Charity Ball Association Gift Brings Shade and Comfort to SAC’s Youngest Learners

San Antonio College is celebrating a transformative $100,000 gift from the Charity Ball Association that will bring much-needed relief from the Texas heat to the college’s youngest community members.

Thanks to this generous grant, the San Antonio College Early Childhood Center – an on-campus daycare serving student-parents, faculty, staff, and community families – has installed new shade structures over its playground, providing a safer and more comfortable space for outdoor learning and play. The gift will also fund cooling misters, scheduled to be installed this summer, to further reduce playground temperatures during the hottest months.

“Your support has enabled us to create healthier and happier spaces for our youngest learners,” said Bart Simpson, representing the Alamo Colleges Foundation. “Your gift will protect children from the intense Texas heat and harmful UV rays, allowing them to enjoy outdoor learning safely.”

The Early Childhood Center plays a critical role on campus, not only supporting families through affordable childcare but also serving as a training site for SAC’s early childhood studies students.

Dr. Francisco Solis, president of San Antonio College, expressed heartfelt appreciation during a recognition event held at the center.

“Outdoor play is an essential part of childhood development,” Solis said. “It helps children build motor skills, explore their world, and grow through active learning. But with more than 60 days topping 100 degrees last summer, that outdoor time has become more difficult – and even dangerous. Thanks to the Charity Ball Association, we can now offer a safe, shaded, and cooler environment where children can thrive.”

The new shade structures and misters will not only shield children and caregivers from UV exposure and heat-related risks – they will also expand the center’s ability to incorporate outdoor exploration into its curriculum year-round.

“Thank you for believing in the power of education and the importance of protecting our children,” Dr. Solis added. “This gift makes a lasting difference – not just for today, but for years to come.”

-SAC-