Paying it forward

By SonnyLong in Helping Hands

How inspirational to hear this week of two substantial donations made to area nonprofit organizations. First, I learn that an anonymous donor has pledged to match up to $10,000 to Golden Crescent Habitat for Humanity for its first Goliad build. ...

Busy time for nonprofits

By SonnyLong in Helping Hands

The Spring calendar continues to be filled with events and opportunities to help area nonprofit agencies and other organizations. From blood drives and barbecues to JamFest, Crossroads communities continue to assist their neighbors or agencies that help those in need. ...

A swing for Jo

By SonnyLong in Helping Hands

The chatter and milling swirled around me as the open house for the new Mid-Coast Family Services women's crisis center continued Thursday afternoon. I had been in the middle of it, taking photographs and video, doing interviews as I toured ...

Excellent concerts at Theatre Victoria

By SonnyLong in Helping Hands

We saw the Jim Reeves tribute show, performed by Reeves' nephew John Rex Reeves, along with opening special guest Dottsy at the Leo J. Welder Center Thursday night. If you love good ol' country music, this was the place to ...

See you at the Knowledge Bowl

By SonnyLong in Helping Hands

I encourage you to come out Friday night to the Victoria College Student Center to cheer on your favorite team at the annual Knowledge Bowl competition. It's for a great cause -- the Victoria Adult Literacy Council -- and a ...

Nonprofit giving on the rise

By SonnyLong in Helping Hands

It's probably not a recognized econmic indicator, but according to the Blackbaud Index, donations to nonprofit organizations have reached pre-recession levels. In a report released Thursday, Blackbaud, Inc., reported that fundraising has returned to pre-recession levels. Through the first 11 ...

Start the new year right

By SonnyLong in Helping Hands

The new year will get off to a rousing start with two excellent fundraisers the first full weekend of 2012. On Saturday, Jan. 7, the Junior League of Victoria will hold its 52nd annual Charity Ball. So put on your ...

The Power Of People

By SonnyLong in Helping Hands

At my age, I'm seldom amazed any more. I am more of a been there, done that kind of guy. But when I learned that Hospice of South Texas had won a new Toyota through a contest on Facebook, I ...

'Tis the season

By SonnyLong in Helping Hands

The lights are up, the bells are ringing, a chill is in the air. It's the holiday season and opportunities abound to help those less fortunate in our area. From Toys for Tots to H-E-B's Feast of Sharing, chances to ...

Good eats for a good cause

By SonnyLong in Helping Hands

Best known for the restaurants that bear his name, chef Johnny Carino will be in Victoria Wednesday at the Junior League of Victoria 5th annual Gourmet Soiree. “Holiday Cooking Italian Style” is the appropriate theme for the luncheon and cooking ...