Ever since a group of local friends, residents and business people came together to put on the first Texas Crab Festival in 1986, the Crab Fest has been all about community. Thanks to the continued efforts of local volunteers and sponsors, the annual Mother’s Day Weekend Crab Fest/Beach Party/Family Reunion has grown into a nationally known destination festival, attracting thousands of visitors each year to Crystal Beach, Texas for a celebration of Gulf Coast style Music, Art and Crabs. And as the festival has grown, so has its continued commitment to serve the community.

Now operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Texas Crab Festival Charities ensures that 100% of net proceeds from the Crab Fest are given back to the residents of the Bolivar Peninsula in the form of grants, scholarships, donations and adult educational opportunities designed to better the lives of those living here – turning the tide for a brighter future.

Last year the charity organized the area’s first annual Opportunity Fair, in which residents were able to connect with employers, educators and the military to learn about opportunities for jobs, job training, education, and financial aid. The Charity also regularly sponsors free GED and ESL classes for local residents.

Over the years proceeds from the Texas Crab Festival have helped many local kids achieve their dreams and educational goals. One shining example is recent recipient Ami Millender. Ami is working to complete her Masters of Science degree in Kinesiology, and is the first recipient of the Terry Millender Scholarship, named in honor of her father – a longtime supporter of the Crab Festival who tragically passed away last year. This scholarship will carry on the memory of this beloved Bolivar resident and will specifically benefit local kids whose options for the future may have otherwise seemed bleak. In Ami’s words, “The young students of the Bolivar Peninsula think that they will not be able to attend college for one reason or another. I want to be an example to these students to let them know that anything is possible if you work hard. I also hope to pursue my future career as an educator and take what I learn to help the students on Bolivar Peninsula.” This is the hope and the purpose of Texas Crab Festival Charities – that by providing the local community with opportunities to realize their educational and career goals, they will in turn give back to the community in ways both inspirational and concrete.

Another way in which the Festival works to support the community is via proceeds from competitor entry fees in the annual Texas Crab Festival Crab Gumbo Cook Off. Funds from the cook off go to directly support the Lone Survivor Foundation Crystal Beach Retreat Facility. The Retreat is a place of solitude and beauty where wounded U.S. military veterans and their families can heal together through the unique educational, rehabilitation, recovery, and wellness opportunities offered at the facility, at no cost to them. It is a beautiful way to honor those who have sacrificed so much in service to our country, and Texas Crab Festival Charities is proud to be able to help support their efforts.

If you would like to learn more about the programs offered through Texas Crab Festival Charities, offer support or become involved in the work being done to improve the lives of the residents of Bolivar Peninsula, please contact Texas Crab Festival Charities at www.tcfcharities.org. To provide a monetary contribution via PayPal, just log into your PayPal account and choose to send your donation to: [email protected].
[11-14-2016]