parties

Small Steps, Big Gains! Nonprofit Raises a Glass — and a Record-Breaking $850K for At-Risk Preschoolers

Jacob Power
Small Steps, Big Gains! Nonprofit Raises a Glass — and a Record-Breaking $850K for At-Risk Preschoolers

IN RECENT YEARS, the importance of a quality education beginning with preschool has been made abundantly clear. One organization in Houston seeks to provide not only education but holistic support for at-risk preschool-age children in the Fifth Ward and Gulton/Sharpstown communities. The Small Steps Nurturing Center raised nearly a million dollars to further its mission at its annual Wine Classic, chaired by Kristy and Chris Bradshaw and Carolyn and Garry Tanner.

Around 500 supporters packed the Bayou Club for a five-course meal with vino pairings courtesy of Chris Shepherd. Louis Rodriguez, one of Small Steps’ first college graduates, gave an inspiring speech that prompted a standing ovation, and the evening also honored Townes Pressler, Jr., who has supported Small Steps since 1997.

Many of the guests were already familiar with Small Steps, which offers school, childcare, transportation, meals and other resources for kids ages 2 to 6, and their families. But others were newly moved to donate to the program, contributing to the record-breaking total of $850,000 and furthering the goal of breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

Carolyn and Garry Tanner, Kathleen and Townes Pressler, Jr., and Kristy and Chris Bradshaw

Travis and Freyja Lauritsen

Ann and Tom Bastian

Annette and Eric Mullins

Louis Rodriguez and Carla Dawson

Catherine and Asheley Kinsey

Alicia and Michael Fertitta

Haresh and Sushma Yalamanchili

Laurie and Reed Morian

Emily and David Sheeren

Jon and Merritt Marinelli

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Parties
promoted

Fall Philanthropy Report: Urban Harvest Farmers Market Helps ‘Transform Food Accessibility’

Fall Philanthropy Report: Urban Harvest Farmers Market Helps ‘Transform Food Accessibility’

What year was your organization launched? Urban Harvest’s Saturday Farmers Market started in 2004 with just seven vendors, providing an outlet for local farms, community and backyard gardeners to sell fresh produce harvested directly from their soils. Now in its 20th year, the market has grown to be one of the largest markets in Texas, supporting over 100 local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans all from within 180 miles of Houston. The market draws 3,000 customers every Saturday morning and includes many original vendors like Animal Farm, Atkinson Farms, and Wood Duck Farm.

Keep Reading Show less
parties

With Billowing Blooms and Evocative ‘Clowns,’ Williams’ Opera Ball Celebrates $2 Million Take

Nancy Gonzalez, Denise Reyes, Christina Jack, Destiny Fernandisse (photo by Emily Jaschke)

WHEN THE GRANDE dame of Houston philanthropy steps up to chair the annual gala for one of Houston’s most elite cultural institutions, expect high elegance to abound and big bucks to roll in.

Keep Reading Show less
parties

With Olympic-Champ Keynoter, Annual Luncheon Goes for the Gold — and the Pink!

Debbie Festari, Ann Carl, Alicia Smith and Edward Sanchez (photo by Jacob Power)

A FABULOUSLY FASHIONABLE crowd of more than 650 turned up at the American Cancer Society’s annual Tickled Pink luncheon at the Post Oak Hotel. All wearing pink, because of course, they came to raise money for breast cancer research, and also to support some of Houston’s most generous and beloved ladies — chair Sippi Khurana and honorary chairs Leisa Holland-Nelson-Bowman, Donna Lewis, and Beth Wolff.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back