By: Jason Kazarian

Teddy Bear Bingo and “Name That Baby Song” games, a raffle, gift diaper bags, and an elegant lunch for a room full of expecting and post-partum military families. Also, a corporate partnership that has dedicated its philanthropy to supporting the American Red Cross North Texas Region for 10 years.  

Over the years, Texas de Brazil has supported the Red Cross mission through catering, hosting events at their various locations, and donating over $400,000 via corporate contributions and raffle items.  

“At Texas de Brazil, we believe in the power of community and coming together to make a difference,” said Salim Asrawi, President of Texas de Brazil. “Partnering with the Red Cross allows us to extend our hospitality beyond the restaurant and support meaningful initiatives that provide hope, care, and relief to those in need. We are honored to stand alongside such a trusted organization in helping strengthen the communities we serve.”

The idea for this baby shower originated from Hannah Thompson, Public Relations Director for Texas De Brazil, and Nick Posada, Regional Philanthropy Senior Partner for the American Red Cross North Texas Region. The event served as a wrap-up celebration for the restaurant's latest customer fundraising campaign, an annual event that started in 2012 and has been ongoing since 2015.

Texas de Brazil conducted its fundraising campaign throughout July. Locations in 49 states encouraged diners to donate online or contribute at a restaurant. Participants received a dining voucher and entered a raffle for one of five free dinner nights, each accommodating up to eight guests.

Texas de Brazil matched customer contributions dollar for dollar up to $15,000. After hearing about the tragic flooding in Central Texas, the restaurant was inspired to donate an additional $5,000.

A baby shower as part of a fundraiser? In February 2025, the North Texas Region’s Tiffany Circle did just that. The event was so well-received that Posada suggested that Thompson host another shower at their Addison, Texas restaurant. She agreed, and the planning began.

Upon other meetings between the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) team and other Veteran-serving organizations, a collaboration sparked between groups. The SAF team joined the Fundraising team to host another baby shower and invited Soldiers’ Angels and the Wounded Warrior Project to assist, providing an opportunity for them to learn how they can plan and execute this event within the communities they serve.  

All four organizations came together in March to organize the event. Soldiers’ Angels hosted the games and gift diaper bags. The Wounded Warrior Project recruited expecting military families to attend the event and funded two gift card raffle prizes. The Red Cross set the “run of show,” coordinated with Texas de Brazil, and brought additional raffle prizes.

The shower was a huge success. Through their campaign, Texas de Brazil raised over $33,400 for the American Red Cross, supporting the Service to the Armed Forces and Where it’s Needed Most.

We are deeply grateful for the continued generosity of Texas de Brazil and its customers,” said Ron Green, Director of Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces North Texas. “Their annual July campaign and year-round support help ensure that our military members, veterans, and their families receive the critical assistance they need. This partnership exemplifies the power of community and compassion, and we are honored to stand alongside Texas de Brazil in service to those who serve our nation.”

The American Red Cross is committed to ensuring that military personnel receive help whenever and wherever needed. Every day, employees and thousands of volunteers deliver services at Red Cross offices, provide 24/7 global emergency communication services, and offer support in veteran healthcare facilities and over one hundred military installations across the country and worldwide.

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About Texas de Brazil:
Texas de Brazil is an authentic churrascaria featuring a continuous dining experience that blends the unique culture of Brazil, with the generous hospitality of Texas. The menu features a vast selection of grilled meats, a 50-item salad area, an award-winning wine list and a la carte dessert selections. Founded as a family-owned business in 1998, Texas de Brazil is one of the largest Brazilian-American steakhouse brands in the world, with 53 restaurants in 23 states, 1 in Puerto Rico and 11 international locations. For more information, visit TexasdeBrazil.com, or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.