Celebrate Janie Barrera and Accion Texas, Inc. on Wednesday, November 19th

Join Accion on Wednesday, November 19th from 6 – 9 p.m. at Aldaco’s Mexican Restaurant at Sunset Station to celebrate Janie Barrera’s Sweet 60th Birthday and Accion’s Celebration of 20 Years Funding Dreams. More info and details below:
Barrera60thEMAILfin

 

Tux ‘N Tennies presented by SWBC and Lone Star Auto Group to be held on January 8, 2015

silver black give back Logo_Horizontal_Alternate180x150-SWBCSilver & Black Give Back, the nonprofit partner of Spurs Sports & Entertainment’s family of teams, will hold its annual Tux ‘N Tennies fundraiser presented by SWBC and Lone Star Auto Group on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Hosted by the San Antonio Spurs, the premier fundraiser for Silver & Black Give Back’s youth programs is a unique opportunity to join the entire Spurs Family for live entertainment, a festive feast, and one-of-a-kind silent and live auctions.

Held at the AT&T Center, the annual fundraising event features franchise players, coaches and executives in tuxedoes, gowns and tennis shoes enjoying an unparalleled evening of celebration. Back by popular demand, this year’s event has a Spurs Night Live theme and will feature lively libations and special entertainment to conclude the festivities. To see photos of last year’s event, click here.

Silver & Black Give Back is a 501(c)(3) public charity that invests in the community in partnership with the entire Spurs Sports & Entertainment family of teams.  Since 1988 our players, coaches and staff have focused on fostering young talent and enriching the community by encouraging local youth to become responsible adults and give back through programs like Spurs Youth Basketball League and Team Up Challenge. More information on Silver and Black Give Back can be found at www.sbgb.org.

For information on reserving a table for the 2015 Tux ‘N Tennies fundraiser, please contact Loretta Kerner at lkerner@attcenter.com or 210-444-5861.

Media Contact: Meredith Collier, mcollier@attcenter.com or 210-444-5608

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa celebrates Oktoberfest

Hyatt Hill Country_gretyWhen you call the Texas Hill Country home and you happen to be the only resort in Texas that features a FlowRider® machine creating perfect waves every day of the year,  what better way to celebrate October than with terrific brews, fabulous German food and  tasty waves? Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa is throwing an Oktoberfest like no other, so come say hello to fall and make a splash during the hotel’s festive, fun-filled evening of craft beers, dancing, all of your favorite German foods and enjoy the hotel’s famous five-acres of water fun while you’re at it on Saturday, October 4, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Held on the resort grounds, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort’s Oktoberfest will fill its Luckenbach Pavilion with live music from the 2 Rivers Brass Quintet, a terrific selection of the best brews sure to put the “fest” in your October and authentic German cuisine that will make you feel as if you’re enjoying a meal in Germany itself.

Terry Vine PhotographyTickets for the event are $18 for adults and $12 for children ages 6-12, while children 5 and under are free. The admission price includes food, entertainment, one drink ticket and parking. A cash bar will be available to purchase beer, wine, cocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages for additional purchase after the use of the one drink ticket. So where does the splash come in? Tickets for the event also include access to the resort’s pools and waterpark from noon – 8 p.m. on the day of the event, making sure that you can wet both your whistle and your bathing suit during this special Oktoberfest. Tickets may be purchased by calling the resort at 210-767-7999.

130827_hyatt_cf&b-10Brews featured during the festivities include Texas Craft Beers and German Oktoberfest and Fall beers such as St. Arnold’s Octoberfest, Karbach Krunkin Pumpkin, Hacker Pschorr Marzen Amber Ocktoberfest, Erdinger Hefe Weissbier Dark, Hofbrau Maibock, and Paulaner Oktoberfest among others. There may even be a few surprises to tempt your beer taste buds—like growlers for sale—and a full bar with other beers, wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available to quench the thirst you work up while demonstrating your best German polka.

A true Texas resort that celebrates its heritage whenever possible, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort features Texas beers throughout the property—in fact, the draft lines in Charlie’s Long Bar consist of only Texas draft beers, so if you’d like to check out the selection while you’re enjoying Oktoberfest, feel free to pull up a bar stool and enjoy some Texas brews.

Happy Couple sitting in Beer gardenThere’s nothing like a fantastic German feast to accompany your beer and Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort’s delicious food stations definitely fill the bill. With traditional German favorites such as Slow Cooked Sauerbraten and Egg Noodles, Shiner Bock Bratwursts, Braised Red Cabbage, Roasted Chicken with Beer and Onion Sauce, Warm Potato Salad, Pumpernickel Bread, Pretzel Rolls, Molasses and Honey Pfeffernuesse cookies, German Chocolate cake and much more, you’re sure to feel like you’ve stepped into a German brewhouse for a meal.

Nestled in the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort is the perfect spot to celebrate Oktoberfest. The Hill Country features a rich German heritage, with language, foods and celebrations that have distinct German roots, giving the area a fun German feel. But it’s not just the Hill Country that features such natural ties to the motherland of beer—did you know that German was once the official language of the government of the City of San Antonio? That’s right—city council meeting minutes and other city documents used to be written in German, making it your official duty to mark Oktoberfest and raise a glass to the area’s German heritage! (By the way, “Prosit!” is a traditional German toast, so be sure to say that when you’re enjoying Oktoberfest.)

Terry Vine PhotographyJump In, The Water is Fine:  Five Acres of Water Fun Welcomes Oktober
Only in Texas can you enjoy Oktoberfest and a river ride at the same time, so bring your suits and jump in a tube to float in the resort’s Ramblin’ River®, or hang ten on the FlowRider® wave machine. Access to the resort’s full water park is included with admission to Oktoberfest. To ride the FlowRider®, there is an additional fee per hour of use.

Long known for its ever-popular water playground featuring three swimming pools, cascading water falls, a sandy beach, the Ramblin’ River® and more, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort’s new FlowRider® wave machine turns up the fun meter for anyone who enjoys riding the waves. The exciting attraction simulates a “barrel-less” wave, complete with a sloped wave surface featuring 40,000 gallons of water being driven up at a rate of about 18,000 gallons per minute. What does that mean?  Perfect waves, all year long, ready for guests to flowboard their day away.

Flowboarding resembles surfing, but is a combination of skateboarding, wakeboarding, boogie boarding, snowboarding and surfing—a fantastic mix of fun for any board sport fan. The wave machine spans an impressive length of 54 feet and is 22 feet wide, with a water depth of between 3 to 4 inches, perfect for bodyboarding, kneeboarding or stand-up boarding. The FlowRider® is heated seasonally, meaning guests are able to enjoy this adrenaline-packed thrill all year long, though guests must be at least 42 inches tall to boogie board and 52 inches tall to stand-up ride/surf.

In addition to the wave machine, the resort recently added a 22-foot-tall tower waterslide to its already amazing water park which now offers five acres of hydrated fun and relaxation. Perfect for guests more than 42 inches tall, the slide is a great complement to the water park’s 950-foot Ramblin’ River® and sandy beach. The park also features an activity pool equipped with water volleyball and basketball, an adults-only Texas-shaped pool, 2 hot tubs and a zero-entry kiddie wading pool, ensuring wet fun for everyone, no matter what their height. And the pools are all heated, making them a great spot year-round.

Terry Vine PhotographyMake it a Getaway!
If you’d like to turn your Oktoberfest into a fall getaway, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort has a special rate to help your fest last all weekend. With special Oktoberfest weekend rates starting from $189 for Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4, it’s easy to relax and recharge while enjoying Oktoberfest and water fun, an afternoon on the links at the Hill Country Golf Club or a relaxing massage at Windflower-The Hill Country Spa. The resort’s traditional Hill Country architecture complements the site’s inherent beauty, highlighted by thousands of native Live Oak trees, limestone-banked creeks, mossy springs and rolling wildflower meadows, making Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa an ideal location for a fun-filled weekend or relaxing family vacations year-round.

Located just 16 miles northwest of downtown San Antonio and the San Antonio International Airport, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa offers a retreat that feels a world away, but the convenience and fun of San Antonio is just outside your door. Built in 1993, the AAA Four-Diamond resort features a 500-room luxury hotel, championship 27-hole golf course, a full-service state-of-the-art spa. The resort also boasts a tennis court, award-winning dining, walking/jogging path and nature trail, health club facility, five-acre water park with a FlowRider® wave machine, tower water slide, three swimming pools and cascading waterfalls, two outdoor whirlpools, Camp Hyatt children’s program and a 950-foot Ramblin’ River intertwined with lush gardens.

About Hyatt Regency Hill Country
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa is located on 300-scenic acres in the heart of San Antonio. The recently renovated 500-room resort features 53,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and 165,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space.

Resort amenities include the full-service Windflower-The Hill Country Spa featuring 21-treatment rooms with world-class services, a five-acre water park with a FlowRider® wave machine, 22’ tower waterslide, four swimming pools, Ramblin’ River and regulation sized sand volleyball court. With five restaurants, a lounge and tavern, guests can enjoy superb epicurean dining or cocktails with colleagues overlooking a lushly landscaped 27-hole Arthur Hills-designed golf course. For reservations or information contact 210-647-1234 or visit us at hillcountry.hyatt.com.

About Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency brand is an energizing hotel brand that connects travelers to whom and what matters most to them. More than 140 conveniently located Hyatt Regency urban and resort locations in over 30 countries around the world serve as the go-to gathering space for every occasion – from efficient business meetings to memorable family vacations. The brand offers a one-stop experience that puts everything guests need right at their fingertips. Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts offer a full range of services and amenities, including notable culinary experiences; technology-enabled ways to collaborate; the space to work, engage or relax; and expert planners who take care of every detail. For more information, visit hyattregency.com or facebook.com/HyattRegency.

Seaworld’s 50th celebration continues with a brand new Fourth of July fireworks display

SeaWorld logoSeaWorld San Antonio continues its 50th Celebration this Independence Day weekend by treating guests to a colorful new fireworks display at the park’s Ski Lake on July 4 and 5 at 9:45 p.m. This stunning mix of pyrotechnics is set to an all-new musical score featuring ten times more fireworks compared to last year’s display.

SeaWorld has rolled out several compelling offers for guests to see the new fireworks show, including an online discount of up to a $25 savings on a single-day admission. Guests can add Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, to their ticket to complete their star-spangled weekend.  For specific dates and times, guests can call (800) 700-7786 or visit seaworld.com.

Seaworld_fireworksIn keeping with the spirit of Independence Day, SeaWorld® San Antonio will offer guests the 4th of July Fireworks Picnic at Penguin Plaza on July 4 and 5. This includes an exclusive all-you-care-to-eat buffet. The picnic begins at 7:15 p.m. for $44.99 plus tax for adults and $39.99 plus tax for children ages 3-9; children under 3 eat free. The Fireworks Picnic includes reserved seating on a private lakefront area and a complimentary towel with each adult purchase. Adults and children of all ages require a reservation, which can be done online at seaworld.com or by calling (800) 700-7786. SeaWorld® Annual Pass Members and their dependents receive a 20% discount off the price. Park admission is required, but not included.

SeaWorld will offer a Family Picnicat Ports of Call on July 4 and 5. Guests can pick a spot at any picnic table under the covered pavilions and help themselves to the park’s chef-prepared buffet of roasted chicken, sausage, pulled pork and a variety of sides. The picnic begins at 11:30 a.m. for $12.99 plus tax for adults and $7.99 plus tax for children ages 3-9; children under 3 eat free. Reservations can be made at seaworld.com or by calling (800) 700-7786.

SeaWorld will also offer reserved seating with the 4th of July VIP Seating. Guests interested in reserved seating at Ski Stadium on July 4 can visit seaworld.com or call (800) 700-7786. Package cost is $24.99 plus tax for ages 3 and up, and guests will receive a souvenir sports bottle, one (1) complimentary drink refill and a glow sword. Park admission is required, but not included.

SeaWorld® San Antonio will open at 9 a.m. on July 4 and 5 and will close at 10 p.m. The fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:45 p.m. at the park’s Ski Lake.

The holiday weekend is also a perfect time for active-duty military members to enjoy SeaWorld San Antonio free of charge under the Waves of Honor™ program. Waves of Honor provides the service member one complimentary admission per year to any one of the SeaWorld® or Busch Gardens® Parks, Sesame Place®, Adventure Island® ,Water Country USA® or Aquatica® San Diego (weekdays only).  This special offer also extends to as many as three of his or her direct dependents. For more information and eligibility requirements, visit wavesofhonor.com.

About SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment inspires millions, through the power of entertainment, to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world. The Company has been creating innovative entertainment experiences that blend imagination with nature for more than 50 years and is best known for its 11 U.S. theme parks, attractions that include the beloved SeaWorld®, Busch Gardens® and Sesame Place® brands. The parks offer guests a variety of up-close experiences, from animal encounters that invite exploration and appreciation of the natural world, to thrilling rides and spectacular shows. In 2011 SeaWorldParks & Entertainment began expanding its popular brands into media and entertainment platforms to connect people to nature and animals through movies, television, and digital media; plus began developing new lines of licensed consumer products.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The Company maintains one of the largest animal collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of species in zoological facilities and in the conservation of wild populations. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment also operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue, rehabilitate and return to the ocean marine animals that are ill, injured and orphaned. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 22,000 animals in need over the last four decades.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment employs more than 21,000 people nationwide.

Morgan’s Wonderland ‘Free to Soar Gala’ Sept. 19 to honor five outstanding individuals

MorgansWonderland_logoOn Friday, Sept. 19, the annual “Free to Soar Gala” benefitting non-profit Morgan’s Wonderland and Monarch Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland will honor five individuals who have been champions for those with special needs.

“Each year, we salute outstanding individuals who embody character traits such as determination, caring, achievement, sacrifice and inclusion,” said Ron Morander, general manager of the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park designed with special-needs individuals in mind and built to be enjoyed by everyone.  “They will be recognized at the gala, and their names will be added to the Walk of Fame that encircles our park’s eight-acre lake.”

Details about how to nominate individuals for inclusion on the Walk of Fame by the Aug. 1 deadline can be found at www.MorgansWonderland.com.   A committee from Morgan’s Wonderland and The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, along with special advisors, review nominations and select the five honorees.

Morander said an honoree might be a student who, regardless of a special need, perseveres at school and inspires other students; a Wounded Warrior who embraces life despite immense physical challenges and serves as a role model for other Warriors; a dedicated employee who has earned the admiration of a supervisor and peers for a job well done; a parent or caregiver who has sacrificed to make a difference for those with special needs; or someone who works directly with the special-needs community to make a difference in numerous lives.

Sponsorship information and other specifics about the Free to Soar Gala are available from Becky Thomas at (210) 493-2811.  Gala proceeds will help expand programs and services for the special-needs community through Morgan’s Wonderland and Monarch Academy.

Completely wheelchair-accessible Morgan’s Wonderland admits anyone with a physical or cognitive challenge to the 25-acre park free of charge.  Monarch Academy, located next door to Morgan’s Wonderland, helps students with special needs achieve their full potential through individualized instruction.  The school’s Bridge Program strives to equip students with valuable skills that lead to productive lives as adults.

The inspiration for Morgan’s Wonderland came from Morgan, daughter of philanthropists Gordon and Maggie Hartman, who will celebrate her 21st birthday during the gala.  Morgan’s soaring spirit despite personal challenges sparked within the Hartmans a deep desire to create a haven not only for those with special needs but also for their families, caregivers and invited friends.  “Inclusion is the overarching objective,” Gordon Hartman noted.  “Everyone can have a good time at Morgan’s Wonderland.”

Morgan’s Wonderland and Monarch Academy are located in Northeast San Antonio a half-mile west of IH 35 at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive. For more information about Morgan’s Wonderland or Monarch Academy, call (210) 495-5888 or (210) 479-3311, respectively.  Or visit www.MorgansWonderland.com or www.MonarchAcademy.net.