, Morgan’s Wonderland features more than 25 attractions including rides, playscapes and gardens spread out over 25 acres in what once was a limestone quarry.  The park admits anyone with a cognitive or physical special need free of charge.

Construction of Toyota Field began in April 2012, and the Scorpions played their first home match there a year later.  On Aug. 28, 2012, global automaker Toyota announced its presenting sponsorship of Toyota Field, which is also designed to host special events, community activities and concerts.  Toyota Field is owned and managed by the same 501C-3 non-profit organization as Morgan’s Wonderland.

Toyota Field is located adjacent to Morgan’s Wonderland at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive, a half-mile west of IH 35 in Northeast San Antonio.

For More Information
Additional information about Toyota Field is available at www.ToyotaField.com, while more info about the San Antonio Scorpions can be found at www.SAScorpions.com, http://www.Facebook.com/SanAntonioScorpions or http://www.Twitter.com/SAScorpions.  Visit www.MorgansWonderland.com or call (210) 495-5888 to learn more about Morgan’s Wonderland, and go to www.MonarchAcademy.net to find out more about Monarch Academy, a school for students with special needs next to Morgan’s Wonderland.

Get to know Daily Bread Ministries

DailyBread_4cMission Statement
Using our faith, food, and facility, we partner with businesses, churches, nonprofits, and Christian Ministries to have a life-transforming impact on the hungry and under-served through nutritional, educational, and health support services.

History
Since 1996, our efforts to “glean,” or reclaim food and other necessities has resulted not only in environmental stewardship, but more importantly, transferring millions of pounds of food and household goods to struggling families.  In 2013, we distributed 4.3 million pounds of food and other basic necessities to 120 organizations which fed over 300,000 individuals, many of which are single moms and their children. We have partnerships with over 30 food sellers within our city, and also receive intermittent food shipments from several national food organizations. With a small staff of 8, we rely heavily on our 1,500+ annual volunteers. Over 100 arrive in mass three times a week to sort and separate goods for distribution, as well as clean and take care of our facility.

Future
In 2012, Daily Bread Ministries purchased a 163,000 square foot which is being developed into a robust community center, called the Liberty Center. The new additions will play a critical role in ending hunger and poverty for the families in the surrounding neighborhoods and the Greater San Antonio Area. Over the next 3-5 years, we will see the completion of our center, with co-located services provided by partner nonprofits in the areas of education, nutrition, job and health support for the under-served in the area.

Our plans include:

  • A commercial kitchen, which will allow us to provide hot meals in addition to offering culinary job training and nutrition classes
  • Fitness Center and sports courts
  • Meeting rooms
  • Classrooms and computer labs for mentoring and educational development
  • Game areas
  • Music venue and theater for arts and conferences

LibertyCenter1LibertyCenter2

Contact
Daily Bread Ministries is located at 6351 Rittiman Road in San Antonio, Texas. DBM can be reached by phone (210-223-4707) or by email.
Click the links below to follow DBM on social media!
Facebook            Twitter                Pinterest

Current Needs
We are always accepting volunteers and donations! Please visit our website for more information on how you can make a difference with Daily Bread Ministries.

Here are our other current areas of need:

  • Canned goods
  • A 26 foot refrigerated truck. We are needing this to comply with the City of San Antonio Health Department regulations and will greatly improve our ability to serve the community.
  • An electric industrial pallet jack to assist in warehouse maintenance.
  • Racking for our warehouse

Crockett National Bank donates $240,000 of unrestricted funds to Accion Texas

Accion logo colorAccion Texas Inc. – the nation’s largest, nonprofit, micro and small business microlender – has received two large gifts from one of its banking partners, Crockett National Bank. The San Angelo-based bank has committed $200,000 through an unrestricted, zero-interest loan to be “forgiven” every year, as well as a $40,000 monetary gift to Accion Texas.

The bank believes in giving back to the community and we believe in the Accion Texas mission of helping small businesses that are not bankable get the help needed to get started,” said Dahlia B. Garcia, vice president of small business banking at Crockett National Bank. “As these companies grow, they become bankable and they can come back to us to help them with a traditional loan. We truly believe in what (Accion Texas CEO) Janie Barrera has created in Accion.”

Both gifts will help fund general operations for Accion Texas, which has grown from a small, three-person operation in San Antonio in 1994 to an eight-state enterprise with more than 115 employees in 20 offices today. Accion Texas now lends in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas.

“We are grateful to Crockett National Bank for its trust and for supporting our operations,” Barrera said. “This gift means that as we grow, we are able to continue to offer the personal, one-on-one services to the entrepreneurs who come to us for help with counseling, mentoring and loans.”

About Accion Texas
Accion Texas Inc.is a nonprofit, multi-state small business microlender that helps new and existing entrepreneurs successfully grow their businesses. Through affordable lending and business development services, Accion Texasis committed to empowering diverse individuals and small businesses that have limited access to traditional sources of capital. Since its founding in San Antonio in 1994, Accion has made more than 14,000 loans totaling more than

$165 million.  Accion now operates in eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. To learn more about Accion’s lending options, call 888-215-2373 or visit www.acciontexas.org.

About Crockett National Bank
Crockett National Bank has grown to over $440 million in assets.  Crockett is among the best performing banks in Texas, ranking in the top 30 percent of 530 Texas bands as of year-end 2013.  It operates offices in San Angelo, San Antonio, New Braunfels, Austin, Georgetown and Ozuna.  For more information, visit www.crockettnationalbank.com.

 

Design challenge for Guide Dogs of Texas 5K

Guide Dogs of Texas logoGuide Dogs of Texas is hosting a very special design challenge to celebrate their upcoming 5k in Austin, Texas.

Theme: The Guide Dogs of Texas Puppy Love Fun Run

Guide Dogs is asking for your help with the T Shirt Design!  You have the chance to create the single, greatest design ever imagined by humans or animals. Please submit 1 color design via email and they will notify the Winner at their Oct 2nd tour as well as, post the winner on social channels. Please submit designs in .jpg or .pdf format to April Medellin at April@GuideDogsofTexas.org
The deadline to enter is Tuesday, September 30th at 4 pm CST

5K Information
Date: Saturday February 28, 2014
Registration Fee: $30 (Early Registration) Sept 1-Nov 30, $40 Dec 1– Feb 27, $45 (walk-in)
Form a team, donate to the “stride for sight”, sponsor this event, or set up a vendor booth!

Watch www.GuideDogsofTexas.org for more info! Or call us at 1.800.831.9231
For vendor booths or Sponsorship opportunity please contact
April Medellin Marketing Manager at (210) 366-4081 or email at April@GuideDogsofTexas.org.

We will be teaming up with Carrera Races who is committed to bolstering the bottom lines of San Antonio Nonprofit organizations.  http://www.carreraraces.com/

TMI takes the Ice Bucket Challenge

TMI vertical logo_colorTMI – The Episcopal School of Texas took the big chill for charity Friday, Aug. 15, when nearly 50 faculty and staff lined up in the school’s Johnston Amphitheater to douse themselves with buckets of ice, following a nationwide trend in support of awareness of  ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Student Council President Isa Magraner issued the challenge on behalf of TMI’s 473 students during daily chapel earlier in the day. Participants included the heads of Middle and Upper School, chaplains, JROTC faculty and many teachers and staff members who each took a bucket full of ice and upended it over their own heads. TMI was one of the first schools in San Antonio to take the challenge and one of the first organizations here to take the challenge en masse.

Ice bucket challenge_TMITMI faculty and staff douse themselves in a mass Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness for ALS in the school’s Johnston Amphitheater on Aug. 15. They were challenged by the school’s students during daily chapel; TMI also will make a donation to the ALS Association, Texas Chapter.   

A representative of the San Antonio office of the ALS Association, Texas Chapter, was on hand for the occasion and thanked the TMI team for the event. “You may be wondering how a bucket of ice is going to help (fight) ALS,” said Julia Dyer. “You all are helping us raise more than $9 million nationwide (as of Aug. 15), and locally, we’re about to hit $100,000.”

The school will make a donation to the local office of the ALS Association, which leads the fight to treat and cure ALS through research and advocacy, while providing care and support to people with the disease and their families.

The Ice Bucket Challenge has been spreading awareness through social and other media since it started July 29.

For video, click here.

About TMI
Founded in 1893 as the flagship school of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, TMI is a private, co-educational, college-preparatory school for grades 6-12, with optional Junior ROTC and boarding programs. For information, visit www.tmi-sa.org or call 698-7171.

Contact:
Paula Allen, Director of News and Information
(210) 564-6155
p.allen@tmi-sa.org

American Diabetes Association 2014 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Kick-Off Rally

PrintJoin our Honorary Chairs Dr. Brian Woods –  Superintendent of Northside ISD, Ed Garza – Former City of San Antonio Mayor and SAISD President District 7, Dr. David M. Player – Founder, Chairman and Principal of Health by Design and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) along with other community leaders at the Kick-Off Rally for Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes on Wednesday, September 10th, from 6-8 p.m. It is being held at The County Line – 10101 Interstate 10.

This event will rally together Step Out participants from across the city to share in the excitement of the 2014 Step Out event, which will unite thousands of people to help STOP DIABETES. We will be publicly introducing our 2014 Youth Ambassador for Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. Participants will also enjoy great BBQ while hearing from community leaders such as the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and will learn about the toll diabetes is having on this city and throughout the country. The rally will motivate and encourage teams to build enthusiasm for taking the first step to stopping diabetes through fundraising for Step Out. Step Out has already garnered the support of many companies in our community, both large and small, as well as family groups, clubs, and organizations. You will have the opportunity to speak with individuals who have stepped up to create and lead teams for Step Out and hear why they feel so strongly about ending this disease. Please join them in their fight to support the American Diabetes Association!

What: American Diabetes Association 2014 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Kick-Off Rally
When: Wednesday, September 10th, 6-8pm
Where: The County Line – 10101 Interstate 10
RSVP: www.diabetes.org/stepoutkickoff2014

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes is one of the American Diabetes Association’s signature events. This annual walk brings communities together all across the country to raise funds for diabetes research and education as well as to raise awareness about diabetes right here in San Antonio. Participants will enjoy entertainment and themed rest stops along with prizes, food and multiple “zones” with lots of activities for the whole family. This year’s Step Out event will feature a 5K Walk/Run & 1 Mile Short and Snappy Family Walk. Step Out will be held at the Mission County Park Pavilions in San Antonio on Saturday, November 8, 2014.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes, delivers services to hundreds of communities, provides objective and credible information, and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Hiring Red, White & You!

Print???????On November 13, 2014, for the third year in a row, the Texas Workforce Commission and Workforce Solutions Alamo are teaming up to connect employer with Veterans and their family members seeking employment. Hiring Red, White & You allows employers to meeting face-to-face with Veterans and their family members seeking job opportunities in the civilian world. Last year, more than 100 employers participated and the event hosted 200+ Veterans and 800+ jobseekers from the general public.

The Freeman Expo Hall (3201 E. Houston St.) is the location this year. Doors open to Veterans at 9:00 am and the general public is welcome to attend starting at 11:00 am. There is no cost for employers to participate and lunch is provided. Employers interested in registering can do so online at the Workforce Solutions Alamo event splash page.

New this year are pre-event Employer Workshops where businesses of all sizes can learn the benefits of hiring a veteran and the methods to do so. There is no requirement to participate in the job fair, and this too is no cost. Each session is the same and will cover:

• Education and skills of the military pool
• Community resources available to employers when hiring veterans
• How military skills translate into what you need
• How you can translate what you need into military skills
• How to get the most out of participating in a job fair
How to sustain success- limiting turnover of employees who are veterans

Employer Workshop #1
Date: October 30, 2014
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: SA Chamber of Commerce Northside Business Center, 1100 NS Loop 410, Ste. 109
San Antonio, TX 78213
Contact/RSVP: Michele Cantu, WSA Business Services Liaison, 210-581-1064 or mcantu@wsalamo.org

Employer Workshop #2
Date: October 30, 2014
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: WSA Career Center, 1499 Hillcrest
San Antonio, TX 78228
Contact/RSVP: Michele Cantu, WSA Business Services Liaison, 210-581-1064 or mcantu@wsalamo.org

Employer Workshop #3
Date: November 13, 2014
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Freeman Expo Hall, 3201 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78219
RSVP: Online event registration

Employers can post their job vacancies year-round on Work In Texas at no-cost where a special opportunity exists to promote your job vacancy to veterans only for the first 48 hours of its posting. That means veterans registered in our job search network will see your job opportunity before anyone else!

Small business can benefit greatly from the tax credits available to them when hiring a veteran—as much a $9,600 per veteran employee hired! That is just one benefit you will learn about by participating in Hiring Red, White & You and the associated activities. Space is limited for everything—grab your slot today!

About Workforce Solutions Alamo
Workforce Solutions Alamo is an equal opportunity employer/program. The mission of Workforce Solutions Alamo is to build a premier workforce in America by providing employers and residents with the opportunities, resources and services to develop and gain a competitive edge in the global economy. Workforce Solutions Alamo reaches over 40,000 businesses and more than 2.0 million residents in the City of San Antonio and the counties of Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Guadalupe, Gillespie, Karnes, Kerr, Kendall, Medina and Wilson counties. For more information on available workforce programs and services, visit our website at www.WorkforceSolutionsAlamo.org

Gordon Hartman’s ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to San Antonio raises $37,944

scorpions logoScorpions owner Gordon Hartman accepted an ALS Ice Bucket Challenge issued by Julia Dyer from the ALS Association’s Texas Chapter. Thursday, August 14,  Mr. Hartman and the San Antonio Scorpions players stepped up to the spot and poured buckets of ice cold water all over themselves, but instead of continuing the usual pattern of these viral pictures and videos, Mr. Hartman decided to do something different.

ALS iceRather than directing any particular person or group to pour ice water on themselves in the name of ALS awareness, Mr. Hartman asked Scorpions fans and San Antonio residents to donate directly to the ALS Association’s Texas Chapter. He then promised that the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation would match all donations up to a total of $25,000 made until the following day at 5pm – and San Antonio responded with $18,972 in donations in just 24 hours.

“I’m pleased – but not surprised – that Scorpions fans and all of San Antonio came through in response to my ALS donation challenge,” said Hartman. “Thanks to their generosity, almost $38,000 will be donated to the ALS Association’s Texas Chapter. Helping those with special challenges is the mission of Soccer For A Cause, so we’re glad we were able to participate in a way that both raises awareness and gives real dollars for research.”

Donations can still be made by calling 210-733-5204. In the words of Gordon Hartman, “Together, we are making a difference.”

The Scorpions play their next match this Saturday, August 23, at 7:30pm at Toyota Field against the Atlanta Silverbacks.  For information on Scorpions tickets call 210-495-8686 or visit sascorpions.com.

San Antonio Sports says, “Rock On San Antonio!”

SanAntonioSports_colorThe Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon & ½ Marathon returns Sunday, Dec. 7. Live, local bands will rock each mile of the course, motivating and entertaining runners all the way to the finish. line. The race welcomes runners from all 50 states and 13 countries, but 86% come from Texas, and 44% come from the San Antonio metro area.  If you’re training and haven’t registered, don’t delay!  Use the code SASports and you’ll get a $20 discount off your marathon entry.  The offer is good until Oct. 1.  To learn more about the race or to register, visit http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/san-antonio.

Kids can be part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon & 1/2 Marathon race weekend excitement by participating in the KiDS ROCK San Antonio powered by San Antonio Sports. KiDS ROCK, is a non-timed, non-competitive event for children in grades K – 7! Kids can become marathon finishers on race day by completing a cumulative marathon training program in the weeks leading up to the race. Or, they can simply choose to run the 1-mile course on race day.  KiDS ROCK San Antonio will be held at a new location this year—Sea World!

If you want to enjoy the fun without the run, San Antonio Sports needs 4,000 volunteers, ages 14 and up, to assist with every aspect of the event including the Health & Fitness Expo, start line, and finish line on December 5-7. Teaming up with friends or family will make it an unforgettable experience.  Each race crew volunteer receives an official race crew t-shirt, a race crew drawstring backpack, refreshments, snacks, free parking, community service hours (if needed) and the satisfaction of helping others and giving back. To register and pick your shift, click here.

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks local business partners for Workplace Mentoring program

Big-Brothers-Big-Sisters-SouthTX_colorBig Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas has a new and innovative workplace mentoring program that many San Antonio companies have joined. It works like this: students are transported once a month to the workplace of their mentors (as a group) during lunchtime; the meetings include activities and lunch is provided. This one to one, face to face developmental mentoring program administered by Big Brothers Big Sisters is designed to provide students with workplace exposure, career awareness, college prep and assistance in preparing a post high school plan. The relationships and workplace exposure offered in the program have proven to not only improve youth attendance, grades and behaviors, but data collected from school counselors show mentored students have better standardized test scores from the previous year.

Currently there are 40 San Antonio companies participating in the Big Brothers Big Sisters workplace mentoring program, including Rackspace, Spurs Sports and Entertainment, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Southwest Research and Lake|Flato Architects.

As Rick Pych from the San Antonio Spurs Sports & Entertainment puts it:
“I really didn’t know what to expect with this program. I’m thinking, ok Thomas and his friends are going to come over here and we’re just going to sit around and talk and have lunch, but I was just completely overwhelmed and surprised about their interest in what we do every day.”

“Everybody’s first instinct is ‘I’m so busy, I have so many things, going on how am I going fit this in?’ But with the workplace mentoring program, Big Brothers Big Sisters make it so easy for the employer”

If you would like to add your company to the growing list of workplace mentoring partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters, please contact Clare McCoy at (210) 225-6322.

 

BizJournal_WorkplaceMentoring_GrahamWeston