By Suzanne Freeman • 101CorpusChristi.com • November 09, 2017
The Fannie Bluntzer Nason Spirit Center is now open for youth and adult groups across South Texas and the Coastal Bend. Although a Catholic retreat facility, it is open to groups of all faiths.
The Spirit Center occupies 60 acres of a 300-acre tract bequeathed in the 1960s to the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament by Fannie Bluntzer Nason. The site is located in Bluntzer, just 25 miles northwest of Corpus Christi.
Facilities include a dormitory for up to 96 people, a dining room, an activity center, a covered pavilion with picnic tables, and an outdoor space for games and walking trails. Volleyball and basketball nets are available, but groups must bring their own equipment.
Groups also provide their own programs, food service, bedding and personal items.
“It is for spiritual education and social development,” Executive Director Debbie Vickery said. “There are fewer places like this in this area, and so many of them are overbooked or don’t have enough room. This is something we are doing to increase retreats for youth.”
A goal of the Spirit Center is to keep rental rates affordable. To that end, the group holds a Spirit Center Celebrity Dinner each year with high-profile community leaders serving as waiters and entertainment. The next dinner is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay.
This year’s theme is “Noche Cubana Tropical” featuring the festive sounds of Caribbean music from Latin Talk. The evening will include appetizers, dinner, live music, auctions, photo opportunities and awards. Area students will be honored and recognized for their outstanding service to various youth groups.
For more information, including sponsorship and ticket purchases, contact Sylvia Basaldu at (361) 888-7537 or sbasaldu@bluntzerspiritcenter.org or visit the SpiritCenterBluntzer Facebook page.