The Christal Foundation

Lyn and Tom Christal were married in 1975. The couple made Alamo Heights their home and both contributed to the greater San Antonio community. Tom was president of the San Antonio Food Bank and served on the board of Second Harvest (the national organization of food banks). He also served the United Way as its food industry chairman and a member of its Tocqueville society. Tom led his industry as Chairman of the Association of Sales and Marketing Companies and as a member of the Grocery Manufacturers of America Board. Lyn was a leader of the Delta Society (now Pet Partners), a member of the Junior League of San Antonio and Secretary of the Sussex Spaniel Club of America. During her time with Delta Society she led the organization’s founding of the Fiesta Pooch Parade, now an official Fiesta event.

The Christal’s most energetic undertaking was an animal rescue effort that came about as a result of Tom’s involvement with the Brackenridge Park Conservancy. The Christal’s became aware of hundreds of homeless cats living in the 350-acre confines of Brackenridge Park. Tom and Lyn organized and funded a continuing effort to care for these unfortunate animals, at the time numbering around 200. Lyn and Tom became expert trappers and caregivers. A large, caged enclosure was constructed at their home to handle animals that needed rehab after vetting, socialization or simply loving care after the trauma of abandonment. The Christal Foundation came about as a result of the Christal’s experience and lessons learned over a lifetime of helping animals in need.