Thankful! 2026
A Farm-to-Table Evening Celebrating Community, Family & Impact
November 2026 | Jack Guenther Pavilion at the Briscoe Western Art Museum | San Antonio, Texas
Thankful! is Family Service’s signature annual gathering that brings together community leaders, philanthropists, businesses, and advocates for an unforgettable evening celebrating gratitude and transforming lives.
Through an immersive culinary experience showcasing the extraordinary talent of San Antonio chefs, guests come together to support Family Service’s mission of strengthening children, families, and communities.
Thankful! is our family dinner. We are thrilled to be partnering with H-E-B and six amazing San Antonio Chefs to bring you a night of delicious food!
Meet the Chefs Behind an Unforgettable Evening.
Chef Tricia Fleming Schleicher
Chef/Owner of Magnolia Pancake Haus
Chef Tricia Fleming Schleicher is the culinary force behind the beloved Magnolia Pancake Haus, a San Antonio favorite known for its exceptional breakfast and brunch. Magnolia has earned national recognition with features on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and the Food Network, as well as recognition from Texas Highways for its outstanding Texas-inspired cuisine and hospitality.
Chef Johnny Hernandez
Chef Johnny Hernandez is one of Texas’ most celebrated culinary leaders, earning national recognition for showcasing authentic Mexican cuisine. His work has been featured in Texas Monthly, Bon Appétit, Travel + Leisure, Martha Stewart Living, and Southern Living, reflecting his commitment to exceptional food, culture, and hospitality.
Chef Elizabeth Johnson
Chef Elizabeth Johnson is an award-winning chef and wellness advocate whose innovative approach to cuisine celebrates the connection between food and health. Recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a “Food as Medicine Guru,” she is known for creating globally inspired, nutrient-rich dishes that nourish both body and soul.
Chef Geronimo Lopez
Executive Vice President of Culinary Operations, San Antonio Food Bank
Chef Geronimo Lopez serves as Executive Vice President of Culinary Operations at the San Antonio Food Bank and previously led the acclaimed culinary program as Executive Chef at Pearl’s Hotel Emma. A respected leader in Texas’ culinary community, Chef Lopez was selected by the James Beard Foundation for the Taste America: San Antonio series, and Hotel Emma earned the prestigious Michelin Guide Two Keys distinction in 2024 during his tenure.
Chef Steve McHugh
Chef Steve McHugh is a six-time James Beard Award nominee and one of Texas’ most acclaimed chefs, celebrated for his innovative approach to locally sourced, seasonal cuisine. As the chef behind Cured, he has helped shape San Antonio’s nationally recognized culinary scene. He also serves as the Executive Curating Chef for The Spurs Club, the exclusive private social club at The Rock at La Cantera.
Chef Sofia Tejeda
Executive Pastry Chef of Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Chef Sofia Tejeda is an acclaimed pastry chef recognized for her artistry, creativity, and refined approach to desserts. As Executive Pastry Chef at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort, she creates elegant confections inspired by seasonal ingredients and coastal flavors. Her exceptional talent earned her a nomination from the James Beard Foundation for Outstanding Pastry Chef, recognizing her among the nation’s premier pastry professionals.
Thankful! Details
Thankful! partners with six phenomenal San Antonio Chefs to bring you a small portion plate with specialties representative of each chef, and the choice of alcohol pairings.
Guests will enjoy:
• Curated chef experiences
• Signature culinary tastings
• Specialty beverage pairings
• Interactive experiences and networking
• Stories of impact and community transformation
Past Thankful! events featured progressive culinary experiences showcasing San Antonio chefs and immersive guest engagement.
Where
Venue Briscoe Western Art Museum
The indoor/outdoor event allows for space for our guests to safely enjoy dinner. For general ticket holders, there will be general seating available and sponsors will have tables reserved for them per their sponsorship agreement.
When
Tuesday, November 17th, 6-9pm
Tickets
Attending Thankful! supports our community and enables Family Service to continue our mission of empowering individuals and families to transform their lives and strengthen our communities. Individual tickets can be purchased for $150, a pair of tickets for $250, and there are varying levels of sponsorship available.
Paid Parking is located at Riverbend Garage – 210 N. Presa Street, San Antonio, TX 78205. You can prepay for your parking below or within your ticket purchase. You may also separately here or pay as you arrive to the event.
Become a Sponsor
We have a varying levels of sponsorships available for the event and tables.
Custom Sponsorship Experiences
Create a unique partnership opportunity:
- Presenting Sponsor
- Title Sponsor
- Dinner Sponsor
- Farm-to-Table Sponsor
- Family Table Sponsor
- Beverage Sponsor
Why Sponsor Thankful!?
When you sponsor Thankful!, you are not simply supporting an event—you are investing in stronger families and healthier communities.
Your sponsorship helps Family Service:
✓ Support children and families in crisis
✓ Strengthen mental wellness and family stability
✓ Expand access to community-based programs
✓ Create opportunities for long-term success
Experience an exclusive evening prepared by San Antonio’s most celebrated chefs—all while helping strengthen local families.
Reserve Your Seat
Seats can be purchased as individual attendee or in pairs.
FAQS
Find the answers to your questions here
Is Thankful! a sit down dinner?
Thankful! partners with six phenomenal San Antonio Chefs to bring you a small plate, progressive dinner with specialties representative of each chef, and the choice of alcohol pairings. Guests are welcome, and encouraged, to explore the venue throughout the night and will have the chance to meet our partner chefs.
Where is the event?
Thankful! 2025 will take place at Venue Briscoe Western Art Museum.
Guests will be able to walk freely and explore the Chef tables, alcohol tastings, and more!
What time should I arrive?
Thankful! takes place 6-9 PM. We encourage you to arrive early in the evening to be able to sample all of the chefs’ small plates!
Where should I park?
There is a city parking garage across the street from Venue Briscoe Western Art Museum. The Paid Parking garage can be accessed from market St. as well as N. Presa St. Street.
- Parking is free downtown at approved lots
What should I wear?
Thankful! is a casual family dinner. You can view photos from our past years on our Facebook.
What Chefs will be there?
Chef Tricia Flemming Schleicher of Magnolia Pancake Haus, Chef Johnny Hernandez of La Gloria and Kitchen Campus, Chef Elizabeth Johnson of PharmTable, Chef Geronimo Lopez of San Antonio Food Bank, Chef Steve McHugh of Cured and Chef Sofia Tejada of Winnetu Oceanside Resort.
Contact
For more information, please call Debora Guzman Perez at 210-233-5338 or email us at dmarquez@family-service.org.
