INTERFAITH EFFORTS IN FORT BEND COUNTY BUILD GREAT RESULTS

The Fort Bend Interfaith Council helped build a home for a young family at a St.Laurence Catholic Church – Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity house build on Saturday, May 7 in Rosenberg.

The Fort Bend Interfaith Council strives to foster a spirit of friendship and respect between Fort Bend’s diverse faith communities through service projects, prayer services, and fellowship gatherings throughout the community.

Over 50 volunteers helped clear and level the grounds surrounding the house, laid grass, planted trees, and dug up flower beds. The participating faith groups were St. Laurence Catholic Church, Christ Church -Sugar Land, Congregation Beth El, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Ismaili Center.

Those interested in volunteering with Habitat for Humanity should visit
fortbendhabitat.org/volunteer.

++++++++

HANDS AND HEARTS FOUNDATION HOSTS MOST SUCCESSFUL TOUR­NA­MENT TO DATE

On Monday, May 2, the Hands and Hearts Foundation hosted its 15th annual golf tournament at Pecan Grove Country Club in Richmond. The tournament had a record turnout of 108 golfers and raised more than $30,000. The proceeds will be used to assist individuals and groups financially in achieving projects aimed at bettering local and international communities. The bulk of the proceeds will help send youth in the Fort Bend community on a 10-day mission trip to Guatemala, alongside Hearts in Motion, where they will perform construction projects, conduct vacation bible school, and assist with medical clinics and other human needs projects.To find out more, visit heartsinmotion.org.

++++++++

FORT BEND COUNTY ORGANIZA­TIONS SUPPORT BEHIND THE BADGE CHARITIES

Behind the Badge Charities (BTBC) directly assists First Responders and their families in Fort Bend County.

In April, the Sugar Land Skeeters presented BTBC with a check for $12,500 from their Deacon’s Stars and Stripes Charity Softball Classic held at Constellation Field. Also in April, the BAPS Hindu community’s annual walk benefiting multiple causes included BTBC.

In May, the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra honored First Responders with a special Summon the Heroes concert and distributed free tickets to First Responder families.

Also in May, the Morton Masonic Lodge held a Gumbo Cook Off competition with all proceeds going to BTBC.

The public is invited to the annual Stafford 4th of July celebration, which will also include Behind the Badge Charities.

Founded in 2011, BTBC mission is to provide support to all public safety professionals working in Fort Bend County including peace officers, correctional officers, fire fighters, emergency medical technicians, probation officers, and 9-1-1 emergency community professionals serving with government or volunteer emergency services organizations.

In 2015 the organization awarded 24 scholarships to the children or dependents of qualified public safety officers and emergency first responders in Fort Bend County. Individual scholarships are dedicated to the memory of officers killed in the line of duty.

For more information, visit behindthebadgecharities.org or call 281-815-4980.

++++++++

GABBY NGUYEN TO JOIN FACEBOOK PRODUCT MARKETING TEAM

This fall, UC Berkeley 2016 graduate and former Fort Bend Publishing Group intern, Gabrielle (Gabby) Nguyen, will be joining the product marketing team at Facebook’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California. After various internships, including her first at Fort Bend Publishing in Stafford, Gabby found a passion for tech marketing. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity, the experiences and people who have gotten me here, and am excited to be a part of the Facebook team!” said Gabby, a graduate of Dulles High School. She is the daughter of Steven Lee and Katy Lam-Nguyen, owners of Natural Stone Gallery in Stafford.

++++++++

CHILDREN’S MEMORIAL HERMANN HOSPITAL THANKS FORMER HOUSTON TEXAN CHRIS MYERS

Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital recently held a special event to thank and acknowledge recently retired Houston Texans player Chris Myers and his wife, Jenny, for their longtime contributions. The Myers family has generously supported Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital’s Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Program for several years with volunteer efforts and financial support through the Dreambuilders Foundation.

Over three years ago, Chris and Jenny’s son, Keane, was born with a cleft lip and palate. Without surgeries, Keane would have had trouble eating and speaking. He was treated by Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital’s pediatric plastic surgery team.

“When we decided to raise money through the Dreambuilders Foundation, we had no doubt that we wanted these funds to go to the pediatric plastic surgery program at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital,” said Jenny. “We wanted other families to share the incredible experience that the outstanding team provided for our son, Keane. The opportunity to assist families in easing the financial burden that comes along with cleft surgeries is extremely humbling.”

Guests at the event were asked to make a contribution to the Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Program in lieu of a going-away present for Chris and Jenny, who are moving to Philadelphia this summer. As a gift to the couple, patients from Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital painted a keepsake plate, which reads “thank you” and shows a decorated landscape.

“The Myers’ generosity has assisted a number of families who otherwise might not have had access to the procedures needed to help their children,” said Matthew Greives, M.D., craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgeon affiliated with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Plastic Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. “Our department operates like a family, and the Myers have been an integral part of that family for many years now. We wish them all the best in their upcoming move. Their compassionate hearts will be missed.”

Also in attendance at the event were Susie Distefano, Senior Vice President and CEO of Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, and John Teichgraeber, M.D., Co-Director of the Texas Cleft-Craniofacial Clinic at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and professor in the Division of Pediatric Plastic Surgery at McGovern Medical School.

++++++++

HOUSTON REMODELERS COUNCIL RENOVATES HOME FOR A FAMILY IN NEED

In April, the Houston Remodelers Council renovated the Richmond home of Mary Scalise and her four children, to improve its functionality and safety. This is the latest charity project undertaken by the award-winning Greater Houston Builders Association Remodelers Council, whose other projects have included the SIRE Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Family Time Crisis Center, and Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services.

One of Scalise’s four children, all of whom were adopted from Casa de Esperanza where Scalise is an employee, has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair. The home has not been wheelchair accessible and caring for Luke has become more difficult for Mary as he has grown older and larger. Luke lives on the first floor of the house, and previously the only bathroom with a shower or bathtub was upstairs.

The project, organized by council member Sherry Pruitt, CGR, CAPS, owner of Whodid It Designs, included adding a wheelchair ramp and lift, widening the doors and adding a full bath on the first floor with wheelchair access to the shower. The kitchen renovation included new cabinets, countertops, appliances, paint and flooring. The living areas were also painted and updated.

Mary Scalise has dedicated her life to giving a safe haven to children in crisis. This was the Remodelers Council’s way to give back to Mary, her children and those in need by doing what they know best –– remodeling. The Remodelers Council thanks the volunteers and the project sponsors.

++++++++

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY HOUSTON AREA ALUMNI CHAPTER CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Jackson State (College) University was founded in 1877 in Natchez, Mississippi. The Houston Area Alumni Chapter, founded Oct. 3, 1976, recently held its Blue and White Gala A Safari Affair – Experience the Essence of the Journey. The ballroom was filled with animal/safari prints and exotic live plants and safari animal-themed tables. Guests were fashionably dressed in formal safari and/or animal designs. A reception was held an hour before the gala. This event was held under the collaborative leadership of Darryl Pilate, event chairperson, and Linda Mark, co-chairperson. The Jackson State University - Houston Area Alumni Chapter has been committed to “Challenging Minds, Changing Lives” for 40 years and counting.

Mable Scott Austin, Pearl W. Pigott (wife of the late attorney Benjamin Pigott), Pearl Porter, Leland F. Redmond and Marilyn Weakley represented five of the seven chapter-founding members. Austin, the founding treasurer, shared, “I am eternally grateful for our chapter’s steadfast 40 years of selfless service to our university and our community.” Event chair Pilate said, “Our members’ tireless efforts, energy, and enthusiasm contributed to the awesome success of this event.”

Marilyn Moore, decorations chair, laid out crisp white table cloths, animal print runners, and fresh exotic floral arrangements to provide the elegant ballroom safari ambiance.

Candice Elliott designed a souvenir booklet keepsake with zebra border and a JSU tiger face. Dr. Rose Austin, emcee, kept guests engaged and entertained, while three video presentations by Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers, current university president; Dr. John A. Peeples, university president at chapter charter in 1976; and Dr. Hillard Lackey, president, JSU,National Alumni Association at the chapter’s charter gave the event a serious focus. Additional speakers were Yolanda R. Owens, president, Jackson State University National Alumni Association; Sedric Myers, JSU National Alumni Association, Southwest Region vice president, and past chapter president; and Rhonda J. Cummings, current chapter president. Eric Elliott provided the invocation; founding president Leland Redmond shared a chapter history; and Telecia Smith provided a video presentation of the chapter’s past 40 years. Distinguished guests and founders Milton and Rose Austin were presented gifts of appreciation and gratitude. Dr. Rod Paige, former U.S. Secretary of Education, and his wife Stephanie also enjoyed the celebration.

Participating companies, individuals, organizations and universities included Weakley and Associates; Mercedes Benz of Clear Lake; Milton and Rose Austin; Mose and Mable Austin; Jackson State University, National Alumni Association, Inc.; Omega Psi Phi, Nu Phi Chapter; Memory Maker Photo Booths; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Delta Pi Chapter, Jackson State University; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Delta Pi, Spring, 1993; JSU, 80’s Decade Graduates; Suburban Sugar Land Women; Tarita Benson Davis; One Stop – Willie Childs; and the Houston Area Membership Committee.

More than 30 silent auction items were sold and everyone had a great time raising funds for academic programs and scholarships.

 

 

 

++++++++

SHAPE UP FORT BEND YOUTH SERVE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Once a month for four months, the teen committee members of Shape Up Fort Bend Youth Group have visited students at a local after school program. They invited several community leaders who promote health and wellness and facilitated the students in fun games that encourage a healthy lifestyle.

At the first meeting, the teens gave each student a pedometer, compliments of Shape Up Fort Bend. The students were provided walking logs and asked to record their steps. The teens talked to them about the importance of walking and staying active and gave them a challenge of 10,000 steps for girls and 12,000 steps for boys. At their next meeting, they introduced Dr. Tesfaye, a dentist from AccessHealth, who talked about the importance of brushing their teeth and choosing healthy foods to eat. Each child was given a bag of dental products compliments of AccessHealth. At their third meeting, the teens brought in a nutrition health coach, Annette Lese, to encourage the kids about exercising and making healthy food choices. She taught the kids how to make a healthy snack using greek yogurt, honey, fresh fruit and Cheerios. At their last meeting, the SUFB youth committee hosted a celebration that included Grover “Deacon” Jones, a baseball legend, and Reggie Slater, a professional basketball star, to motivate the kids to make good and wise choices, stay active, keep fit, and strive for excellence in sports and academics.

The two athletes signed baseballs and 10 basketballs that were donated by SuitMart. Shape Up Fort Bend also donated other sports equipment for the after school program. Each student also received one Sugar Land Skeeters baseball ticket and food voucher, compliments of Sugar Land Skeeters. The mission of Shape Up Fort Bend is to connect the community, raise awareness, and encourage activities that foster a healthy lifestyle.

++++++++

WCMC AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS AND CHARITABLE DONATIONS

The Woman’s Club of Missouri City (WCMC) celebrated its 60th anniversary on May 2 and received a proclamation from Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen on May 3 in the fellowship hall of The First Methodist Church of Missouri City. This time-honored organization awarded five scholarships to deserving Missouri City graduates and gave donations to the The Butterfield Educational Foundation, The DeWalt Heritage Center (Dew House) and The Friends of the Missouri City Animal Shelter.

Nancy Thurmond, scholarship chair, presented three Elkins High School and two Ridge Point High School seniors with $1,000 Legacy Scholarships. Receiving this honor were Giovanny Dominguez, Hannah Kaplan and Gabriel Martinez of Elkins, and Pedro Regino of Ridge Point. Nasiah Richard of Ridge Point received The Jo Butterfield Scholarship. With this year’s presentation, WCMC has awarded $65,000 to Missouri City High school graduates.

Jean Shelledy, outgoing president, was recognized as Woman of the Year and new officers were installed: President Nancy Thurmond, Vice President Jo Butterfield, Recording Secretary Valerie Langdon, Corresponding Secretary Milly Smith, Treasurer Mary Burger, Parliamentarian Jean Shelledy and Historian Jane Owen.

Members who have been in the organization 30 years or more were also recognized and applauded with certifications of recognition, including Mary Burger, 40 years; Jane Thompson, 37 years; Virginia Hodges, 36 years; Shirley Renfrow, 33 years; Mary Delmar Crochet, 32 years and Charlotte Etgen, 31 years. The legacy of this organization and its women is to support the community with donations and good deeds.