CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — There are major events for the city of Kingsville that draw thousands of visitors every year like Ranch Hand Weekend and the Main Street Wine Walks.
But what you might not know is that a lot of the money raised actually goes back to help area nonprofits and the amount that comes in is expected to increase as these events become more and more popular.
The folks at Brush Country CASA know what being part of events like Ranch Hand Weekend can mean for them in the long run.
"The first year was in 2015, which we were super excited to be part of," said Executive Director Jennifer Rodriguez.
She said the organization had renewed excitement when they were chosen to be apart of that partnership again in 2023.
"There were two Ranch Hand Wine Walks and there was also the Ranch Hand Concert," Rodriguez said. "We helped with the artist and taking tickets at the front and things like that."
The executive director said it was well worth it.
The organization was at Kingsville City Hall on Wednesday to receive a check for that partnership to the tune of over $47,000.
It's money that the nonprofit will use to continue its commitment to helping children in the foster care system.
"The proceeds are going to be helping us recruit, train and support community volunteers to advocate for children we serve in foster care," Rodriguez said. "We will be able to do more events within the community, April as you know is Child Abuse Awareness month."
Janine Reyes, the Director of Tourism Services said the money that comes in from events like Ranch Hand Weekend and Wine Walks help pay for any of the event expenses first; the rest goes to the nonprofit they choose to work with.
"It's been quite a success, we are pleased to see that history built over six years," said Reyes.
Just how successful?
Since 2018, Ranch Hand Weekends have brought in over $257,000 in total with several nonprofits benefiting.
When it comes to the monthly Wine Walks, since 2021 they've raised over $57,000.
"While we love assisting raising this kind of money there is some sweat equity involved, some heavy lifting on their part to create an event that can support the thousands and thousands of people who come into our community," said Reyes.
As the events grow, she wants to make sure all Kingsville nonprofits have a chance at being selected.
Reyes went in front of the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund Advisory Board in order to effort an open application process on how to help streamline the non-profits that events can partner with and help.
"If we get 50 applicants we're going to have to whittle that down."
Those applications for both Ranch Hand Weekend and Main Street Wine Walk are now online on the city's website. A nonprofit can apply for both.
"Whoever does get chosen next year is going to be such an amazing opportunity for them and something fun for them to look forward to," said Rodriguez who is also hoping to apply again.
The next Main Street Wine Walk is slated for March 23, 2024.
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