April Ancira selects The Tobin Center’s Charlie’s Seats program as the 2025 beneficiary of her annual philanthropic tradition. Charlie’s Seats, named for fellow Tobin Center Board Member Susan Naylor’s son Charlie, is the umbrella name for all The Tobin Center’s programs that provide free tickets for Tobin performances to local non-profits and schools serving under-resourced students, as well as free and discounted tickets to college students, first responders, teachers, active and retired military, and SNAP recipients.
In addition to being a long-standing arts supporter and Tobin Center Board Member, April served for many years as the local emcee for the Tobin’s National Geographic speaker series, always bringing the fun with themed outfits to coordinate with speakers’ topics. You may have witnessed April, dressed as an explorer, being pushed on stage in a canoe by her children to introduce a Nat Geo photographer or the whole family dressed as dinosaurs to start off Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous. April’s love of the performing arts is undeniable, both as a patron and a performer.
“I will never forget the first time I attended a live performance. It was unforgettable and life changing.
The Charlie’s Seats Program has been a game-changer in San Antonio, opening doors to the transformative power of live performances. Every year, I focus my energy into raising money for one of the non-profits I care about and with this campaign at the Tobin, we can expand our reach and provide even more under-resourced students, local teachers, active and retired military, first responders, college students, and families receiving WIC/SNAP benefits with the opportunity to experience the magic of the arts. As a Tobin Board member, I believe that every free ticket we provide is not just a seat in a theater; it’s a window to a world of creativity and inspiration.”, said April Ancira, adding “We are also working to provide transportation scholarships to ensure that Title I schools in Bexar, Comal, and Kendall counties can bring their students to performances because transportation costs are a barrier for many schools. This dual approach—providing both tickets and transportation—ensures that access to the performing arts is not just a privilege for some, but an opportunity for all in our diverse community.”
While April is known for her good-natured and fun energy, she takes raising money for local nonprofits seriously. Many years ago, April launched a small fundraising campaign with the Salvation Army, and since then this practice has grown into an annual tradition. By focusing her fundraising efforts and rallying others to do the same, she has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities including The Brighton Center, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The American Heart Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, San Antonio Parks Foundation, ALS Association, Family Services, UTSA Alumni Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, and most recently, San Antonio Sports Foundation.
April has a passion for the arts, and she recognizes that not everyone can afford to purchase a ticket to a performance. Which is why, in 2025, April has committed to expanding access to the arts in San Antonio and removing barriers to arts participation by supporting Charlie’s Seats.
Mike Fresher, President and CEO at The Tobin Center, acknowledges April’s benevolent commitment by saying, “On behalf of The Tobin Center’s Board of Directors, Advisory Board and the Tobin’s dedicated staff, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Board Member April Ancira for her incredible leadership and commitment in launching this fundraising campaign in support of the Charlie’s Seat program and to provide transportation scholarships for local schools to attend performances. This initiative not only reflects her continued dedication to our mission but also inspires our entire community to come together to ensure access to the arts for all. April’s vision and passion are instrumental in driving our success, and we truly appreciate her help in removing the barriers to experiencing the arts at The Tobin Center.”
Join April’s mission to expand access to the arts in San Antonio today by visiting tobincenter.org/aprilancira! With your support of April’s 2025 fundraising campaign, you can provide opportunities for local nonprofits and schools serving under-resourced students, as well as area college students, first responders, teachers, active and retired military, and SNAP recipients to receive free and discounted tickets to Tobin Center performances.
