San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo commits $11.8 million to educating Texas youth

SA RodeoThe San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. (S.A.L.E.), a volunteer organization that emphasizes agriculture and education to develop the youth of Texas, has built a reputation for being one of the largest family-friendly events in the state featuring livestock and horse shows, interactive exhibits and shows, PRCA Rodeo action, carnival and live entertainment. Additionally, S.A.L.E. has a direct influence on the lives of thousands of individuals pursuing a higher education.

IMG_7357aThis year, the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. (dba the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo) has committed $11.8 million to educate Texas youth. This amount represents scholarships, grants, endowments, junior livestock auctions, a youth western art auction, calf scramble program, and show premiums paid to the youth of Texas. This year’s total giving represents a record commitment, topping 2013’s $11.3 million by over a half million dollars. This brings the total amount the organization has committed since inception to $147.9 million. Keith Martin, Executive Director and CEO, made the announcement during the organization’s annual membership meeting, May 13th at the Expo Hall of the Freeman Coliseum/AT&T Center grounds in San Antonio, Texas.

Keith Martin commented, “We owe the show’s continued success to the support and efforts of over 6,000 S.A.L.E. volunteers. Their contributions of time, energy and skills make it possible to give so much back to the youth of Texas. And that’s what we are about, transforming lives, giving these kids an opportunity to improve their futures and the generations to come.”

S.A.L.E. has a rich tradition and history of stewardship to the community and the agriculture industry. With a clear vision of the future, a successful past and continual dedication from over 6,000 volunteers, S.A.L.E. will continue to provide wholesome family entertainment and be a pillar of strength and support to the youth of Texas.

The 2015 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo will be held February 12th – March 1st at the Freeman Coliseum/AT&T Center grounds.

For additional information, go to www.sarodeo.com or call 210-225-0612. Don’t forget to connect with us on our social channels – Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube!

 

TMI celebrates 120th graduation

TMI crest, verticalTMI – The Episcopal School of Texas celebrated its 120th graduation ceremony May 24 in the school’s All Saints Chapel.

Members of TMI’s class of 2014 were offered a total of $9 million in scholarships. All 74 graduates will attend four-year colleges and universities, including Boston College, Boston University, Duke, Emory, Georgetown, Harvard, Mount Holyoke, Notre Dame, Rice, St. Olaf, UCLA, the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy (West Point), Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, Washington and Lee, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, as well as Baylor, SMU, Trinity, the University of Texas at Austin, and Texas A&M University.

graduation_P2170558 copyMembers of TMI’s class of 2014 celebrate at the end of their graduation ceremony, held May 24 in All Saints Chapel.

“This is a special place,” said TMI Headmaster John W. Cooper, Ph.D., in his welcome address. “Of course, it’s a beautiful spot in the Texas Hill Country, but more important, it’s a place where some incredible people – adults and youth – work and study and laugh and cry together, and build their futures and make memories.”

Class speaker Berkeley Brown, who will attend Harvard College in the fall, said, “Our teachers never ceased to believe in our abilities and potential, not just as leaders and intellects but as people. As a class, we dare to believe that we can do anything, that we can inspire change, that we have the strength to go the extra mile.”

Susannah Wright, a National Merit Scholar, was awarded the Bishop’s Cup, for the member of the graduating class who has demonstrated the finest qualities of Christian citizenship. She will attend Rice University in the fall. Taylor Devlin was the recipient of the Founder’s Award, presented to the student who best embodies the TMI mission statement. She will attend Trinity University in the fall.

About TMI
Founded in 1893, TMI is the flagship school of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, 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 (210) 698-7171.

Bexar County Games Valero Missions Cup Premier Baseball Tournament

SASLogobcg baseball tournamentIf you’re a baseball fan or have a family member who is part of a youth baseball team, you won’t want to miss the Bexar County Games Valero Missions Cup Premier Baseball Tournament, presented by Ancira, July 19-20. Some of the best teams from Mexico and from around Texas have been invited to play in the 16U division at Missions Baseball Academy. Registration is open for the remaining divisions, 14U, 12U and 10U, with games played at Mission Concepción Sports Park and Southeast Skyline. Every team has a three game guarantee. The goal of the Bexar County Games presented by Ancira is to host top notch competitions in Bexar County sports facilities, which are some of the best venues in Texas. To learn more, visit SanAntonioSports.org/bexarcountygames.

blue-cross-blue-shield-logo-2014If you’re looking for something to do as a family this summer, be a part of San Antonio Sports Fit Family Challenge presented by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Texas.  San Antonio Sports Fit Family Challenge, kicked off in May at Port San Antonio when 1,500 runners participated in the D4 Heroes 5K. Now families are participating in free Zumba and Kid Fit classes at eight locations during the week where they are also receiving nutrition education. Exercising as a family is not only fun, but it helps make you accountable to each other.  Include friends in your activities, too, because the more you hang out with people with similar healthy goals, the more likely you are to stick with it.

On Saturday, June 28, San Antonio Sports will host the Fit Family Challenge summer fun day at Hardberger Park, along with District 8 City Councilman Ron Nirenberg.  Between 8-10 a.m., we will offer Zumba, cooking demonstrations, a fitness walk, nature walk and more.  Remaining Fit Family Challenge big events will be Saturday, July 19 at Brooks City Base and Saturday, August 9.

Families can join the Fit Family Challenge at any time and the entire program is FREE.  Families that attend at least three weekday events and have their tracking logs stamped are eligible to win $1,000. To learn more, visit FitFamilyChallenge.com.

If you’d like to volunteer for these events, or any of our events, you can register online at SanAntonioSports.org/volunteer or contact Tony Benke at tbenke@sanantoniosports.org.  We happily offer service hours for students 14 & up.

‘Joy’ spreading joy as colorful new Ambassador for Morgan’s Wonderland

MorgansWonderland_logo“Joy” has taken “flight,” much to the delight of people young and older who come in contact with the new butterfly mascot representing Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park built for everyone’s enjoyment.

Joy’s maiden “flight” into the San Antonio community “landed” at North Central Baptist Hospital’s pediatrics unit where young patients received warm hugs from the multi-colored costumed character.  Joy will make periodic appearances during Morgan’s Wonderland operating hours and represent the theme park at events in the community.  The latest Joy information will be available at www.MorgansWonderland.com.

Joy from Morgan's Wonderland Joy from Morgan's WonderlandJoy from Morgan's Wonderland“We chose a butterfly to be our unique theme park’s mascot and goodwill ambassador because of the ability to emerge from a cocoon, spread wings and soar to new heights,” said Ron Morander, Morgan’s Wonderland general manager.  “Similarly, our special-needs guests visiting Morgan’s Wonderland can have fun in an atmosphere of inclusion and be inspired to do things previously thought not to be possible.”

For example, guests in wheelchairs can take advantage of special swings to experience a sensation most people take for granted, Morander noted.

Morgan’s Wonderland is now heading into the popular summer travel season.  In June, July and up through mid-August, the park will be open daily except on Mondays, Morander noted.  And just like in previous summers, Morgan’s Wonderland will open at 9 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday to take advantage of milder morning temperatures for guest comfort and enjoyment.

In addition to its regular attractions, Morgan’s Wonderland will host summertime special events including a Friday, July 4, salute to active-duty members of the armed forces and first-responders such as firefighters, law-enforcement officers and emergency-medical professionals.  Also, the park will be the scene of a Young People’s Concert of classical music presented by the renowned Cactus Pear Music Festival ensemble at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 9.

The latest information about the park’s operating schedule and special events is always available at www.MorgansWonderland.com or at (210) 495-5888 or toll-free (877) 495-5888.

Morgan’s Wonderland is located at 5223 David Edwards Drive in Northeast San Antonio a half-mile west of IH 35 at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive.

Calling all companies: 2014 Corporate Recruitment Event

CRE Walk LogoDiabetes is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputation. For companies, it also leads to more sick days and less productivity on the job.

According to Kaiser Family Foundation data, the American Diabetes Association’s workplace cost calculator estimates that for a company with 1,000 employees:

  • 100 employees have diabetes
  • 27 of them are undiagnosed
  • 250 have prediabetes
  • $2.7 million is the average annual insurance cost for employees with diabetes and prediabetes
  • $912,438 is the annual increased cost if 50 percent of employees with prediabetes develop diabetes

The good news is, type 2 diabetes can be prevented, and it isn’t as hard as you might think. Losing just 7% of your body weight (which translates to 15 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds) and exercising moderately (like brisk walking) 5 days a week can reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes by 58%. Lifestyle changes also can prevent or delay diabetes complications. Companies can help their employees take control of their health while enjoying interactive team-building events by participating in Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes.

Join the American Diabetes Association (ADA) along with our Honorary Chair Dr. Brian Woods of Northside ISD, Corporate Recruitment Chair Stacy Rice of Peripheral Vascular Associates, Step Out Event Chairs Lenore Gregson of Kaiser Medical Managemet & Jay Gregson of Hallmark College, as well as other community leaders at the Corporate Recruitment Event for Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes on June 26, 2014 at Casa Hernán, 411 E. Cevallos, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.   This free informational event will be our official kick-off to the 2014 Step Out: Walk, which will unite thousands of people all over the city to help STOP DIABETES.

This is the key event in which to learn more about this community’s diabetes epidemic, the costs of diabetes to companies attending, and how the ADA can help.  Companies will also have the opportunity to meet the people mentioned above who are supporting our efforts this year and will walk away with free resources for your company. This event emphasizes the importance and value of having the business community take a leadership role in the fight to cure diabetes, while also creating a healthier environment for all employees.

What: American Diabetes Association 2014 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Corporate Recruitment Event

When: Thursday, June 26th, 6-8pm

Where: Casa Hernán, 411 E. Cevallos

RSVP: Email Lisa Gibson at lgibson@diabetes.org or call us at (210) 829-1765 ext. 6124

Many of the escalating costs of healthcare are out of an employer’s control.  However, one of the most effective things an employer can do to control healthcare costs and improve employee health and productivity is to encourage healthy living in the workplace. Please join us in that fight!

MPO to conduct traffic congestion and safety workshops

AAMPO Logo1The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) staff will conduct Traffic Congestion and Safety Workshops at the Seguin-Guadalupe County Coliseum (950 S. Austin St., Seguin, TX) on June 16, at the New Braunfels Civic Center (375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels, TX) on June 17 and at the Boerne Civic Center (820 Adler Rd., Boerne, TX) on June 19. Residents that drive, walk, ride or use transit are encouraged to join the MPO at these important public meetings as we update the region’s long range transportation plan.

Each workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m. and all will be similar in content and format. Attendees will receive an MPO overview briefing and then will be asked to share their traffic congestion concerns during a mapping exercise. Participants will tell the MPO where, when and for how long they experience traffic congestion. Next, participants will do a second mapping exercise sharing their concerns about safety issues related to traveling throughout their neighborhood, city and the region.

In 2012, Alamo Area drivers suffered 52,990 vehicle crashes resulting in 23,179 injuries and 218 fatalities. The MPO has been working with the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS) and now has 2010-2012 crash data available on its website under the safety section.

About MPOs: Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are created by federal law to provide a comprehensive, cooperative and continuous transportation planning process that brings our region over $200 million annually in state and federal transportation funding for roadway, transit, rideshare, bicycle and pedestrian projects. For more information on the MPO, please visit our website at www.alamoareampo.org.

The San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization

 

Cuisine & community come to the Hill Country for Any Baby Can’s 2nd Annual Taste of the Hill Country

AnyBabyCan-logoTaste of the Hill Country logo 2014 horizExperience an exciting variety of food, craft beer, local wine and spirits at Any Baby Can’s 2nd Annual Taste of the Hill Country taking place Thursday, June 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.at Kronkosky Place in Boerne, Texas. Guests will sample delicious eats and treats from some of the most popular local restaurants, chefs, innovative food trucks, breweries, wineries and distilleries while enjoying live music by The Countrymen Band, a raffle and live auction.

Whether you are dining on a stuffed baked potato from Fritze’s BBQ & Catering, sipping Pedernales Brewing Company’s Classic Dunkel-Weizen or feeding your sweet tooth with tres leches cake from La Gloria, your entire evening under the stars will be in support of Any Baby Can.

Sustenio, the flagship restaurant in Éilan Hotel Resort & Spa, is another 1 of over 15 local restaurants participating in Any Baby Can’s 2nd Annual Taste of the Hill Country. “I have a 3-year-old little girl so when I heard about this event, I was excited to participate,” say Mike Collins, Executive Chef who will be serving Saffron Scented Risotto with Tagine Style Lamb. “I think it’s important to support the community in which we live.”

One lucky guest will be treating their friends and family to an evening in the NuStar Energy L.P. private suite at the AT&T Center during the San Antonio Spurs 2014-2015 season– just a sample of the fantastic raffle packages available!

To complete the evening, 1st and 2nd place awards will presented to the food and beverage  station with the most guest votes for best dish or drink. Best of show will be awarded to the food or beverage station with the most creative presentation.

Proceeds from Any Baby Can’s 2nd Annual Taste of the Hill Country help Any Baby Can provide services to families who have a child birth through 12 years of age, and/or an adult individual with a chronic illness, disability, developmental delay or health risk.

Participate Tickets to Any Baby Can’s 2nd Annual Taste of the Hill country are $50 per person. There is no entry to participate in the event as a food or beverage station; we ask that you provide samples from your menu for 250 guests. For more information please visit anybabycansa.org.

About Any Baby Can
For more than 30 years, Any Baby Can has provided services to families with children facing serious health or developmental challenges. For more information, visit www.anybabycansa.org or call 210-227-0170.

For more information:
Kay Maynard
(210) 547-3019
kmaynard@anybabycansa.org

Guide Dogs of Texas hosting fundraiser at LOL Comedy Club

Guide Dogs of Texas is hosting a fundraiser at LOL Comedy Club – come laugh with us……

Guide Dogs of Texas logoDate: July 23rd 2014 Wednesday

Time: 8 pm
Place: 618 NW Interstate 410 Loop Frontage Rd #312, San Antonio, TX 78216
Ticket Sales: $20.00 each

LOL Comedy Club_logo 

Come join us as comedian Kris Shaw takes the stage, Meet a Guide Dog user and Guide Dog in person! Support our mission, Guide Dogs of Texas provides quality guide dogs for Texans who are visually impaired to increase their freedom, mobility and independence. We are committed to personalized service and lifelong dedication to our clients and their guide dogs.

 

We will have a guest speaker after the comedian sand a table show, set up for meet and greet, as well as a few items for sale!

 

Call our office today to get your reserved seat with a friend!

 

210.366.4081 Ask for Annie Parker or email April at April@guidedogsoftexas.org

TMI Robotics team advance to FIRST World Championships

TMI_logo_20yrsMembers of the robotics team of TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas were honored May 1 by the San Antonio City Council for advancing the FIRST World Championships, held April 22-26 in St. Louis. During the Council’s morning session, team captain Morgan Garbett gave a brief presentation about the competition challenge, while other members — Hector Castillo, Joaquin Castillo, Chad Harthan, Umer Salman and Harrison White — prepared the robot, nicknamed “Squeaky,” and demonstrated its ability to pick up cubes and hang from a bar.

 

The team was invited for this recognition by Councilman Cris Medina, District 7, who acted as mayor pro tem for this session and presented them with an official City of San Antonio certificate of congratulations.

 

The TMI competitors started building their robot in September and entered the competition season in January, advancing through area, regional and super-regional competitions. They were the only San Antonio team to qualify for the World Championships, one of only nine Texas teams and part of only three percent of teams nationwide.

 

With a business model based on recycling, every day is Earth Day at Goodwill

Goodwill logo colorThe world commemorated Earth Day on April 22 this year. But at Goodwill, every day is Earth Day.

Goodwill operates one of the largest, most unique recycling programs in the area. The non-profit organization’s mission is to help change lives through the power of work. Every donation and every purchase at a Goodwill store funds education programs and services that assist people in finding better jobs and building career paths for a better future.

But because its unique business model relies on donated household items to sell at its retail stores, Goodwill recycles more than 13 million pounds of clothes, computers, appliances, household items, furniture, toys, books and other items each year, keeping still usable goods out of local landfills.

Goodwill collects generously donated items seven days a week at its 18 stores and 25 donation stations throughout San Antonio, New Braunfels, Seguin and Laredo.

Each donation to Goodwill undergoes a process of vetting, sorting, pricing and distribution unlike any other large-scale retailer. At Goodwill’s Distribution Center, workers on cherry pickers and forklifts sort through and categorize donations for distribution to one of the 18 stores in Goodwill’s 24-county service area. Employees at each location constantly process rotating piles of incoming donations and prepare them for sale within the stores.

Goodwill also plays an important role in recycling computer equipment, responsibly recycling and refurbishing more than a million pounds of technology hardware each year.  Goodwill accepts donations of used computers and related peripheral equipment of any brand, in any condition, at all of its retail stores and donation centers.

Through Reconnect, a partnership with Dell, Goodwill accepts used hard drives, laptops, monitors, printers, keyboards – basically anything that can be plugged into a computer. Equipment that doesn’t meet functionality standards is disassembled and metal, glass and plastic components are responsibly recycled.

Donations of computers and other household items are always needed and very much appreciated at Goodwill. New and gently used furniture, dishes, small household appliances, decorative items, books, toys, brand-name clothing and more are especially needed right now. All donors receive a tax receipt for their contributions.

For more information on Goodwill’s programs or services, or to find your nearest donation center please call 210-924-8581 or visit www.goodwillsa.org.

About Goodwill Industries of San Antonio
Serving San Antonio since 1945, Goodwill helps change lives through the power of work. When you shop or donate at Goodwill, you’re funding educational programs and services that assist people in finding better jobs and building careers. Together with the support of our generous community, partners and employers, Goodwill provides employment, training, educational opportunities and related services to more than 50,000 individuals each year. In addition to operating 18 retail stores, more than 25 donation stations and 10 Good Careers Centers in San Antonio, New Braunfels, Seguin, Laredo and surrounding areas, Goodwill operates 3 Good Careers Academies and handles 17 contracts for services ranging from document management to grounds maintenance.