October 2017

Dates confirmed, outfits selected, menus chosen. In light of ongoing Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts, dozens of charitable luncheons, galas and kickoffs opted to postpone or reschedule events to later dates. However, a handful of organizations adopted of a “life goes on” mantra and adjusted their programming accordingly.

Take the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation’s Young Professionals Group’s annual Jungle Book Gala. Chairs Alexa Bode and William Finnorn teamed up with Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus to host a “wild” evening at the Dunlavy, and they weren’t about to let 250 sold-out tickets waste away. Instead, the $80,000 in proceeds purchased new home libraries for school-age flood victims.

And this year’s Opening Style Show at the Junior League of Houston added a timely twist, too. The Tootsies-sponsored fashion event also kicked off a three-week donation drive for toiletry items and beauty products.

Supporters of the Beacon Day Center went the extra mile as well. To most effectively serve storm victims, the downtown homeless shelter – which typically serves lunch five days a week – plated three meals daily to feed evacuees. Foodies who feasted through the Center’s well-attended “Come to the Table” dinner responded with more than $500,000 raised.

So long, Harvey. Hello, rainbow.

Source: October 19, 2017 Houston Chronicle, by Amber Elliott