Brand-New Women’s Group Celebrates Raising $188K for Women and Kids in Need

Brand-New Women’s Group Celebrates Raising $188K for Women and Kids in Need

Alexandra Inman, Kristin Lenoir, Jessica Graham

A UNIQUE NEW philanthropic group with a straightforwardly simple fundraising approach has successfully logged its first big event.


Houston's new chapter of Impact100 had a goal to find 100 women to join and pledge $1,000 each. Instead, the group landed 188 members, exceeding all expectations.

At an awards celebration earlier this month, it divvied up the $188,000 total between four local charities. Angela's House, which provide rehabilitative services and trauma relief for formerly incarcerated women to looking to make a new start, won the largest grant of $100,000. Three other groups — the SPARK school park program, the Chinquapin School for exceptional students in underserved communities, Theatre Under the Stars and Kids' Meals — split the remaining $88,000 four ways.

"I know I speak for the entire membership when I say, we are so honored to be able to bestow these funds to such incredible organizations in the Houston area," said Jessica Graham, president of Impact100 Houston, in a statement. "Our members are passionate about giving back, and what an inspiration it has been to be a part of such a successful fundraising effort with this powerful group of women."

Amy Nichols, Alexandra Inman, Veta Byrd-Perez

Carol Dubose, Flor Dimassi

Katie Grahmann and Valerie Ly

Kristin Lenoir, Allison Young

Eileen Edmonds, Melissa Jurik, Christine Stevens, Hilary Hart

Laura Hipps, Dr. Dorothy Scrutchin, Dr. Mia Johnson

Semmes Burns, Jayne Johnston, Megan Hotze

Parties
‘Embrace Changes,’ Says Valobra, Whose Namesake Jewelry Store Has Become a Houston Institution
How did you get to where you are today? I had little choice in the matter; I grew up being trained to become the fourth-generation jewelry designer behind my great grandfather, grandfather, and father. It was my duty to carry on the family business and continue the hard work and success they built from nothing, beginning in Torino, Italy in 1905. I was surrounded by jewelry and its craftmanship as a young child and was taught the business from a very young age.
Keep Reading Show less

EVEN THOUGH WE hope things cool down outside, some folks in Houston are about to get even hotter with the arrival of trendy fitness studio Ritual One next month in Uptown Park. The Dallas-based concept will offer classes like Power Sculpt, Hot Pilates, Power Yoga, Inferno Flow, and Inferno HIIT — all taking place in its infrared-heated studios.

Keep Reading Show less
Style

Evan and Kate Elsenbrook and Elyse and Drew Tolson

SUPPORTERS OF RONALD McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston gathered for a whimsically fun fete at the Hilton Americas hotel. The 2024 Boo Ball was themed "Once Upon a Time," and it raised a true happily-ever-after amount of $1 million — a new record!

Keep Reading Show less
Parties