Boys Town Texas

Dedicated volunteers help spread the Boys Town Texas mission to Change the Way Texas Cares for Her Children and Families.

Fiesta 2007 Brings Fun and Funds for Boys Town Texas

With thousands of San Antonians attending each year, the 10-day, multicultural Fiesta Texas celebration gives Boys Town Texas a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the services it provides severely at-risk youth.

Many staff and volunteers spread the Boys Town mission at this year’s celebration while carrying a walking float in the family-focused King William parade and painting faces at a local church.  The float, decorated with Boys Town banners and crepe paper flowers made by Boys Town Texas youth passed thousands of people along the route.

“The community impact we made was tremendous,” said Wade Rascoe, Boys Town Texas Executive Director.  “Staff and volunteers emphasized the message that we are here for kids and families.”

In addition to raising awareness, the Fiesta also provided a unique fundraising opportunity.  Volunteers sold parking spots in the site’s lot, raising nearly $5,000 to directly benefit its children and programs.  As they escorted Fiesta patrons to and from their cars, volunteers shared information about the programs Boys Townfers.  Rascoe said they had many repeat customers because they were treated so well. 

“This is such a great, fun way to raise money for the kids,” said volunteer Bruce Baxter, whose daughter had been enrolled at Boys Town Texas several years ago.

As well as impacting the broader community, the Fiesta gave the children at Boys Town Texas opportunities for learning and fun.  They participated in Fiesta Earth Day activities, attended two outdoor classical music concerts and made traditional Fiesta flowers to adorn the float and their campus shelter. 

“The kids had a wonderful time,” said Annette Garza, Boys Town Texas Program Director.  “The children learned that not only Fiesta, but also Texas is steeped in tradition.”

As she discussed Fiesta traditions with the children, Garza encouraged them to think about traditions they can begin.  “Fiesta started out really small, and now it’s really big,” she said.  “Just think how your own family traditions can grow.”

Because of the efforts of its volunteers, Boys Town Texas was able to make its presence known through the events of Fiesta 2007 and can continue to create valuable traditions for the children it serves. 

“If it were not for our wonderful volunteers,” Rascoe said, “we could not complete our mission.”