Purposeful Party
23rd Taste of the Northside Unites Foodies and Philanthropists to Benefit Brighton Center
By Amy Morgan
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Viva Fiesta! Every April we don our brightest duds, shine our medals and feast on special food and drinks that come around only once a year. But sometimes the crazy crowds can feel like a little too much. Right size your festivities this year at Taste of the Northside. The elevated event April 18 limits the number of entrants, so you can celebrate in style. Like many official Fiesta events, proceeds from the party directly benefit a local non-profit. Taste of the Northside remains the flagship fundraiser for the Brighton Center, which has been supporting families of local children with disabilities or delays for more than 50 years.
A spectacular occasion for the past 23 years, once again Taste of the Northside ramps up the wow factor to keep patrons coming back for more. More than 30 of San Antonio’s finest restaurants will offer their signature dishes at this culinary affair that unites Fiesta, foodies and philanthropists. H-E-B serves as the Presenting Partner alongside representatives from some of your favorite restaurants in town. You’ll meet the culinary teams from Eddie V's, Brasao, Mae Dunne, JW Marriot, Paloma Blanca, Cover 3, Toro, Tu Asador and Paladar. They’ll offer a wide array of feast-worthy food — from savory dishes to delectable desserts. There's something to delight every palate at the Taste of the Northside, beginning with a welcome cocktail at 6 p.m., and ending with a late-night snack catered by Whataburger prior to the 11 p.m. conclusion.
What would Fiesta be without sophisticated sips? Taste of the Northside offers countless curated wines, craft cocktails, and cold brews. Sip and Savor in Stella Artois’ elevated beer garden.
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Indoor and outdoor spaces feature entertainment like dueling pianos from Howl2Go, beats from Vegas DJ Services, and live music by the E7 band. You’ll be able to groove to the tunes on the main lawn, which offers views of the Northside skyline.
Check out Tesla’s new Cyber Truck in its inaugural drive off the showroom floor and enter to win your chance at a new Toyota vehicle. Not to be outdone by automobile enthusiasts, San Antonio’s newest jewelry store, Tenenbaum, has pledged $10,000 in store credit vouchers. Party patrons who opt in have the chance to win thousands in sparkly merchandise.
There’s plenty of room to spread out at the Security Service Federal Credit Union Events Center close to UTSA. Free parking is located in their covered garage onsite, and Uber and Lyft will drop off right at the front door.
Other sponsors include, Kairoi Residential, Valero, Silver Eagle Beverages, Forvis, Toyota, Tesla, and M2 Technology. Use the discount code RIGHTATHOME to receive $35 off the $275 VIP ticket price.
Every dollar raised at Taste of the Northside directly supports the Brighton Center, laying the groundwork to empower children to realize their full potential now and in the future.
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Katrina Campbell, who took the helm as CEO in 2021, likes to emphasize that at the Brighton Center, “Here, there are only abilities.” The Brighton Center serves more than 4,000 children and their families each year with services like pediatric therapy, inclusive preschool, and special education advocacy. Equally important is the support the Brighton Center’s trained staff provides for families.
“So much of what we do in early childhood has a life-changing impact,” Katrina said. “Day-to-day life with young children can be overwhelming. When you have a child who’s born with a disability or a toddler diagnosed with delay, suddenly you are in a world where there’s no guidebook. One parent described it as being dropped off in the middle of an island – there’s such a feeling of isolation and not knowing where to turn for help.
“Our team comes alongside a family and walks through the journey with them. We provide free evaluations, develop service plans, conduct therapy services and provide emotional support and education. The Brighton Center's specialists also ease a family’s transition to the next step for their child, whether inclusion pre-school or the special education system,” Katrina added.
The Brighton Center’s services often are provided at reduced or no cost. “Every year the Brighton Center must raise more than $3 million to allow us to provide financial assistance to the families we serve,” Katrina verified. Donations fill in the gaps and allow the Brighton Center to scholarship tuition to their immersion pre-school that offers the lowest child/teacher ratio in the city and provide one-on-one special education advocacy.
“Every day is a new opportunity for these children to thrive,” Katrina said. “It is so important that the community understands what Fiesta really is – not just a party, but a way to support the organizations that give back. Funds raised by official Fiesta events like Taste of the Northside allow us to provide all the bells and whistles that make us unique and holistic.”
What better reason to raise a glass at Taste of the Northside this Fiesta.
