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

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.

 

Former NFL Stars challenge Wounded Warriors in “A Tribute to Heroes, A Game of Honor”

WW footballThe Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team (WWAFT) will challenge former players of the National Football League in “A Tribute to Heroes, Game of Honor” flag football game Wednesday, Sept. 10 at Toyota Field.

The WWAFT is composed of more than 25 men and women who served in the United States military and who suffered the loss of a limb in the conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan. The team’s record is 8-0 versus the former players of the NFL, having defeated NFL alumni team most recently in Philadelphia and in Tampa, Atlanta, Washington, DC, and Green Bay and at the last three Super Bowls.

More than 25 NFL alumni, led by Dallas Cowboy Hall-of-Famer Randy White, Houston Oiler great Dan Pastorini & Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams, will take on these amputee heroes. The mission statement for the team is simply to demonstrate that “the loss of a limb doesn’t mean the end of an athletic career or an active life”

“Many of us with the WWAFT were cared for here in San Antonio – at Brooke Army Medical Center and at the Center For The Intrepid – and it is a privilege for all of us amputee veterans to be able to ‘return home’ to share in this evening with San Antonio,” said BJ Ganem, USMC and WWAFT co-captain. “We want to show our appreciation to this community for all that you have done for us and to show the nation that with your help and care, amputee veterans can accomplish anything – including whupping up on these NFL alumni.”

Additionally, the tribute on 9/10 is intended to recognize all those who enlisted after 9/11, 2001, who knowingly put themselves in harm’s way to defend this nation and to also honor the sacrifice of all of the men and women of our Armed Forces, particularly all of San Antonio’s Gold Star families. The WWAFT is also proud to be able to support and bring out as their guests, all of San Antonio’s special-needs children and adults in a partnership with Morgan’s Wonderland, Gordon Hartman and the San Antonio Scorpions.

Gates at Toyota Field will open at 6 p.m. on Sept. 10. Tickets are $10/Adults, $5/Students and all members of the military (active, reserve & retired) and special needs families of San Antonio will be admitted at no charge, courtesy of Humana.

Humana green logo“Humana has made a $100,000 donation to the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team as a symbol of our support to all servicemen and servicewomen who make a timeless sacrifice for our nation’s freedom,” said Orie Mullen, president of Humana Military. “Our sponsorship of this game solidifies all that Humana does for veterans, from hiring more than 1,700 veterans and military spouses as part of our National Veterans Hiring Initiative to providing health benefits to 3 million active duty service members, retirees, and their families in TRICARE’s South Region.”

For local ticket information call (210) 426-4130.

The WWAFT is supported by Humana, the Alamo City Medical Group, Allied Institute of Medicine, the Low T Center and the Military Benefit Association. For WWAFT media inquiries, please contact Chris Visser (at 407-856-7007 or Chris.Visser@WWAFT.org). Website: woundedwarrioramputeefootballteam.org/

Randy White, Dallas Cowboys (HoF)
Dan Pastorini, Houston Oilers
Dat Nguyen, Dallas Cowboys (A&M)
D.D. Lewis, Dallas Cowboys (2 SBs)
Dave Edwards, Dallas Cowboys (2 SBs)
Dale Hellestrae, Dallas Cowboys (SMU, 3 SBs)
Steve Folsom, Dallas Cowboys (2 SBs)
Bruce Collie, SF 49ers (2 SBs, Texas-Arlington)
Lyle Blackwood, Dolphins (Churchill HS, TCU)
Mark Dodge, Texas A&M & US Army enlistee
Greg Hawthorne, Pittsburgh Steelers (Baylor, 2 SBs)
Chris Draft, Falcons (played in every WWAFT game)
Dave Vobora, Rams (Mr Irrelevant 2008 NFL Draft)
Kyle Eckel, Naval Academy & Eagles & Patriots
CLINT BRUCE, Naval Academy, SEAL Team 5

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

Local residents riding to stop diabetes at the Annual Valero Tour de Cure

Valero tour de cureThis year, nearly 1,000 area cyclists will come together to be part of the Stop Diabetes® movement at the Valero Tour de Cure San Antonio on Saturday, May 10, 2014. The American Diabetes Association’s Valero Tour de Cure San Antonio showcases a one day ride from Retama Park throughout the beautiful Texas countryside. Riders secure funds in advance of the event all proceeds go toward the fight to STOP diabetes. All riders will enjoy a safe and well-marked route, superior SAG (support and gear), medical support, and outstanding volunteer support.

Valero logoToday, there are nearly 26 million Americans—including 14% of the San Antonio population—who have diabetes. While an estimated 18.8 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 7 million people are unaware that they have the disease. If current trends continue, one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050. The Valero Tour de Cure San Antonio not only provides funding for research projects to help end diabetes and improve the lives of those affected by diabetes, but also provides an outlet to help South Texans live healthier through developing an affinity for cycling and incorporating physical activity into their daily lives.

This event offers routes for all levels of cycling experience. The Tour is a one day event featuring fully-supported and safe, family-friendly routes that showcase the most scenic and peaceful areas of this prominent Texas region. There are several route choices from 1 mile to 100 miles, ensuring that everyone from the family with children to the avid cyclist will find something to love about this community event.

Registration is only $25 with a fundraising minimum of $200 for adults and $50 for children 14 and under. Each rider raises the required $200 minimum to fund diabetes research, education, and advocacy, and will receive the 2014 Tour de Cure commemorative t-shirt. Additional incentives are available for riders who raise even more.

Register today or sign up on site at the event to become part of the movement to Stop Diabetes. To register or for more information, visit www.diabetes.org/sanantoniotour or call 1-888-DIABETES.

The Tour de Cure is a series of fundraising cycling events held in 44 states nationwide to benefit the American Diabetes Association. The Tour is a ride, not a race, with routes designed for everyone from the occasional rider to the experienced cyclist. Each Tour de Cure event has its own character and style—from unique starting points to gorgeous scenery and more! No matter where you ride you’ll enjoy a fun day on your bike for a great cause. In 2011, more than 55,000 cyclists in 80 events raised more than $18 million to support the mission of the American Diabetes Association: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. National sponsors include Gold’s Gym and Clif Bar; local sponsors include Valero, Argo Group, and Zachry.

About American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its deadly consequences 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. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

Goodwill Launches “Partners for Good” Donation Drive Program

Schools, clubs, and other groups can raise thousands while collecting items for Goodwill

good will logoGoodwill is kicking off 2013 with an innovative new donation drive program that creates a win-win for community groups with fundraising goals.

Through “Partners for Good,” community organizations such as sports teams, service groups and school clubs can raise thousands of dollars by hosting their own Goodwill donation drives. In return, the club or group hosting the donation drive will receive funds based on the amount of usable donated items collected.

“This is a win-win for Goodwill and for a lot of groups in the community that need opportunities to raise money for their programs,” says Marla Jackson, COO and interim President/CEO of Goodwill Industries of San Antonio. “Donation drives help support Goodwill programs while helping organizations meet their fundraising goals.”

Here’s how it works: the hosting organization chooses a date and a location for the event. Goodwill will deliver a donation trailer to the hosting group’s site on the scheduled date. Goodwill attendants will be on site for six hours to pack the trailer with usable donations. The hosting organization receives up to $1,000 for every 26-foot trailer full of acceptable donation items.

Acceptable donation items include computers and computer accessories; electronics; housewares; home décor; cookware and dishes; books and toys.

All items must be in good, clean sellable condition. All donors will receive a tax receipt for their donation.

In addition to helping organizations meet their fundraising goals, the drives provide items for re-sale at Goodwill. Every donation and every purchase at a Goodwill store funds education programs and services that assist people in finding better jobs and building careers.

For more information or to receive a “Partners for Good” toolkit by email, call Goodwill at (210) 924-8581.