SA Youth Honors TETCO and Turner Family

SA YOUTH HONORS TETCO AND TURNER FAMILY FOR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY WITH BRISCOE FRIEND OF YOUTH AWARD

SAN ANTONIO – Since founding TETCO more than 60 years ago, the late Tom E. Turner Sr. always sought to give back to the community that has supported his family business of service stations and stores. Today, that legacy of giving continues with Tom Sr.’s son, Tom Turner Jr.; and grandson, Jon Turner, and the entire Turner family.

Through the years, the Turner family has invested in San Antonio communities by supporting various nonprofit organizations, namely SA Youth, SAPD Blue Santa Program, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Returning Heroes Home, United Way, and the San Antonio Livestock Exposition Scholarship Fund.

For their countless contributions to local charities, the Turner family and TETCO will be honored with the Briscoe Friend of Youth Award during a luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 30 at the Pearl Stable at Pearl Brewery, 312 Pearl Parkway.

“TETCO is a family business, and my grandfather and father didn’t have much growing up. My grandfather was penniless when he moved here in the late ‘30s from Fort Worth,” says TETCO Vice Chairman Jon Turner. “He worked three jobs sometimes. He saved money to buy his first store and then his second, and from there TETCO grew exponentially. Because of that background and the support that San Antonio has given us over the years, we feel it is our duty and honor to give back to the community.”

The Briscoe Friend of Youth Award is named after the late Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe. As one of Texas’ most generous philanthropists, Briscoe supported many charitable efforts in San Antonio and Texas, including SA Youth for many years. His brand of giving was truly remarkable, and in honor of him, and his family, SA Youth renamed the award with the family’s blessing.

“The purpose of the Briscoe Friend of Youth Award is to recognize individuals and companies who truly stand out, who give more than just a fair share and who understand the importance of investing in children, youth and the future of our community,” says Cynthia Le Monds, SA Youth CEO.

She adds, “Our board of directors selects individuals or companies every year who impact the lives of children and youth in our community through their philanthropic efforts. The Turner family and TETCO not only have been generous to SA Youth through their foundation and support of our Dan Cook Golf Classic, but they support many worthwhile organizations and impact children throughout San Antonio. TETCO and the Turner family have been investing in SA Youth children and youth for two decades. The very least we can do is recognize them for their immense generosity.”

Charlie Amato, chairman and co-founder of SWBC, will present the award to the guests of honor. “The Turner family, made up of multiple generations of entrepreneurs, not only contributes to the economic well-being of San Antonio, but to the many charitable causes of our city and state,” Amato says. “They always support our community’s youth, and genuinely deserve to be honored for their kindness and generosity.”

The Turner family and TETCO join the ranks of past award recipients, who include: Peter Holt, Red and Charlene McCombs, Ruth Jones-McClendon, Congressman Charlie Gonzalez, Charlie Amato, the Toudouze Family, Dolph Briscoe, Mayor Phil and Linda Hardberger, Mayor Howard Peak, USAA and Barbara Gentry, Bill Greehey and Valero, and the Rev. Buckner Fanning.

“We’re honored to receive this award,” Jon Turner says. “One of the reasons we got involved with SA Youth is because of Dan Cook, who was one of my grandfather’s best friends. After my grandfather passed away, we continued our relationship with SA Youth. It’s good to know we’re making an impact through our support of a lot of children and young men and women, who are served by the organization.”

Sponsors of the Briscoe Friend of Youth Award are Briscoe Ranch, Valero, Plains Capital Bank, SWBC, NuStar, Jackson Walker L.L.P, Sarma, generations federal credit union, the Lifshutz Companies, Matthew C. Reedy and TETCO.