INHALE GRATITUDE. EXHALE GENEROSITY.
The joy of helping others often feels like a breath of fresh air. Join us as we spotlight the Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation and celebrate the season of giving. Read on for heartwarming stories, philanthropy facts and see how Blue Skies of Texas is creating a legacy of service.
Want to learn more?
afvgiving.org
FUN FACTS ABOUT GIVING
GIVE IT UP FOR TEXAS
Texas is ranked 10th out of all 50 states for having the friendliest rules and regulations for charitable organizations.
THE GOLDEN AGE OF GIVING
The average charitable donor in the U.S. is 64 years old and makes two donations each year.
CLICK, CLICK, HOORAY!
Did you know around 64% of donors prefer to donate online and click their way to change?
GIVING IS A TIMELESS TRADITION
At Blue Skies, supporting others and giving back to the community is a year-round mission. So when The Big Give rolls around each year in San Antonio, the generosity of our residents really shines.
Celebrating its 11th year, The Big Give is a 24-hour online fundraising event held each September where businesses “compete” to raise funds to support local causes. This year, with the support of our residents, the Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation raised more than $50,000 for the Blue Skies Intergenerational Preschool, which provides on-site childcare for Blue Skies families and staff.
The preschool is located in Freedom House, the community’s memory care residence, and it turns each day into a playful adventure for the kids. As the name suggests, the preschool encourages intergenerational engagement between the children and our senior residents. Children and residents can be seen reading together, coloring, making crafts, doing puzzles and more, depending on the day.
Regarding this year’s successful Big Give, Chief Growth Officer Sarah Manzke says, “We have an amazingly generous body of residents, and the majority of our community’s fundraising comes from them.”
Giving is truly a year-round way of life for Blue Skies residents, as they prioritize everyone around them by supporting renovation projects, scholarships, the Widows Fund, the Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation Fund and a wealth of other programs.
And as a community, Blue Skies is committed to giving back to its residents in need through their Blue Skies Promise: Once you move in, in the event of financial hardship through no fault of your own, Blue Skies will take care of you and your partner for the rest of your life.
To learn more about Blue Skies’ servicebased mission or how to get involved with its foundation, please visit: afvgiving.org
THE SAN ANTONIO FOOD BANK
Mission: To fight hunger in Southwest Texas by providing food and nutritional services. safoodbank.org
MILITARY WARRIORS SUPPORT FOUNDATION
Mission: To serve combat-wounded veterans, Gold-star spouses and their families. militarywarriors.org
SAN ANTONIO HUMANE SOCIETY
Mission: To provide shelter and care for homeless pets and promote responsible pet ownership. sahumane.org
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF SAN ANTONIO
Mission: To build affordable housing and provide homeownership opportunities for low-income families. habitatsa.org
GIRLS INC.
Mission: To empower girls to be strong, smart and bold through educational and enrichment programs. girlsincsa.org
HAVEN FOR HOPE
Mission: To offer a place of hope and new beginnings by helping the homeless in San Antonio. havenforhope.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
Seats are limited. Call
RED, WHITE AND BLUE SKIES HISTORY
Join President and CEO Darrell D. Jones, Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret), as he discusses the meaningful military history of Blue Skies of Texas. You’ll also hear inspiring stories from our residents, who will share examples of camaraderie in the community. Bring your appetite for a tasty lunch and attend a guided tour of our “History Hallways,” which showcase the lives of many heroes.
NOVEMBER 15 – 10:30 A.M.
COMING SOON: OUR ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
Come see our gorgeous campus and make wonderful memories at Blue Skies of Texas. Save the date for our festive and fun-filled event!
DECEMBER 6 – 11:00 A.M.
Enjoy the vivid colors and twinkling lights of the season and join us for a guided tour of our West Campus amenities.
BLUE SKIES PROFILES
Mitch Millar Development Associate
Mitch Millar is an avid traveler, family man, lifelong volunteer and dedicated cat dad who speaks multiple languages. He also happens to be the Development Associate at Blue Skies of Texas, and has managed donor relations and community fundraising since 2010.
What’s your idea of perfect happiness?
I’m not sure “perfection” can be achieved, but good health, meaningful work or volunteering for a worthy cause, and having a supportive network of family and friends would be factors!
Which living person do you admire most?
I admire Gordon Hartman, a successful businessman who made a difference for his special needs daughter Morgan, and others, by creating Morgan’s Wonderland. It’s the only ultra-accessible San Antonio theme park designed for everyone, including those with special needs.
What’s your greatest extravagance?
It’s nothing out of the ordinary, but I’m pursuing ongoing Turkish language lessons. I’m also trying to take a Viking River Cruise sometime next year. I’ve never been on a cruise but have heard great things.
What’s your go-to pick-me-up song? “Weekend” by Taeyeon.
What talent would you most like to have?
I would like to speak Thai fluently.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My solo trip to Lusaka and missions in the Western Province of Zambia in 2005 for five weeks. I visited members of a Catholic missionary organization, parishioners and villagers, and brought back extensive notes, photos and videos related to mission ministries.
What was the first concert you attended?
The River Tour by Bruce Springsteen in February 1981. It was four hours long with no opening act!
What’s the most San Antonio thing you can do?
Enjoying barbacoa tacos and Big Red soda downtown, while wearing a commemorative Spurs jersey along the Riverwalk or Mission Trail.
If you’re passionate about giving back, Blue Skies of Texas’ year-round spirit of service offers plenty of chances for residents to volunteer and make a real difference. With more than 70 activity groups, a friendly community of people and top-notch amenities, there’s never a dull moment. Plus, living here is a fantastic choice because you also get America’s Best Retirement Value!
