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Featured Article

Shining a Light

Boerne Lifestyle Marks Five Years of Celebrating All That’s Good

Article by Daniel Gertson

Photography by Brittany Davila, Kelly Jo Johnson

Originally published in Boerne Lifestyle

Welcoming. Resilient. Relaxed. Traditional and forward-thinking. Honest and Friendly. Strong. Caring. Community. 

These words don’t just describe Boerne and the Hill Country; they define us. Whether we’ve lived here for generations or just a few months, our hearts are rooted in the same soil. We are bound by a shared love for this place, for its people, and for the rhythm of life that feels both simple and extraordinary.

For the past five years, Boerne Lifestyle Magazine has tried to capture that spirit, to hold a mirror to the beauty, kindness, and grit that make this town shine. From artists who chase big dreams to businesses that serve with heart, from families sharing their struggles to neighbors who quietly make a difference, our mission has remained the same: to shine a light on all that’s good.

When we launched our very first issue in March 2020, we did so with a mix of optimism and wonder. “Hello, Boerne,” our cover said simply, a greeting that carried both promise and possibility. Inside those 36 pages were stories of encouragement from a basketball pro, a recipe by Richter Bakhaus, and a celebration of The AgriCultural, that living piece of Boerne’s heritage. The stories were our way of saying, “We’re here with you. Let’s tell the story of home together.”

Five years later, so much has changed, yet our heart beats just the same. This issue—116 pages long, crafted by 16 local writers and photographers—overflows with stories that celebrate where we’ve been and where we’re going: winter fashion, nonprofits doing good, healthy holiday inspiration, and even a cherished family pear jam recipe. Nearly 13,000 homes and businesses will receive this issue, and more than 100,000 people will read it. As our town has grown, so too has our magazine. And our gratitude.

In October, we gathered to celebrate five years of storytelling with a few hundred of our closest friends, people we’ve featured, partners we’ve collaborated with, and community members who’ve championed us since day one. The night was filled with laughter and clinking glasses, heartfelt stories, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony courtesy of the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce. It wasn’t just a party—it was a thank-you, wrapped in joy and gratitude.

That same night, we introduced something new: our “Lights of Boerne” awards, created to honor the people and organizations whose leadership, generosity, and heart illuminate our community.

We recognized three honorees, each one a light that burns bright for Boerne:

  • A business whose success fuels service and strengthens the fabric of our town.
  • A nonprofit whose mission lifts others with hope, purpose, and connection.
  • A community member whose compassion and faith remind us what love in action truly looks like.

We are excited to recognize as our inaugural “Lights of Boerne” honorees:

Joshua Creek Ranch (Business)

Joshua Creek Ranch exemplifies community spirit, hosting more than 30 annual fundraisers benefiting children, veterans, schools, and nonprofits. Donating up to $200,000 each year, they champion conservation, youth education, and disaster relief, raising $24,000 for victims of the July floods. This premier Hill Country destination truly uplifts Boerne and beyond.

Boerne YoungLife (Nonprofit)

For 30 years, Boerne Young Life has served local teens, reaching over 1,600 students through faith-based connection and mentorship. Led by Metro Director Courtney Garrison, this devoted team inspires youth with inclusion, joy, and genuine care for the next generation.

Monay Boring (Community Member)

Monay Boring leads Christian Journey Courses, empowering others through faith-based life-skills training in jails and probation programs. Once a participant herself, she now mentors others while volunteering with Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries. We celebrate the way Monay embodies compassion, resilience, and transformative love for our community.

To our staff, writers, photographers, editors, and contributors, you are the heartbeat of Boerne Lifestyle. To our advertising partners and local businesses, thank you for believing in the power of storytelling and for helping us share it far and wide. And to you, our readers, thank you for inviting us into your homes and hearts. Thank you for your stories, your encouragement, and your trust.

As we celebrate this milestone, our hearts overflow with gratitude. We are humbled to be part of Boerne’s story, to walk these streets, meet its people, and witness your light. With your continued partnership, and God willing, we can’t wait to see what shines next. Because here in Boerne, the light never fades—it only grows brighter.

Special thanks to our event sponsors and vendors:

Savvy Southern Events/Shawna Jackson

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry

Hunter Service Group

RCLLC Transportation Services

Southern Standard

Blume Haus Floral Design

Absolute Rentals

CRU Rentals

RMD Photobooth

Boerne YoungLife

Nic Dante Entertainment 

2 Pees in a Pot

San Antonio Alphalit 

Davila Photography

Kelly Jo Photography

Boerne Parks and Recreation

Alamo Prints

Chris Lopez Bandera

Lillian Jaxx

Mae Dunne Fine Cuisine & Bar 

Frio Canyon Vineyard

Parker’s Ice Creams

Martini & Company

Chef Junction 

Black Board BBQ

Dolci Momenti 

Rex Hausmann Art

Experience a Chef

Avita Wellness & Aesthetics

The Kendall

Joshua Creek Ranch

Alchemy Massage Studio

StretchLab Boerne

Tans2You

Frillseekers

Albi’s Vite/Sunny’s All Day Brunch & Bar

Kiss the Cook

LuBelz Spices

LeSauce & Co.