Giving Back

Last updated: June 19, 2025

This page provides information concerning sponsored opportunities for members of the community to help their fellow citizens. It also showcases some of the ways venues are trying to make a positive impact in their community

Although every effort goes into providing accurate, comprehensive information, not all opportunities may be accounted for. To submit an opportunity, please click here. 

OPPORTUNITIES

None at this time. Please check back for any new opportunities.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – April Ancira selects The Tobin Center’s Charlie’s Seats program as the 2025 beneficiary of her annual philanthropic tradition. Charlie’s Seats, named for fellow Tobin Center Board Member Susan Naylor’s son Charlie, is the umbrella name for all The Tobin Center’s programs that provide free tickets for Tobin performances to local non-profits and schools serving under-resourced students, as well as free and discounted tickets to college students, first responders, teachers, active and retired military, and SNAP recipients.

In addition to being a long-standing arts supporter and Tobin Center Board Member, April served for many years as the local emcee for the Tobin’s National Geographic speaker series, always bringing the fun with themed outfits to coordinate with speakers’ topics. You may have witnessed April, dressed as an explorer, being pushed on stage in a canoe by her children to introduce a Nat Geo photographer or the whole family dressed as dinosaurs to start off Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous. April’s love of the performing arts is undeniable, both as a patron and a performer. 

“I will never forget the first time I attended a live performance. It was unforgettable and life changing.

The Charlie’s Seats Program has been a game-changer in San Antonio, opening doors to the transformative power of live performances. Every year, I focus my energy into raising money for one of the non-profits I care about and with this campaign at the Tobin, we can expand our reach and provide even more under-resourced students, local teachers, active and retired military, first responders, college students, and families receiving WIC/SNAP benefits with the opportunity to experience the magic of the arts. As a Tobin Board member, I believe that every free ticket we provide is not just a seat in a theater; it’s a window to a world of creativity and inspiration.”, said April Ancira, adding “We are also working to provide transportation scholarships to ensure that Title I schools in Bexar, Comal, and Kendall counties can bring their students to performances because transportation costs are a barrier for many schools.  This dual approach—providing both tickets and transportation—ensures that access to the performing arts is not just a privilege for some, but an opportunity for all in our diverse community.”

While April is known for her good-natured and fun energy, she takes raising money for local nonprofits seriously. Many years ago, April launched a small fundraising campaign with the Salvation Army, and since then this practice has grown into an annual tradition.  By focusing her fundraising efforts and rallying others to do the same, she has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities including The Brighton Center, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The American Heart Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, San Antonio Parks Foundation, ALS Association, Family Services, UTSA Alumni Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, and most recently, San Antonio Sports Foundation.

April has a passion for the arts, and she recognizes that not everyone can afford to purchase a ticket to a performance. Which is why, in 2025, April has committed to expanding access to the arts in San Antonio and removing barriers to arts participation by supporting Charlie’s Seats.

Mike Fresher, President and CEO at The Tobin Center, acknowledges April’s benevolent commitment by saying, “On behalf of The Tobin Center’s Board of Directors, Advisory Board and the Tobin’s dedicated staff, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Board Member April Ancira for her incredible leadership and commitment in launching this fundraising campaign in support of the Charlie’s Seat program and to provide transportation scholarships for local schools to attend performances.  This initiative not only reflects her continued dedication to our mission but also inspires our entire community to come together to ensure access to the arts for all. April’s vision and passion are instrumental in driving our success, and we truly appreciate her help in removing the barriers to experiencing the arts at The Tobin Center.”

Join April’s mission to expand access to the arts in San Antonio today by visiting tobincenter.org/aprilancira!  With your support of April’s 2025 fundraising campaign, you can provide opportunities for local nonprofits and schools serving under-resourced students, as well as area college students, first responders, teachers, active and retired military, and SNAP recipients to receive free and discounted tickets to Tobin Center performances.

See image for details:

  • What: Blood Drive
  • Dates: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 9 AM to 2 PM
  • Where:
  • Notes:
      • Appointments are recommended and can be scheduled online (from the event page, click the red Register button in the left column).
      • As a thank you for supporting our blood drive, blood donors will receive a promo code for 10-25% off select 2023/24 season shows and will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a pair of tickets to MOMIX Alice on Tuesday, April 16.
      • In addition, donors giving blood to the American Red Cross between April 8-28 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of choice.
  • Dates: November 5–December 13, 2023
  • Where:
  • Times: Tuesday–Saturday, noon–6 p.m. and one hour before and during performances.

Join The Lincoln Center in giving back to the community this holiday season with a food drive benefitting Food Bank for Larimer County. The Lincoln Center will be collecting essential food items for our neighbors in need this giving season and we welcome all community members to participate. All non-perishable food donations will be accepted, however, the Food Bank requests the following much-needed items.

Donations by all community members are welcome and tickets to performances are not required for drop off.

REQUESTED DONATIONS

  • Peanut butter (non-hydrogenated oil)
  • Canned meat/fish (chicken, salmon, tuna)
  • Canned Fruit in Fruit Juice
  • Whole Grain, Low Sugar Cereal
  • Whole Grain Pasta
  • Brown Rice
  • Macaroni and Cheese+

Click here for more information.

See image for information. Click here to sign up.

All food donations are welcome; however, there is a particular community need for peanut butter, pasta, rice and canned goods, especially hearty soups and beef stew. A We Share Hope van will be parked on-site in the PPAC drop off lane in front of the theatre to receive donated food items.

As a thank you, those who donate will receive a special pricing offer which may be used at the PPAC Box Office window, by phone at 401.421.ARTS (2787) or online at ppacri.org for tickets to the Tuesday, November 28, Wednesday, November 29, Thursday, November 30 or Sunday, December 3 evening performances of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical. Golden Circle seating is excluded from the offer. PPAC is unable to make price adjustments on prior ticket purchases.

Broadway Alaska and Catholic Social Services will be collecting winter gear to support refugees and their families at the PAC during and between the December 2nd performances of Come From Away.

Patrons will be able to contribute to and support CSS through QR-Codes displayed at all Come From Away performances through December 10.

  • Date and time: Monday, December 4, 2023 between 10 AM and 2 PM
  • Where:

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. 

Learn more at: givingtuesday.org

Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2026

Participating Venues/Organizations

Coming Soon

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.

Learn more at: givingtuesday.org

Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Participating Venues/Organizations

IN THE NEWS

HOUSTON, TX – The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts will once again welcome thousands of Houston-area students for the 2025–26 ExxonMobil Discovery Series, a free educational initiative designed to engage and inspire the next generation through live performance.

Building on this year’s expanded reach of 20,000 students, next year, the program will double and serve up to 40,000 students by utilizing both the larger Sarofim Hall and the more intimate Zilkha Hall—opening the door for even more young minds to experience the power of the arts.

“The generosity of partners like ExxonMobil and others enables us not only to sustain, but also expand this free, life-changing program for Houston-area students,” said Mark Folkes, Hobby Center President and CEO. “Philanthropic support makes it possible for thousands of students to be welcomed into a world-class theater, connect to the artists and stories on stage, and dream bigger than they ever imagined. It’s an investment in their future—and in the future of our community.”

ExxonMobil will continue its role as the title sponsor of the series. 

“The Discovery Series is a vital program for Houston, granting students the opportunity to experience memorable performances they might never have had the chance to attend,” said Alvin Abraham, global manager of corporate giving at ExxonMobil. “We are committed to supporting initiatives like these that broaden access to Houston’s arts and culture, inspiring the next generation.”

Early exposure to the arts nurtures the capacity for critical thinking and develops students’ creativity, communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.

In 2025-26, the ExxonMobil Discovery Series will grow to serve 13 Houston area partner school districts including:

Aldine ISD

Alief ISD

Dickinson ISD

Fort Bend ISD

Galena Park ISD

Houston ISD

Humble ISD

Klein ISD

Pasadena ISD

Sheldon ISD

Spring ISD

Texas City ISD

YES Prep

Through thoughtfully curated, curriculum-connected performances presented during the school day, the ExxonMobil Discovery Series brings professional, high-quality shows to life for students from across Greater Houston. For many, it’s their very first time inside a theater.

After seeing The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, students from Hirsch Elementary School “came back beaming with excitement, raving about the incredible performers and the powerful storytelling,” said Hirsch Elementary Principal LaToya Patterson. “What impressed them most? That the artists took the time to answer their questions after the show. Our students felt seen, heard, and inspired.”

Anderson Elementary School saw a similar ripple effect. “Before we attended the show, only about half my students knew about the movie, and none of them had read the book or seen a stage production of this classic American story,” said Anderson Elementary Principal Kristin Falcon. “Since seeing the show, several of our students have requested The Wonderful Wizard of Oz book from our library, and many of them have shared with me the connections they made between The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the new movie version of Wicked. Experiences like this help us improve literacy and build cultural competency in our children.”

This kind of meaningful impact is what the series aims to create—bridging the gap between the classroom and the stage and giving students a chance to experience storytelling in its most immersive form. In addition to engaging students and educators, the ExxonMobil Discovery Series leverages Hobby Center resources to amplify impact for other arts organizations by connecting them with expanded audiences and providing infrastructure for education and outreach.

For Houston-based artists, the ExxonMobil Discovery Series offers a platform to scale their work and connect with young audiences in unforgettable ways. “Being a part of The ExxonMobil Discovery Series at the Hobby Center has been an absolute game changer for Open Dance Project,” said Executive Artistic Director Annie Arnoult. “It allowed us to increase the audience reach of our school show by 500% in the 2024–25 Season.”

That growth is set to continue in the upcoming season. “Moving to Sarofim Hall at the Hobby Center in 2025–26 means that we will double that reach once again,” Arnoult said. “Presenting our dance theater adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz on the beautiful and illustrious Sarofim stage allows us to achieve the spectacular scope and scale for which the performance was originally designed. What a wonderful way to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the publication of this American literary masterpiece and Open Dance Project’s 10th anniversary!”

The ExxonMobil Discovery Series 2025-26 Season:

Sept. 24-26, 2025 | Open Dance Project | The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Oct. 6-9, 2025 | Ars Lyrica Houston | Orígenes: voice and percussion through the ages. Curated by Cecilia Duarte & Jesus Pechuco (bi-lingual in English and Spanish)

Oct. 21-24, 2025 | The Ensemble Theatre | Don’t Worry Willy

Oct. 28-30, 2025 | YUNGCHRIS & Sonkiss’d Dance Concepts | My Posse’s on Broadway (originally commissioned by Performing Arts Houston)

Nov. 11-13, 2025 | Cirque Mechanics | TILT!

Nov. 18-20, 2025 | Houston Contemporary Dance Company | Female Expression

Jan. 20-22, 2026 | Musiqa & NobleMotion | Free Rein

Feb. 4-6, 2026 | Mercury Chamber Orchestra | Mozart: Cats and Mice

Feb. 17-19 & 23-26, 2026 | Urban Souls Dance Company | Colored Carnegie (originally commissioned by Performing Arts Houston)

Mar. 24-26, 2026 | Chapman Dance | Dance to Connect

[New York, April 30, 2025] – The National Tour of WICKED has reached an extraordinary milestone, raising more than $7 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This remarkable fundraising achievement was made possible by past and current WICKED tour company members, and has helped provide over 2.8 million meals and more than 200,000 doctor visits to individuals across the country living with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses.

The WICKED tour would like to give special recognition to company member Justin Wirick, whose unwavering commitment and infectious enthusiasm have consistently fueled the tour’s fundraising campaigns year after year. His dedication has inspired fellow company members and audiences alike to give generously to this vital cause. Justin is currently the longest-contracted member of the WICKED tour and has been one of the company’s Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS leaders since January 2010.  Over the years, he has led and performed in 45 benefits in support of the organization. 

“At its heart, WICKED is a story about compassion – reminding us that empathy, strength and the power to create change exist within us all,” said Danny Whitman, executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. “We are profoundly grateful to Broadway Cares trustee David Stone and the WICKED – Munchkinland tour for reaching this incredible $7 million fundraising milestone. The company’s generosity is transforming lives, providing meals and medication, health care and hope to millions of individuals in need across the country. They prove that when we come together for good, anything is possible.”

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the philanthropic heart of Broadway, is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theater community, since 1988 Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has awarded more than $300 million for essential services for people with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the major supporter of the social service programs at the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund), including The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts, the HIV/AIDS Initiative and the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative. Broadway Cares provides annual grants to more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., providing lifesaving medication, healthy meals, counseling and emergency assistance. At times of crisis, Broadway Cares also awards one-time humanitarian grants to provide emergency aid across the US and around the world.


For more information, please visit Broadway Cares online at broadwaycares.org, at facebook.com/BCEFA, at instagram.com/BCEFA, at tiktok.com/@bcefa and at youtube.com/BCEFA.

Orlando, FL – Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts announces today more than 1,600 veterans, teachers, children, first responders, families and social service groups will be invited to attend the world’s #1 musical, Disney’s The Lion King inside Walt Disney Theater. This will mark the largest community giveback in the arts center’s 10-year history.

Since 2017, the arts center has purchased nearly 60,000 tickets to host guests for unique theater experiences.

Throughout Disney’s The Lion King show’s four-week Broadway run in downtown Orlando, 35 different organizations from three Central Florida counties will participate in nine community givebacks—including 29 newly engaged organizations in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.

“We’re creating firsts, sparking joy and sharing moments that can inspire a lifelong love of the arts,” says Kathy Ramsberger, president & CEO of Dr. Phillips Center. “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, our team is reaching more communities than ever— a true reflection of our promise to deliver Arts for Every Life®.”

The first giveback kicks off on April 30, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. with 230 students and their families. The experience includes complimentary transportation provided by GoPegasus, a pre-show reception with trivia, tickets to the show and a themed swag bag to bring home. 

During the show run, the arts center is hosting a variety of organizations and professionals—including new beneficiaries, the Seminole County Sherrif’s Office and Osceola County Sherrif’s Office. The giveback wraps up with City and County Day on May 17, 2025, when City of Orlando and Orange County Government elected leaders from all districts come together to highlight 13 community organizations they’ve selected to participate.

Disney’s The Lion King is part of the AdventHealth Broadway in Orlando 24/25 season at the arts center. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, The Lion King features one of Broadway’s most imaginative creative teams.

Generous support is provided by American Momentum, Central Florida Expressway Authority, City of Orlando, Fifth Third Bank, Florida Theatrical Association, GoPegasus, Jeff & Alexis Weltman, Kevin & Mary Pat Dunleavy, Morgan Stanley, Orange County Florida Government, Ravago Americas, Rebecca Shanahan, Sysco and Waste Pro.

Below is the full Community Giveback schedule:

Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 6 p.m.

  • Academic Center for Excellence
  • Aloma Elementary
  • Dover Shores Elementary
  • Robinswood Middle School
  • United Foundation of Central Florida

Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 6 p.m.

  • Dress for Success
  • Foundation for Foster Children
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Salvation Army
  • NonPareil Institute

Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 6 p.m.

  • Highlands Elementary
  • United States Veteran Affairs

Wednesday May 7, at 7:30 p.m.

  • Lake Gem Elementary

Friday, May 9, 2025, at 6 p.m.

  • Orange County Sherrif’s Office
  • Osceola County Sherrif’s Office
  • Seminole County Sherrif’s Office

Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 6 p.m.

  • Orange County Public School Teachers
  • Osceola County Public School Teachers
  • Seminole County Public School Teachers

Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

  • Castle Creek Elementary
  • Spring Lake Elementary

Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

  • Catalina Elementary
  • Michigan Avenue Elementary

Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.

  • Carver Middle School
  • Clay Springs Elementary School
  • Dover Shores Community Center
  • Greater Malibu Groves Association
  • Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County
  • Lake Como K-8
  • Lake Whitney Elementary School
  • Legacy Middle School
  • Oak Hill Elementary
  • Rosemont Neighborhood Center
  • Vista Lakes Elementary
  • Your Name in Lights
  • Youth Orchestra United      

For more information, visit drphillipscenter.org.