For almost a decade now, Ana Alicia Perez has chosen to ask guests at her birthday parties to forget the presents and instead make a donation to some of her favorite charities. This year is no exception.
Perez is an activist and LGBT ally who is on the board of directors for Fiesta Youth and active in the San Antonio chapter of PFLAG. She is a member of HRC San Antonio’s Federal Club, the National Organization for Women, and is a devoted Democrat who advocates for candidates who support equality. She is also pursuing her doctorate in social work.
Over the years, Perez has invited the community to birthday parties where she’s accepted donations for the San Antonio AIDS Foundation, the Children’s Hospital, the Battered Women’s Shelter, Fiesta Youth, Stand Up for Kids, Thrive Youth Center, Pride Center San Antonio, Mujeres Unidas, PFLAG San Antonio, Roy Maas Youth Alternatives, San Antonio Threads and others.
This year’s party will be held on Saturday, March 2 at Big Bob’s Burgers. The beneficiaries are the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas and the Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying.
“The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas is asking for cash donations and teddy bears as they bring support to grieving children in a therapeutic setting,” says Perez. “They will also be at the party selling their Fiesta medals.”
“The Abode Contemplative Care for the Dying is a nonprofit home that offers terminally ill people, who have nowhere else to go, a place to live out their last days. They bring dignity to people in need. I cannot say enough about this group — they do so many wonderful things. We are asking for cash donations for this charity,” Perez explains.
The party is an all-day affair. “I love meeting new people as well as seeing familiar faces,” says Perez. “Come have a great time with me, and yes, I will be there all day for the lunch and dinner crowds.”
Big Bob’s Burgers will donate some of the proceeds from sales of Lone Star Beer to the charities. Masseuse Sophia Pena will offer chair massages and give a portion of the proceeds to the beneficiaries.
“This is a family friendly event, so bring your friends, kids, coworkers, anyone and everyone,” says Perez.” We are gathering for a birthday party, let’s make it beneficial for folks who really need something.”
Ana’s 9th Annual Charity Birthday for a Cause, Saturday, March 2 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Big Bob’s Burgers, 447 W Hildebrand Ave. Click here for more information.
