Valero Texas Open
Contents:
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Night to Honor Our HeroesVolunteer Spotlight
A Look Back: Night to Honor Our Heroes presented by Wells Fargo Sponsor Spotlight
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Night to Honor Our Heroes
The Valero Texas Open hosted “Happy Hour for Heroes” on Thursday, June 27 as a continued celebration of its 10th anniversary of Night to Honor Our Heroes. Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse graciously hosted and underwrote this intimate event as top-level gala sponsors gathered together to help present the event proceeds to this year’s charitable recipients totaling $225,000.

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This year’s charitable recipients include:

StarThe mission of Air Force Association, Alamo Chapter #234 is to educate the critical need for unmatched aerospace power and a technically superior workforce to ensure US national security through STEM and aerospace education. They provide scholarship programs for CCAF and Air Force ROTC and JROTC.
StarAlamo AFCEA provides scholarships and grants, as well as, STEM education mentorship for individuals from K through the collegiate level in an effort to increase knowledge regarding information technology for the defense of homeland security and intelligence communities.
StarThe Association of the United States Army is a nonprofit educational and professional development association. The Alamo Chapter AUSA provides a voice for the Army; supports Soldiers and their families; and honors those who have served in order to advance the security of the nation.
StarFisher House Inc. is a home-away-from-home for the families of seriously ill or injured patients receiving treatment. Families receive lodging, food and amenities free of charge while their loved one is receiving medical care.
StarFolds of Honor provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service-members. Their motto says it best: Honor Their Sacrifice. Educate Their Legacy.
StarThe vision of I Care San Antonio is a community that shares the love of Christ and provides access to compassionate, quality eye care to all. Vision services are provided to those who cannot afford it in San Antonio and the surrounding area. New for 2019, I Care is starting an initiative to reach Veterans and their families who currently do not receive military eye care benefits.
StarThe mission of John Jay High School Air Force JROTC is to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community. They performed their Drill Team Presentation at this year's Night to Honor Our Heroes.
StarK9’s For Warriors is dedicated to providing service canines to our warriors suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury, as a result of military service post-9/11. Their goal is to empower them to return to civilian life with dignity and independence. They are the nation's largest provider of service dogs for disabled American veterans.
StarMilitary Warrior Support Foundation's mission is to facilitate a smooth and successful transition for our nation’s combat wounded heroes and Gold Star families. Their programs focus on housing and homeownership, recreational activities, transportation assistance, leadership development, and financial mentoring.
StarQueens for Troops was born out of a desire to do more for our country's wounded warriors as a way to say "thanks" for the sacrifices they have made for our freedoms! Queens for Troops conducts fund-raising trail rides and other events with all proceeds going to benefit wounded warriors and their family members. This year, their donation is supporting the Gary Sinise Foundation.
StarStinsons Flight, Order of Daedalians is named in honor of the four Flying Stinsons, Katherine, Eddie, Margaret and Jack, all pioneer flyers who were nationally famous before and during WWI. The Stinsons Flight provides college scholarships to potential military aviators; also recognizes top talent and conducts a Cadet Flight Indoctrination Program (CFIP) for high school students who demonstrate an interest in military aviation careers.

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A Look Back: Night to Honor Our Heroes presented by Wells Fargo
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With over 1,580 guests comprised of active and veteran military representing all ranks and branches, wounded veterans, and corporate partners, the tenth annual Night to Honor Our Heroes presented by Wells Fargo filled the JW Marriott’s Grand Oaks Ballroom to capacity on Friday, April 5.

In celebration of the gala’s tenth anniversary, special guest George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States gave a moving testimony about his tenure as our President and life following his duties and leadership at The White House.

The evening’s host and lead anchor for NBC Sports, Dan Hicks led an insightful conversation with George W. Bush following his remarks; sharing stories of his experiences that moved guests in attendance and left with a heightened sense of patriotism.

Others participating in the program included:

StarPresentation of Colors by Joint Base San Antonio Joint Color Guard
StarNational Anthem performed by SrA Michelle Rajotte, USAF
StarDrill team presentation by John Jay High School Air Force JROTC
StarActive military perspective was shared by Lt Gen Steven L. Kwast, USAF, Commander Air Education & Training Command , Join Base San Antonio – Randolph AFB
In anticipation of another early sellout, mark your calendar to join us for next year’s Night to Honor Our Heroes on Friday, April 3, 2020!

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Volunteer Spotlight
The success of the VTO is due in large part to the volunteers who give generously of their time, talent and energy through 30 dynamic committees. Our volunteers play an important role in the tournament's charitable mission to raise funds and awareness for hundreds of worthy causes throughout San Antonio and the South Texas region. In an effort to get to know the various committees and volunteers better, we’d like to feature two of our hardworking invaluable volunteers:

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Gilbert Cruz

Star22 years with Valero Texas Open
StarJust completed his term as Chair of Volunteer Services on the Tournament Leadership Council (TLC)
All 22 years Gilbert has volunteered has been with Volunteer Services; the name has changed over the years and duties added to this committee but he has enjoyed working with them over the years. He started with volunteer dining and apparel and now the committee includes computerized check in and out for all volunteers.

The most rewarding part of being involved with the Valero Texas Open is knowing that the monies raised go to several charities throughout the city. “It is awesome to see all of those funds going to groups that really need help every year.”

If there are others that have no idea what it’s like to be involved with the Valero Texas Open, I’d tell them that, “The committees are all different but all work together for one goal – making the tournament run smoothly and efficiently for everyone (PGA TOUR players, their guest, fans and spectators coming to see some great golf and the volunteers that make it all happen).”

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Ted Duigon

Star42 years with Valero Texas Open
Star2 breaks due to Air Force assignments in 1979-1981 and 1985-1988.
StarContinuous since 1989.
Ted has dedicated 42 years of volunteering with Gallery Control, which has included transportation from airport, vehicle staging, evacuation, along with roping and staking.

Contributing with absolutely the best people to generate financial support for the many deserving charities that directly benefit from the Valero Texas Open is the most rewarding part of being involved with the Valero Texas Open.

“Participating with other outstanding golf aficionados at a superbly conducted PGA TOUR tournament that sets the TOUR standard for charitable contributions and provides a week of great experiences with old and new friends,” is what I would tell others that would like to be involved and have no idea what the Valero Texas Open is or does in the community.


Sponsor Spotlight
Sponsor
Continuing the Kirby’s Steakhouse legacy, our third location in the Stone Oak area of San Antonio, est. 2007, is an award-winning restaurant featuring all natural, Midwestern, aged prime beef. Kirby’s Steakhouse also offers fresh seafood, daily chef features, and a spectacular collection of new and old world wine. Enjoy the best steakhouse in San Antonio, Kirby’s, elegant yet casual atmosphere, excellent service and the prime steaks that are ranked among San Antonio’s best.

Guests can choose to dine in one of several stunning dining rooms, including five private rooms, or relax in the lounge with a glass of wine selected by our certified Sommelier.

www.kirbyssteakhouse.com
Sponsor
SPR provides concierge-level tax, accounting, and advisory services with a focus on value-added planning and consulting to sophisticated individuals, families and closely held businesses in Texas and across the US. SPR has the expertise to help families grow their legacies and reach their goals.

Our people make SPR the firm that it is. We are smart, hard working professionals who share a common vision for how to serve our clients. We are a true team in every sense of the word. And while we work hard, well, we play hard too, and that’s the SPR culture.

www.sprcpas.comm