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CPS Energy is giving back to the community in true San Antonio style: with a delicious celebration of meat and music to raise funds for neighbors in need. The community-owned energy company will host GrillsGiving: A Celebration of Meat + Music on Saturday, Nov. 23, from noon to 6 p.m. at Mission County Park, to benefit the Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP) fund.
On average, one in five families in Bexar County struggle to pay energy bills. That statistic can often increase with more energy use because of changes in weather during the extreme summer and winter months. The REAP fund was created to help struggling families in San Antonio and Bexar County with their energy bills.
Established in 2002 as a partnership among CPS Energy, Bexar County, and the City of San Antonio, the REAP utility assistance fund provides energy bill credits to the city and county’s most vulnerable citizens. Since its inception, the REAP fund has provided over 700 families per year with financial assistance for energy services.
In the nearly 20 years since this partnership began, CPS Energy has given over $1 million to the REAP fund. The public can help their neighbors in need by making a donation to the fund … or by attending GrillsGiving. In 2018, GrillsGiving alone raised over $32,000 towards the REAP utility assistance program. This year, the event is hoping to raise even more.
This fundraiser will feature a competitive barbecue cook-off and live music throughout the day. As in years past, the event will feature teams of grill masters made up of CPS Energy employees, contractors, and members of the community. The diversity of teams and live music combined with the backdrop of the San Antonio River at Mission County Park have anchored the GrillsGiving event on the South Side.
The more than 30 CPS Energy and community grill teams will vie for top honors in chicken, ribs, and brisket categories as determined by a panel of expert judges. Attendees cast their votes for the Best Side Dish and Best All Around Team categories.
Live music is a necessary backdrop for a BBQ competition. GrillsGiving will feature live performances from popular local and regional artists. Bands slated for this year’s event include Micky and the Motorcars, Smoke Wagon, and Volcán.
GrillsGiving has something for everyone and includes many activities for children. Adding to the welcoming environment is free admission for all active duty and retired military personnel (with valid ID), complimentary parking, and free admission for children 12 and under. The event also offers a VIP ticket option that includes private catering and exclusive access to the music and awards ceremony.
CPS Energy encourages everyone to come down to Mission County Park to enjoy great food, music, and fellowship at GrillsGiving to support their neighbors in need. General admission tickets are only $10. For tickets and more information, click here.
