Courtesy Big Soy (left) and Silent Minority (right) are a couple of the bands playing — for free — at the event.

Marcus DeLeon admits the reasons for KSYM Radio sponsoring the 10th Annual Alternative to Hunger event aren't entirely selfless.

Though the event, which takes place on Saturday, Nov. 17, at Ruta Maya Riverwalk Coffee House, benefits the St. Peter St. Joseph's Children's Home and provides a forum for local artists and musicians, it also provides a chance for KSYM — San Antonio College's noncommercial, student-run radio station — to get its name out in the community.

“Our intent is a combination of a bunch of things, but No. 1 is KSYM getting its name out and doing something musically for the community,” said DeLeon, the station's promotions director and assistant programming director. “We're trying to get local bands out in the open ..... but we're always trying to promote social change and raise awareness of countless different organizations, especially nonprofits, as well as political organizations and those dealing with minority rights.”

As for the Alternative to Hunger event, it serves as a way to provide food to those in need during the holiday season.

Patrons can gain admittance to the event by donating either $5 or five canned goods. A frozen turkey gets five people in the door.

“We have a huge listenership and lots of discretion, and to not use that ability to help people would be irresponsible,” DeLeon said. “We have to take advantage of our listenership and get (people) to do something for the community.”

Not that KSYM organizers are the only ones sacrificing their time for charity.

All of the musicians on the bill, including The San Antonio Bluecats, Silent Minority and the headlining Big Soy, are donating their time to the event and playing for free.

“The main thing is to try and support local groups and local bands and vendors,” DeLeon said. “Everyone local is involved, as opposed to going out of the box and paying for a national act to draw 1,000 people.”

Instead, DeLeon expects the crowd to number closer to 300, and he also sees the Alternative to Hunger event as an opportunity for younger San Antonians to get involved in charitable endeavors.

“It's good to get younger people out and make them aware of other things besides cable networks they watch when they get home and plop down on the couch,” DeLeon said.

CLINT HALE | 210SA