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? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

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People + Places

Lilith's Lullaby cocktail (photo by Angie Cavazos)

TO QUOTE THE wee one in Poltergeist: “They’re baaaaack!” Houston’s beloved gothic and girl-powered pop-up The Cursed Cauldron returns Friday, Oct. 4 to Aero Cocktail Co. in River Oaks. The new Aero Cocktail Co. will host the pop-up Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 4pm-12am, and Sundays 2pm-10pm. To help contribute to the spooky (and fun) vibe, visitors are invited to “don their magical attire;” kohl eyeliner and black nail polish are strongly recommended.

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Food