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In mid-December, we launched our first-ever CultureMap San Antonio Charity Challenge in order to shine a light on our city’s much-needed nonprofits. Highlighting six local organizations and their impact on San Antonio, we released a series of mini-profiles to help you, our readers, decide which of them deserved to be our 2016 charity partner.

The poll has been tallied, and the organization that came out on top is Soldiers’ Angels with over 70 percent of the vote. By winning the 2016 Charity Challenge, Soldiers’ Angels will receive a CultureMap advertising package worth $10,000.

Soldiers' Angels works to support our nation’s veterans, wounded warriors, deployed service members, and their families. The nonprofit has supplied injured vets with more than 25,000 of its first-response backpacks at combat support hospitals in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Other programs, including Days for the Brave and Soldiers' Angels Adopt-a-Family, ensure the support of military families across the nation. With the help of donations, Soldiers' Angels has provided voice-controlled/adaptive laptops to more than 6,000 severely wounded service members.

Soldiers' Angels goes beyond the call of duty to give soldiers the assistance and care they deserve. We at CultureMap look forward to this Charity Challenge partnership and helping to further the nonprofit’s important work in our community.

For more information on Soldiers’ Angels and how you can get involved, visit the website.

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Photo courtesy of TeletonUSA Foundation

San Antonio-based TeletonUSA provides critical care to children who need it most

Charity Profile

Editor's note: CultureMap is committed to shining a light on San Antonio-area nonprofits and their impact on our community. So, we're launching the CultureMap San Antonio Charity Challenge, highlighting deserving local organizations — one of which will become our charity partner for 2016 based on readers' votes. To help you decide, get to know one of our six selected finalists, TeletonUSA Foundation.

When TeletonUSA Foundation was able to build its first rehabilitation center in San Antonio, the outpouring of funds and donations from Latino families was so great that its initial slogan was, "Hispanic families united to help our children."

The Children's Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) is a vibrant, colorful medical building that may feel more like a clubhouse for the children with disabilities receiving treatment there. With state-of-the-art facilities, such as a rehabilitation pool and the "Lokomat," a robot that helps teach children to walk, TeletonUSA provides cutting-edge treatment for children with neurological and musculoskeletal disorders.

TeletonUSA helps children develop coordination and balance so that they can walk. Dark rooms use light and sound to help strengthen the senses. A kitchen is available to provide a place to teach alternative ways to perform tasks around the home that many of us take for granted.

Donations from the community have helped TeletonUSA improve the lives of children for over 14 years, making critical care accessible or free to those who need it most.

Vote now for TeletonUSA — or any of the other worthy local nonprofits — in the CultureMap Charity Challenge running through December 30. A winner will be announced January 5, 2016, and will receive a CultureMap advertising package worth $10,000.

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San Antonio-based Soldiers' Angels gives back to troops with lots of love

Charity Profile

Editor's note: CultureMap is committed to shining a light on San Antonio-area nonprofits and their impact on our community. So, we're launching the CultureMap San Antonio Charity Challenge, highlighting deserving local organizations — one of which will become our charity partner for 2016 based on readers' votes. To help you decide, get to know one of our six selected finalists, Soldiers' Angels.

The motivation behind Soldiers' Angels is simple: No soldier should go unloved. Since its start, Soldiers' Angels has worked tirelessly to support our nation’s veterans, wounded warriors, deployed service members, and their families. In addition, the nonprofit has supplied injured vets with more than 25,000 of its first-response backpacks at the combat support hospitals in Iraq and Afghanistan. Soldiers' Angels goes above and beyond the call of duty to give each soldier the support and care they deserve.

Other programs, including Days for the Brave and Soldiers' Angels Adopt-a-Family, ensure the support of military families across the nation. With the help of donations, Soldiers' Angels has provided voice-controlled/adaptive laptops to more than 6,000 severely wounded service members.

Vote now for Soldiers' Angels — or any of the other worthy local nonprofits — in the CultureMap Charity Challenge running through December 30. A winner will be announced January 5, 2016, and will receive a CultureMap advertising package worth $10,000.

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San Antonio nonprofit builds musical bridges around the world

Charity Profile

Editor's note: CultureMap is committed to shining a light on San Antonio-area nonprofits and their impact on our community. So, we're launching the CultureMap San Antonio Charity Challenge, highlighting deserving local organizations — one of which will become our charity partner for 2016 based on readers' votes. To help you decide, get to know one of our six selected finalists, Musical Bridges Around the World.

The power of music is such that it can make you feel like you're traveling the globe. Musical Bridges Around the World (MBAW) works with international talent to enrich the already vibrant cultural center of San Antonio. For 16 years, MBAW has helped to define San Antonio's urban landscape with cosmopolitan events and educational outreach.

With many events free and open to the public, MBAW makes it easy for San Antonio music lovers to connect and enjoy global rhythms without ever leaving town. The International Music Festival, in its third year, will bring together talent from Russia, India, Iran, and beyond for five nights in February 2016. Sunday evenings, MBAW presents Musical Evenings at the San Fernando Cathedral, a night of diverse music offerings with an opportunity to meet the artists over dessert following the show.

MBAW looks to the future as well, with the amazing Kids to Concerts series, which reaches 50,000 children annually through interactive multicultural performances. The first of its kind in the area, the program blends core concepts from science and math curriculum with a lively musical experience that children won't soon forget.

Vote now for Musical Bridges Around the World — or any of the other worthy local nonprofits — in the CultureMap Charity Challenge running through December 30. A winner will be announced January 5, 2016, and will receive a CultureMap advertising package worth $10,000.

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San Antonio Humane Society finds forever homes for furry friends in need

Charity Profile

Editor's note: CultureMap is committed to shining a light on San Antonio-area nonprofits and their impact on our community. So, we're launching the CultureMap San Antonio Charity Challenge, highlighting deserving local organizations — one of which will become our charity partner for 2016 based on readers' votes. To help you decide, get to know one of our six selected finalists, San Antonio Humane Society.

Being man's best friend looks like a pretty easy job with warmth, love, and all the belly rubs you could hope for. But for some pets, life is no picnic. Many animals suffer abuse and injuries, while others are surrendered or abandoned to shelters. The San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS) has served the area for over 60 years. A no-kill shelter, SAHS provides medical care and shelter for furry friends until they find their forever homes.

Despite popular belief, the San Antonio Humane Society is not funded by the larger Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), so local donations and volunteer work greatly impact the day-to-day operations. Every year, SAHS is able to help more than 4,000 animals in the Bexar County area.

HSUS reports that a staggering 3 to 4 million animals die every year in shelters. The San Antonio Humane Society's mission is to improve and save the lives of animals by providing care, shelter, and community education. SAHS plans to expand with a shelter medicine hospital in the future.

SAHS helps to make sure even the animals have happy holidays and great new years. For a pick-me-up, check out their success stories.

Vote now for the San Antonio Humane Society — or any of the other worthy local nonprofits — in the CultureMap Charity Challenge running through December 30. A winner will be announced January 5, 2016, and will receive a CultureMap advertising package worth $10,000.

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The Children's Shelter/Facebook

The Children's Shelter gives San Antonio kids a safe haven and fresh start

Charity Profile

Editor's note: CultureMap is committed to shining a light on San Antonio-area nonprofits and their impact on our community. So, we're launching the CultureMap San Antonio Charity Challenge, highlighting deserving local organizations — one of which will become our charity partner for 2016 based on readers' votes. To help you decide, get to know one of our six selected finalists, The Children's Shelter.

No child should ever be subjected to abuse. The Children’s Shelter is a nationally accredited nonprofit committed to ending the cycle of abuse by saving one child at a time. Since 1901, The Children’s Shelter has served as a safe haven for child survivors of abuse, neglect, and abandonment in San Antonio and Bexar County.

The organization’s mission of restoring innocence and strengthening families rings true in every aspect of its work. The Children’s Shelter is a trauma-informed care certified organization that offers emergency shelter and residential treatment for children in crisis. Additionally, the organization helps children find permanent homes through foster care and adoption, ensuring that each child’s innocence is truly restored.

When children seek help from The Children’s Shelter, they become a part of a family of services and true commitment to a better life.

Vote now for The Children’s Shelter — or any of the other worthy local nonprofits — in the CultureMap Charity Challenge running through December 30. A winner will be announced January 5, 2016, and will receive a CultureMap advertising package worth $10,000.

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Hello Kitty Cafe Truck says hi to San Antonio on cross-country tour

in her tour era

The famously pink Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is making its way down to San Antonio in October for a special day of treats and cartoon cat collectibles.

The cutesy vehicle will bring a horde of new Hello Kitty clothing, plushies, and accessories to North Star Mall from 10 am to 7 pm on Tuesday, October 21.

Among the new items is a bright pink tote bag with rainbow straps and desserts decorating the front, an assortment of Hello Kitty baked goods, and a transparent coffee mug with sprinkles in the handle and different desserts printed on glass body. Visitors can also snag an adorable lunchbox and a 18-ounce or 32-ounce stainless steel rainbow thermos.

Hello Kitty rainbow tote bagThe bright pink reusable tote bag has rainbow straps.Photo courtesy of Sanrio

As for the hand-decorated baked goods, guests can expect to see Hello Kitty's classic friends Keroppi the frog and Chococat appear on petit fours. The leading lady appears on miniature cakes, a giant sugar cookie, small box sets of madeleines, and French macarons.

The popular attraction has been touring around the country for nearly a decade, drawing crowds of thousands of people every year. San Antonio will be its fourth Texas stop on the tour, after the truck visits Austin's Domain multi-use neighborhood on October 14.

As a note, the cafe truck only accepts debit or credit cards, and not cash.

Other Texas cities on the tour route include:

  • September 30 – Arlington
  • October 7 – Houston
  • October 14 – Austin
  • October 28 – El Paso

3 Lubbock luminaries on what ignites the Hub City

Faces and Places

In Lubbock, Texas, where locals have been pouring their livelihood into both the city and their craft, the community has created a Texas experience like no other. What sets apart a destination from others is the welcoming faces who meet travelers with open doors and a willingness to share the West Texas way of life with all who wander through.

CultureMap recently checked in with three Lubbock luminaries to learn what drew them to the city, what dreams they're making come true, and how visitors can take part in the magic.

Matt Bostick, sommelier and hospitality director of Llano Estacado Winery
Though his roots are in Texas, Matt Bostick found his passion for wine in Italy. While studying hospitality in Florence in 2011, he met Parisian sommelier Quinton Paillard, who encouraged his budding love of vino and set Bostick on the path toward becoming a sommelier himself.

After earning his degree in restaurant, hotel, and institutional management from Texas Tech University in 2012, Bostick joined Jackson Family Estates in Los Angeles. From there, he further honed his expertise as the lead sommelier for Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza, under the mentorship of Sarah Clarke A few years later, Bostick co-founded a restaurant called Baldoria and even developed a line of ready-to-drink cocktails with his business partner, David King.

"When David and I decided to create B&K Cocktail Company, our business venture brought us back to Texas," Bostick says. "With my family residing in Lubbock, it was a natural choice to settle here. Lubbock holds significant personal and professional values for me. It's my hometown, where I was born and raised, and where most of my family continues to live and contribute to this community."

Today, Bostick is the events director and sommelier at Llano Estacado Winery, Texas’ second oldest winery. Bostick guides visitors through a sensory journey, introducing them to the complexities of different wines, regions, and vintages while offering insights into history, production techniques, and the unique characteristics of each varietal.

"I help individuals identify tasting notes, appreciate nuances, and even recommend food pairings that enhance the overall culinary experience," he says.

Grape Day on October 21 is an ideal time to visit the winery to see Bostick in action. To celebrate the end of the harvest, which spans late July to early October, Llano features captivating self-guided tours, diverse art booths, delicious offerings from the finest local vendors, exciting games for kids, and a mesmerizing lineup of live music on the Lubbock Listening Room stage.

Admission is free, but for $35 attendees will receive a commemorative Grape Day wine glass along with two tickets redeemable for a glass of wine. Pre-sale drink tickets will also be available for purchase in a bundle of three tickets for $15 (otherwise each ticket is $8 at the event).

"Grape Day holds immense significance to me. It's a celebration that represents the culmination of hard work and a sense of community," Bostick says. "Llano Estacado Winery has not only been a pioneer in the Texas wine industry but has also contributed to our local community's growth. Events like this shine a light on the rich heritage and traditions of winemaking, connecting our community to a broader narrative of craftsmanship and appreciation for the finer things in life."

Ian Timmons, pitmaster and third-generation owner of Tom & Bingo’s BBQ
It's been called a West Texas legend since 1952, and as soon as you step inside Tom & Bingo's BBQ, you'll understand why. This old-school barbecue joint — and Lubbock’s oldest restaurant — is packed with nostalgia and dishes out authentic barbecue that would make original owners Tom and Bettye Clanton proud, and current owner Ian Timmons intends to keep it that way.

While studying at Texas Tech, Timmons worked under Dwayne Clanton (Tom and Bettye's son, who gained ownership of the restaurant in 1980) and earned hands-on experience as a pitmaster. Upon graduation, he moved to Denver with his wife, Kristi, where he worked at Denver Biscuit Company.

"I’ve always worked in restaurants," says Timmons. "From my first job at Dairy Queen to a local restaurant called Orlando’s, where I was a server and got fired for making pizzas during my shift."

Timmons' wife also happens to be Dwayne and Liz Clanton's daughter, making him the obvious choice to carry on the legacy when the couple was ready to retire in 2017.

Now, Timmons pays homage to Tom & Bingo's 70-year legacy by smoking modern bark-on-brisket, his own coarsely ground smoked beef sausage, and pork spare ribs on the original brick pits the predecessors used for decades. He's also expanded the menu to include scratch-made potato salad and slaw, but one item remains a constant since the early days of the restaurant: the steak burger.

"This fall we are switching from our legendary brick pits to a new Centex offset smoker, so it’s back to square one for us," reveals Timmons. "This fall will be a learning season for us! But we are excited to see what a new smoker can do for us."

You can also catch the eatery's new food truck out and about and look forward to more biscuit collaborations with Monomyth Coffee (inspired by Timmons' time in Denver, of course). "We'll also hopefully open a Biscuit Club location to help grow the breakfast scene in Lubbock," Timmons hints.

But perhaps the tastiest way to experience Tom & Bingo's, besides visiting the restaurant itself, is by sampling its goods at the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest in November. Held in Lockhart, November 4-5, the event helps raise funds for Feeding Texas and a network of food banks across the state.

Yung Cry Baby, aka Aaliyah Limon, resident artist with Charles Adams Studio Project
Full-time musician and vocalist Aaliyah Limon was born and raised in Lubbock, but when she was younger, she didn't feel the city had a place for her yet. After graduation, the aspiring talent took off to explore both coasts, working as a model and artist, but after a while realized she wasn’t as fulfilled as she had hoped and missed her family.

"I needed a break from my fast-paced lifestyle," she says. "I came back home to be with family, take a step back, and reassess what I really wanted to do with my life. When I moved back, my music took off much faster than I ever anticipated."

Now Limon is professionally known as Yung Cry Baby and serves as a resident artist with the Charles Adams Studio Project, a nonprofit that supports working artists in Lubbock.

"Because I'm passionate about it and motivated by the people who resonate with what I sing about, I've kind of kept with the momentum of things," Limon says. "I'm excited about what I do, and I love helping people heal through my music. Even if it only helps a little, it gives me a lot of joy knowing I can maybe help someone not feel alone."

Fans can see Yung Cry Baby perform not only at the karaoke bar she hosts at, but also at First Friday Art Trail, a monthly arts festival located in downtown Lubbock with a mission to bring together collectors, artists, and community friends for an evening of art, music, and fun. Participants are ever-changing, offering something for everyone.

"I love doing community-based things, especially when it comes to art," Limon says. "First Friday is always a blast for me."

Yung Cry Baby is currently working on her first full album, following the earlier release of her EP. Follow her on social media for updates.

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Experience the people and places of Lubbock yourself by planning your next vacation here.

Llano Estacado Winery wine glass

Photo courtesy of Visit Lubbock

Matt Bostick helps visitors appreciate the wine at Llano Estacado Winery.

How to get every possible discount at the 2023 State Fair of Texas

State Fair News

The 2023 State Fair of Texas starts its 24-day run at Fair Park in Dallas on September 29, bringing with it music, games, food, and more.

But there are a multitude of discount ticket options offered by the State Fair and other groups, meaning there's no reason you should ever pay full price.

Single day ticket prices differ by the day, going for $15 for adults, $10 for kids 3-12 and seniors 60 and over Monday-Thursday; $20 for adults, $15 for kids 3-12 and seniors 60 and over on Fridays; and $25 for adults, $18 for kids 3-12 and seniors 60 and over on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are only valid for a pre-selected date. You can get $10 tickets on Tuesdays and Thursdays by using the code 23CULTUREMAP.

Premium one-day admission, valid any day of the Fair, are $24 and allow you to choose the day you want to attend. The most flexible ticket option is available for purchase exclusively online at BigTex.com/Tickets.

Two and four-pack combos for premium tickets with Food and Midway coupons are also available, starting at less than $100. You can get $15 off the two-pack combo or $30 off the four-pack combo by using the special CultureMap code 23MAPPACK.

SEASON PASS
One of the best ways to save is by purchasing a State Fair of Texas Season Pass. Available online at BigTex.com/Tickets for only $50, season passes include admission for all 24 days, as well as a variety of special benefits, like one free single-day bring-a-friend ticket (valid Monday-Friday only); a State Fair reusable bag (available to the first 5,000 season pass holders to redeem) a 10 percent off coupon on State Fair gear at official merchandise stores; and more.

Opening Day – Friday, September 29
Bring two jars of peanut butter to donate to the North Texas Food Bank for a special promotion and receive $10 admission at the gate.

Dr Pepper Value Days
Taking place every Tuesday and Thursday of the Fair, you can purchase admission online for a reduced price of only $10 on Dr Pepper Value Days. Fairgoers must be a Big Tex Insider to receive the promotion code, sign up now at BigTex.com/Insider.

North Texas Food Bank, Feed the Need
Every Wednesday of the Fair, visitors have the best discount opportunity to save big AND give back to the community. By bringing five canned food items, fairgoers will receive admission for only $5. All canned donations go to the North Texas Food Bank, which helps feed members of the community.

Senior Day
Every Thursday, senior citizens 60 years and older receive admission to the Fair for only $5.

Discount after 5 pm
On any night of the week, visitors receive reduced general admission after 5 pm. No matter your age, all guests pay the child price after 5 pm.

McDonald's coupons
Discount coupons are available at participating McDonald’s locations throughout North Texas on tray liners and inside their meal bags. With this coupon, any fairgoer can save $5 off on weekdays (Monday-Friday) and $7 off on weekends (Saturday-Sunday).

DART Discount
In addition to being able to use the GoPass app to take DART right to the front gates of Fair Park, guests can receive $5 off fair admission Monday-Friday, or $7 off on Saturdays and Sundays, by using the promo code 23DART when purchasing tickets on the State Fair website.

Military Appreciation Day presented by Chevrolet
All active military, retired military, and veterans save $5 off on weekdays (Monday-Friday) and $7 off on weekends (Saturday-Sunday) when they present valid documentation of military service at the gate or online. Spouses of service men and women with a valid Military Spouse ID and accompanying children under the age of 18 also receive discounted admission.

First Responders Discount
The State Fair is thanking the country’s first responders by honoring various active and retired public law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency services agencies. All first responders can save $5 off on weekdays (Monday-Friday) and $7 off on weekends (Saturday-Sunday) when they present a valid badge or ID card from their department or organization at the gate or online. Spouses of first responders and accompanying children under the age of 18 also receive discounted admission.

4-Coupon Tuesdays
Discounts extend to the Midway for 4-Coupon Tuesdays. Most rides on the Midway are 4 coupons, with Kiddie rides discounted to 3 coupons on Tuesdays. Excludes the Thrillway and the Texas Star Ferris Wheel.

Thrifty Thursday Discounted Food Program
Every Thursday of the Fair, guests can save while snacking, as participating food vendors offer one of their signature menu items at a reduced price, ranging from mini versions to regular-size items.