Spring Fling Celebrates Three Decades of Foster-Care Assistance, Honors Mattress Mack

Quy Tran
Spring Fling Celebrates Three Decades of Foster-Care Assistance, Honors Mattress Mack

Marta Fredricks, Aaron Bludorn and Elyse Cokinos Stevens

A HOUSTON NONPROFIT has quietly but diligently served the children and families in the Texas foster care system for three decades. Tanglewood residents and longtime donors Laura and George Pontikes hosted a springtime soiree in honor of Arrow Child & Family Ministries' 30th anniversary.

More than 200 partygoers raised a glass to the Pontikes, who spearheaded the renovation of Arrow's Spring-area HQ, which will be named for them. The evening, which featured delectable dishes courtesy of Aaron Bludorn, also honored Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale. He got a superhero cape and video tribute showcasing his contributions to Arrow and the foster-care community.

Joella and Steve Mach, Chris Pappas, Ellen Cokinos

Patrick Hicks, Doug Dillon, Nancy Pettiette, Billy Braddock, Ed Britt

Cynthia Pritchard-Stevenson, Jean Durdin, Sharilyn and Gayle Lampson

Aimee and Wynne Snoots

Laura and George Pontikes

Mike and Susan Holland

Jack and Brenda Lynch

Eliza Flannery, Nick Pontikes, Molly Jodeit

Fr. Juan Torres, Scott Lundy, George Pontikes, Laura Pontikes, Jim McIngvale, Debi Tengler

Parties

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

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