Even two months after Fiesta is over, charitable donations are still being made from the event organizers. Cornyation is awarding over $150,000 to HIV/AIDS programs.
Cornyation is spoof of the Fiesta Coronation. Every year people pack the Empire Theatre for a glitzy and campy San Antonio-themed satire. All of the money generated from tickets and fundraisers is donated. At the Friendly Spot Ice House, Cornyation’s board announced it raised $168,000 this year.
Board member Jesse Mata said it’s they most they’ve ever generated, with much of the thanks going to Steve and Jody Newman, this year’s king and queen anchovy, to break last year’s record.
“You have a background network of folks who are working for Cornyation who never set foot on stage but are the support system to help us raise that money and distribute it as well,” Mata said. “There are just countless folks who participate in Cornyation and make it happen every year.
Two gifts of $80,000 each are going to the San Antonio AIDS Foundation and Beat AIDS. Beat AIDS Executive Director Michelle Durham said the Cornyation funds in the past have help revive program that dropped due to lack of funding and supply assistance.
“Sometimes if a client has a hospital visit or some other situation and has to pay for an exorbitant amount of funds for their medicines, we’re able to help make sure they can still pay their rent or utilities," Durham said.
SAAF Executive Director David Ewell said the money will help about 1,800 people.
“The majority of these funds we want to put back to our clients that are so in need in our skilled nursing facility and provide them with meals,” Ewell said.
The Robert Rehm Theater Arts Schoalrship fund received $8,000, and will award $2,000 per year for the recipient’s undergrad in performance majors.
