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In a year when the coronavirus pandemic has punctuated the immense needs of the community, a new fundraising program offers San Antonians a meaningful way to give and gift this holiday season.
Holiday Gifting 4 Good gives shoppers the opportunity to purchase curated gift packages from organizations such as Spurs Give, the Pearl, Visit San Antonio, X Level Inc., and San Antonio in a Box. The gift items are from some of San Antonio’s most well-known local businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, theme parks, and other attractions, and many of the businesses include smaller mom and pop retail shops, minority-owned businesses, and local artisans.
In addition to supporting a wide range of local businesses, a portion of each purchase of these curated offerings will benefit United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County and the ongoing work addressing some of the San Antonio community’s most complex and challenging issues.
A limited number of each offering will be available for purchase through Dec. 10 through the United Way website. Gift givers can also purchase donation certificates for friends, colleagues, and loved ones to directly support United Way’s year-round efforts. More information on the available gift packages and ordering can be found by visiting the Holiday Gifting 4 Good website.
“Holiday Gifting 4 Good is an uplifting way to take care of your seasonal shopping list that supports local businesses and helps resolve the social divides in our community that were exposed during this year’s pandemic,” said Blakely Fernandez, partner at Bracewell LLP and Holiday Gifting 4 Good chairwoman. “United Way is implementing strategic programs to solve generational inequities that have created a barrier to success for so many in our community for far too long. Holiday Gifting 4 Good is a great way to give special gifts to friends and family members this holiday season that will also help lift up our most vulnerable individuals and families.”
Brad Barron, president and CEO of NuStar Energy and United Way’s 2020 campaign chairman, echoed that sentiment. “Most area residents are also more likely to be aware of United Way’s safety net programs that help people in crisis,” he said. “But many people are not aware of the incredible continuum of work they are doing to end the socioeconomic divides exposed in our community by the pandemic earlier this year.
“Holiday Gifting 4 Good was created to greater reflect the spirit of giving and gifting that supports the enormous needs of our local community while also supporting local businesses that have also struggled during the pandemic.”
Holiday Gifting 4 Good curated gift collections include:
The Ultimate Spurs Fan Package ($100) featuring unique Spurs gear just in time for the kickoff of the holiday and NBA seasons. The offering includes a Spurs lotería T-shirt, a limited-edition art print based on Champions by artist Rodolfo Choperena that hangs in the AT&T Center, family five-pack of Fiesta medals, coasters, and “smell of victory” candle. Ultimate Spurs Fan Box recipients will also receive a ticket to Illuminight: A Magical Drive-Thru Experience through the AT&T Center grounds Nov. 19-Jan. 3. Spurs Give supports more than 100 community partners like United Way and helps elevate the mission of critical nonprofits.
The Pearl Holiday Package ($100) curated by the Pearl is full of tasty treats and fun, food-themed products from its restaurants and retailers. Featured items include cranberry citrus jam from Cured; a whimsical hamburger ornament from The Tiny Finch; a diner mug from Local Coffee; artisan caramels from Wildflower Caramel Co.; a taco money coin purse, cocktail napkins, and a Pearl sticker from Feliz Modern POP; a handmade dish towel from Niche; and a roomy Pearl tote bag.
The Taste of San Antonio Box curated by San Antonio in a Box is available in small ($50) and large sizes ($100). Filled with tasty treats from local companies such as Casa Chocolates, Jan’s Gourmet, La Fogata, Al’s Gourmet Nuts, Bolner’s, Gustology, and Brushfire Farms, it makes a great gift for employees, neighbors, and friends. San Antonio in a Box locally procures one-of-a-kind products from more than 40 area makers and the purchase of this box contributes to the success of those businesses.
Visit San Antonio has curated three experience-filled gift packages to support the meaningful recovery of the city’s hospitality and tourism industry and United Way. The packages include tickets to a variety of San Antonio’s top attractions, and all of the tickets have been donated, so 100 percent of the money goes to United Way to help serve the disadvantaged in the community. In addition to the tickets, the packages also include fun gift items from participating partners.
The Santa’s Adventure Package ($200) offers the gift of lasting memories with two tickets to SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The package also includes two tickets to Buckhorn Saloon & Museum and two tickets provided by Phillip’s Entertainment that may be redeemed at Ripley’s Amazing Mirror Maze, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Tomb Rider 3D, or the Guinness World Records Museum. Two San Antonio Bike Share one-day passes are also included.
The Holiday Hill Country & History Package ($100) is great for families and friends who love getting out to explore. It features two tickets to some of the hottest attractions in the region, including Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Natural Bridge Caverns, and The Witte Museum. Discounted admission for two guests for a Texas Hill Country and LBJ Ranch Experience Gray Line tour is also included.
The Experience San Antonio Magic Package ($75) spreads holiday cheer with experiences and discounts to family-friendly attractions across the city. Gift recipients will receive two tickets to the San Antonio Museum of Art, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and City Sightseeing San Antonio’s Hop-On Hop-Off tour, plus half off admission for two at the San Antonio Zoo and a $25 discount towards purchase at San Antonio Shoemakers General Factory + Store.
The Fashionista San Antonio Box ($200) curated by X Level Inc. is designed for friends and family members who always look great on Zoom calls. It features fashionable items from San Antonio boutiques Penny Lane and No. 9 Floral & Gifts as well as a luxurious salt hair infusion from Twirl Salon. The book Good Morning, I Love You by Shauna Shapiro, an internationally recognized expert in mindfulness and compassion, adds a layer of self-care to the gift collection.
Holiday Gifting 4 Good gifts will be available for curbside pick-up at designated times throughout the holiday season at the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County offices located at 700 S. Alamo St.
