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The first time I ever visited San Antonio, Orlando and I hadn’t been dating very long. Nothing too serious, but apparently serious enough to meet the family! One particular night we had to ourselves, Orlando decided we should go to a movie. We pulled up to the most enormous movie theatre I had ever seen in my entire life with the word “PALLADIUM” etched across the top. We stepped inside for a wholly wonderful date night, and I was totally hooked. This, I thought, was a city I could get used to. Texas was for me. And the boy that came along with it wasn’t so bad, either. 😉 Little did I know over six years later I would not only be living in San Antonio, but live to see an even BIGGER and BETTER Santikos-owned theatre open! Who knows, maybe someday soon a young couple is going to walk through the doors of Casa Blanca and realize they’re made for each other. It’s the magic of the movies, right? And nobody knows that business better than Santikos.

 

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I mean, really, is there anyone in the world who DOESN’T like going to the movies? When you talk about favorite things to do, almost everyone you ever talk to will list watching movies somewhere in there. It’s a go-to date night routine, it’s a transporting experience when you’re home in your PJ’s, and it’s a glamorous side of the American culture that we all know so well. Santikos is an American theatre brand that has its roots right here in San Antonio. They’re passionate about movies, and they’re passionate about the community. There was so much more to the company I didn’t even realize until just recently, and I think you’ll see as well that they are impacting far greater worlds than just the cinema industry.

You would’ve had to be living under a rock to not hear me talking about their newest theatre, Casa Blanca, all this week. It’s list of achievements is long, including boasting the largest screen in all of Texas. Every screen is equipped with the best technology available, making Casa Blanca the first 100% laser projection multiplex theatre in the world. If you want more than just movies, there’s a 16-lane bowling alley, full-service restaurant, and in-theatre dining available as well. And this isn’t just chicken fingers we’re talking about, this is prime rib, roasted potatoes, a dinner you can sink your teeth into while the movie blows your mind.

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The theatre opened just this week, and San Antonio bloggers got a sneak peak at the ribbon cutting Wednesday! Everything was perfectly shiny and new, it almost felt like a crime to break everything in! We then planned a large blogger luncheon on Thursday when the theatre doors officially opened, and took that time to talk with these social influencers about the Santikos mission above all.  Here’s where Santikos really sets itself apart. Because, as they say, at the end of the day every theatre shows the same film. It’s about what you do to stand out from there…

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We found out from Dennis Noll, President & CEO of the San Antonio Area Foundation, that John Santikos has left a living legacy since his passing close to 18 months ago. Instead of leaving his grand wealth to a private trust or giving a large sum donation to a single charity, Mr. Santikos decided that after his death the company would transition to a “social enterprise”. What that means for you, the moviegoer, is that the theatre group now exists for the sole benefit of the community. After their bills are paid and their books are taken care of, every single penny goes straight back to the people who need it most.

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Do you want the hard numbers? That means around $12 million dollars will be given to the community in 2016. Future projections indicate the fund will be generating around $400,000 a week to benefit the areas of need Mr. Santikos identified in his will: people in need, youth and education, public libraries, parks and museums, arts and culture, as well as medicine, healthcare and medical research. Pretty amazing, right?

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So here’s the best part. When you choose Santikos, whether it’s the Palladium, Bijou, Casa Blanca, or any of the other wonderful locations, you’re getting a world-class theatre experience. The best sound, the best screens, the best amenities. They’re number one in San Antonio for a reason. But NOW you know that on top of this amazing experience, you’re also directly impacting your community, making it a better place from the ground up. The company is a living, growing organism, and the more our residents support it with our dollars and our voices, the more momentum we can lend to the vision of John Santikos.

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I was honored to help coordinate these events with The Wood Agency and Santikos, and a huge thank you is due to all the San Antonio bloggers who took time out of their day to not only experience Casa Blanca, but really understand the PURPOSE behind it. Many of us are mothers, activists, young professionals, the list goes on and on, and we each have our passions that drive what we do. The good news is Santikos’ legacy is now benefitting us all, and we all get to be thoroughly entertained to boot!

XO,

A

P.S. I received compensation in exchange for this post and consultation services. Don’t worry though, all opinions are my own!

P.P.S. Want to go see a movie with the family at all-new Casa Blanca? Want that warm and fuzzy feeling knowing when you purchase your popcorn you’re doing some good at the same time? Now is your chance! Enter to win a 4-pack of VIP tickets from Santikos below! Good luck!

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