Tag Archives: non-profit

New Community Center Daily Bread Ministries hosting benefit concert

By North SA Chamber Editor
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DailyBread_4cWhat used to be a Lack’s furniture warehouse is now a food distribution center for people in need, and will soon be transformed into a community center on the east side. Nestled right outside of the Eastside Promise Neighborhood in San Antonio, Daily Bread Ministries (DBM) operates a 163,000 square foot distribution center for food and other basic necessities. DBM collects and redistributes product which would otherwise discarded by local food sellers and catering companies. The ministry provides these goods to over 130 churches and compassion organizations in San Antonio and the surrounding counties. Daily Bread Ministries has never charged a fee to those who receive food, allowing their partner ministries to reach the poorest of the poor in our community. Last year, over 6 million pounds of food were redistributed with an estimated retail value of over $7.8 million dollars. In addition to issuing food, DBM regularly provides diapers, baby wipes and lotions, paper goods, furniture, bedding and clothes.

Daily Bread Ministries plans to transform their current building, which will be renamed the “Liberty Center,” to be a fully operational community center within the next 3-5 years. The facility will be enhanced in phases, making it useful to the community as quickly as possible. This one-stop community center has plans to include:

  • A commercial kitchen to provide hot meals in a café setting, as well as culinary job training.
  • A HUGE fitness center with volleyball and basketball courts
  • Several meeting rooms
  • Classrooms with computer labs
  • Game areas
  • Music Venue
  • Movie Theatre
  • Much More!

In celebration of the upcoming Liberty Center, Daily Bread Ministries will be hosting a concert on Friday, December 12th starting at 6:00pm. The event will include a family-friendly concert with local musicians, an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, and a silent auction! The silent auction will include items such as a diamond pendant from Americus Diamond, matching pearl necklace and earrings from James Avery, rounds of golf for four at TPC San Antonio, tickets to museums, gift cards, and many more awesome items. More information on the community event will be posted on Daily Bread Ministries’ Facebook page. You can also follow DBM on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Community Concert (3)

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

By North SA Chamber Editor
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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.

8th Annual Bilingual Diabetes Conference: Por Tu Familia

By North SA Chamber Editor
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ADA_Por Tu FamiliaSaturday, Sept. 27, the American Diabetes Association will host the 8th Annual Por Tu Familia Conferencia, sponsored by H-E-B. This FREE event includes activities such as: interactive bilingual educational workshops presented by physicians, nurses and diabetes educators, health information and resources for the whole family, free health screenings, cooking demonstrations by HEB, and giveaways and prizes.

Over 29 million adults and children in the United.States.are living with diabetes and an additional 86 million have pre-diabetes. If current trends continue, one in three children will face a future with diabetes. People with diabetes can take steps to manage the disease and lower the risk of its deadly complications. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes is critical. Unfortunately, many people living with diabetes do not even know it. Coverage of this important event is essential in educating the San Antonio population about local programs and events, advocacy activities and research being conducted in your community. Staff will be on hand to interview in English and Spanish.

For more information about diabetes or Por Tu Familia Conferencia, call (210) 829-1765 ext. 6129, or visit diabetes.org/portufamiliasatx. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

What: American Diabetes Association 8th Annual Por Tu Familia Conferencia
When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 8:00am-2:00pm
Where: The Neighborhood Place – 3014 Rivas St., San Antonio, TX 78228

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.

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

By North SA Chamber Editor
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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.

Become a sustaining member of Guide Dogs of Texas and help us change lives!

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Guide Dogs_sustainer logoGuide Dogs of Texas (GDTX) is a nonprofit organization which promotes freedom, mobility, and independence to visually impaired Texans by providing “the Best Dogs in Sight.”

We breed, raise and train quality Guide Dogs for blind Texans. We clear a path to greater independence by offering one-on-one training for people with visual impairments anywhere in Texas. We are committed to each Guide Dog and handler for the life of the team.

Guide Dogs of Texas has provided Guide Dog Services to Texans since 1998. With the monthly support of donors like you, we can help more people without sight travel safely and participate fully in our communities.

Our Canine Programs

Breeding: Our dogs are carefully bred to ensure the best temperament and health of each puppy. The first eight weeks of the litter’s life is filled with gentle exposures to various sights, sounds, smells, and textures.

Puppy Raising:  From the age of 8 weeks to about 16 months, our puppies are raised by volunteer Puppy Raisers who teach obedience, as well as socializing the puppies and familiarizing them with various environments.

Advanced Training: After graduating the puppy raising program, the dogs receive 6 months of formal training with our Guide Dog Mobility Instructors to learn all their technical skills.

Class:  Once a Guide Dog learns all his skills, he is carefully matched with a blind handler. They spend four weeks training together under the guidance of a certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. After graduation, teams are visited at least once a year to provide support and assistance.

Results
Steve Cardenas “I have never driven a sports car, but my Guide Dog Cody is fast and smooth and that’s as close as I’ll get!”.

Dexter 3Reasons to Give
The cost of a guide dog to our clients is simply $1. GDTX receives no funding from government or insurance agencies. It is the support of donors like you that truly impact our mission.

A gift of just $10 a month adds to significant annual support. Furthermore, due to lower fundraising costs –and more stable income –with Sustaining Members’ gifts, your contributions have an even greater impact.

Increasing numbers of blind Texans request dogs each year. Your continuous financial support ensures that trained dogs will be plentiful and ready to change lives!

All members will be invited to an annual open house, receive exciting Guide Dogs of Texas Newsletters, and also will be mailed an auto decal to let the world know about your invaluable support for this great organization.

Remember every dollar we receive paves the way to transform the life of a blind Texan.  Call our office today and see how easy it is to sign up and join our sustainer club of monthly giving. 210.366.4081

Life of a volunteer puppy raiser

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Lori Wadsworth and ElectraMy name is Lori Wadsworth, and I’m a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs of Texas. My puppy’s name is Electra, and she turned a year old on April 9, 2014. She was 8.5 weeks old when I brought her home. The “E” litter is super smart and caught on quickly from the very start. My goal in raising Electra is to do the very best that I can in obedience training, play sessions, free run sessions, and training walks in order for her to move up into Advanced Training.  Even though it will be really hard to give her up, I am excited about her future career.

Electra goes everywhere with me:  the grocery store, library, nail salon, hair salon, doctor’s office, Starbucks, church, and the list goes on and on.  We Guide Dogs of Texas logotry to schedule play dates as well at Guide Dogs of Texas with her brother, Eddie, who has the same energy level as my little Electra.  When she isn’t working or walking (which are her two very favorite things to do), she is allowed to be just a regular, well-behaved dog. We are not without our challenges, but she is maturing rapidly and thus our challenges are much fewer now.

There are many things I love about being a Puppy Raiser, but the things I love most are watching her get so excited when I ask her if she’s ready to walk or go to work and the fact that we go everywhere together. Puppy Raising requires a lot of time and patience (with the dog and yourself), but it is so rewarding. Electra is my first pup, but she will definitely not be my last. Puppy Raisers have an excellent support system as help is only a text, email, or phone call away. I would highly encourage anyone with a love for animals and the willingness to make a huge, but overwhelmingly satisfying, commitment to be a Puppy Raiser.

Here at Guide Dogs of Texas, every puppy holds the promise of being someone’s eyes.   The dedication of our volunteer Puppy Raisers and the many hours they put into the puppies builds a strong foundation for the puppies’ future.   Would you like to be involved in Puppy Raising?

If you would like to help by donating or volunteering your time to this great local organization please contact our office at 210.366.4081 or visit our website at www.GuideDogsofTexas.org.  No joy can equal the joy serving others and we at Guide Dogs of Texas know that “Volunteering is a work of Heart”!

Another way to help is recently we added “Donate a Car for a cause” to our website.  Go to this link to learn more: http://www.donatecarusa.com/charities/guide-dogs-of-texas/landing

 

 

 

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

By North SA Chamber Editor
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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

Copa Rayados Internacional, SeaWorld and San Antonio Sports join forces to offer largest competitive select youth soccer tournament in Alamo City

By North SA Chamber Editor
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soccertournamentIn partnership with San Antonio Sports, the SeaWorld Copa Rayados Internacional will expand its tournament opportunities and activities for over 10,000 attendees to enjoy! The event, which takes place during Thanksgiving week November 26-30, 2014, will become part of the Bexar County Games presented by Ancira, with SeaWorld San Antonio hosting the opening ceremonies.

Registration is available online at http://www.coparayados.com.

SASF“The Bexar County Games are one more way youth can experience the transformational power of sport, which is our mission. The games are played at beautiful new facilities and help level the playing field with what other Texas communities offer,” said Russ Bookbinder, President and CEO of San Antonio Sports.  “We are excited to offer this international competition opportunity.”

The SeaWorld Copa Rayados Internacional has partnered with San Antonio Sports. The non-profit organization sports commission attracts premier events to the Alamo City and delivers youth sports and fitness programs that serve thousands of children annually. SeaWorld San Antonio, the largest marine life waterpark in the world, is the title sponsor and will provide added benefits and opportunities to all attending the tournament. The tournament will attract more than 250 teams from across Texas, the United States, and Mexico. It will be the largest competitive select youth soccer tournament in the city, offering competition levels from elite to division two.

 

Monterrey Rayados, the Mexican pro club and three-time North American champion, is hosting the elite tournament for a second year in San Antonio. CF Monterrey Rayados is a top ranked professional club, most recently ranked #42 in the world, and has the top youth academy in Mexico.

 

In 2013, champions crowned from Mexico included Monterrey Rayados, UNAM Pumas, and Santos Laguna; from the USA, the Houston Dynamo, San Antonio Texans, and North Texas’ Olympic Development Program; and internationally, Nigeria, represented by champions, Garden City Panthers.

 

As a part of the Bexar County Games, the SeaWorld Copa Rayados Internacional will provide more competitive opportunities for youth soccer in San Antonio. In addition to the elite competitive levels of play, the tournament will offer an Alamo division for under 14 designated for mid- to development-level competitive teams. This will provide an opportunity for 100 additional teams to participate in the tournament under the Bexar County Games banner. The 2014 Bexar County Games presented by Ancira consist of four youth sports competitions – basketball, baseball, soccer and lacrosse — that take place at Bexar County facilities, some of the best venues in Texas. The Bexar County Games are proudly supported by sponsors Ancira, H–E–B, Chipotle, Pizza Hut, Valero, Mission Foods, Nationwide and FOX29/ CW35.

 

“We have been looking for more opportunities to engage our fan base in the United States and growing this tournament in San Antonio is a priority,” said Nicolas Martellotto, director of CF Monterrey Rayados youth academy. “Monterrey Rayados has a great following in the United States and having this tournament and SeaWorld San Antonio as a partner creates a family and cross-cultural event for everyone to enjoy.”

 

“The interest for the tournament, going into the second year, has been exploding, attracting more international teams, Texans teams, and teams from across the USA and Mexico. Last year, we had close to 40 teams from Mexico compete, and we’ll increase that number by at least fifty percent!” states Scott Spencer, tournament director for CF Monterrey Rayados and the SeaWorld San Antonio Copa Rayados Internacional. “With the San Antonio Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and San Antonio Sports as strategic partners, it will be a great opportunity for sponsors and partners to engage the regional, national, and international soccer communities.”

 

See the best of the best youth teams in Texas, Mexico, and beyond in San Antonio this Thanksgiving! To register online visit http://www.coparayados.com.