Fiesta in San Antonio celebrates timehonored traditions of culture, culinary art, and musical flavors, boasting an array of festivities to celebrate the spirit of the city. A Taste of the Northside is an official fiesta San Antonio event, sponsored by The Lynd Company, a main sponsor for the past four years. "By bringing an event to the Northside, residents can be apart of the fiesta tradition and at the same time, give to a cause that benefits so many underprivileged children," says David Lynd, President of The Lynd Company. Money raised from the charity event benefits Brighton School, The Center for Inclusive Communities, a non–profit organization. For over 35 years, Brighton has served children with disabilities and special needs by promoting inclusive communities to ensure educational opportunities for their future. "Children need the most help because they are not able to help themselves," says Lynd. "We hope to provide opportunities that can help them for the rest of their lives."
Four years ago, The Lynd Company began sponsoring the event, lending a humanitarian hand to support the advancement of Brighton's mission. "We saw the potential of the event and wanted to put our effort from a professional standpoint and financial resources to help it be the best event it can be," says Lynd.
By partnering with Brighton Schools, The Lynd Company dedicates their time and energy to helping many children and their families in need. "Brighton is such an optimal program to work with," adds Lynd.
Energy abounds as families, friends and co–workers gather together to celebrate in the city's most time–honored traditions. However, as the city makes preparations for another all–out fiesta celebration, Lynd reminds the community to remember A Taste of the Northside as not simply a celebration, but a charitable event focused on the future of San Antonio's children. "Let's do all we can to support the future of so many kids who are a vital part of our community," he insists.
When the event began eight years ago, organizers remember attendance at a modest one hundred people. Last year, the number rose to close to 5,000. From beer and wine sampling, food from a variety of participating restaurants, and this year's musical guest, Texas Tide, A Taste of the Northside is expected to exceed expectations. "People want to attend," says Lynd. This year, the event will be held for the fourth year in a row at the picturesque Canyon Springs Golf Course. For thirty–five dollars, patrons will enjoy wine samplings, and a palette of food varieties to explore. Included in the night's activities are a silent auction and raffle goods. During the day, a golf tournament is held to raise additional money. Afterwards, the evening festivities begin.
Over the past six years, The Lynd Company has worked with Brighton in a number of areas. "We have a good partnership," says Lynd. One program they've implemented is designed specially for children born with special needs. The program allows a family to live in a Lynd Company apartment rent–free for six months to help the parents utilize that money to help their child. "That was my goal in creating the program," explains Lynd. "I want to make their lives better."
As A Taste of the Northside gears up to celebrate its 8th return to the Alamo City, the dreams of many children with disabilities and special needs await greater opportunities to abound. Kim Jefferies, Executive Director at Brighton, says in the past the event has helped to strengthen and expand many of their programs to include providing scholarships, furthering educational opportunities, increasing advocacy awareness and assigning parental educational programs. The Lynd Company and Brighton Schools consider their partnership a successful merging of vision and leadership to enhance the future of San Antonio's children. The Lynd Company looks forward to another successful year to promote the leadership of Brighton to our youth. "Our logo is a symbol of the globe," says Lynd. "We call it, The World of Difference. We need to be good corporate citizens and give back to a community that gives so much to us!"
