The Texas Cavaliers are committed to giving back to the community and working with the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation to help support several community and state-wide programs. Working closely with local children, military forces and first responders, the Texas Cavaliers stand as an image of hope. Thanks to generous donations from the Texas Cavaliers, businesses and residents, thousands are able to enjoy the parade and activities each year.
In 1965, John Gaddis was asked by the River Parade Leadership to oversee some 50 patients from Wilford Hall Medical Center, Audie Murphy VA Hospital and Brooke Army Medical Center. His work with those patients led to the Texas Cavaliers helping sick and disabled children enjoy the parade each year.
The Children’s River Extravaganza was developed in 1995. Since its inception, this program has given 14,000 children the opportunity to enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment. Children fill their bellies with warm meals, enjoy the sights and sounds of one of the country’s best parades from reserved riverside seating, and join in the festivities with Fiesta gifts. This parade is truly one-of-a-kind and a special evening for so many.
In 2007, member and Community Program Chairman, Phillip P. Blake, founded the Texas Cavaliers Military Fiesta to give military men and women the opportunity to celebrate fiesta. The Texas Cavaliers donate over 1,200 tickets to worthy military families each year to attend the Military Fiesta in the IBC Plaza. The celebration gives service members their very own fiesta, which includes live music, dinner and a visit from King Antonio and the parade’s Grand Marshall. If you’d like to purchase tickets to donate to a military family so they can experience the Military Fiesta, contact us.
The Salute to First Responders Program recognizes San Antonio’s Police Officers and Firefighters to show appreciation for their bravery. Last year, the Texas Cavaliers gave 1,000 River Parade tickets to the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association and the San Antonio Police Officers Association, so first responders could enjoy the parade with their families. All funds raised for the Salute to First Responders Program go towards city police and firefighters, the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation and The 100 Club.
