Describe the mission of Make-A-Wish. Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana grants life-changing wishes for local children battling critical illnesses, serving 47 counties in Texas (from Lufkin to Corpus Christi) and the entire state of Louisiana. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child’s wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey.
How do you view your role in Make-A-Wish? I truly believe I have the greatest job in the entire world! Every day, I see the strength and bravery of the wish kids we serve and the power their wishes have to transform not only their own lives, but those of entire communities. I work with the most hard-working and dedicated staff imaginable. It’s my responsibility to ensure that they have the foundational support to effectively do their jobs and fulfill our mission at a level of excellence. I’m here to work alongside our team and Board of Directors to guide our organization daily and propel our future with limitless possibilities.
What’s unique about your approach? We are building a team based on a sincere belief in having the best and most capable staff executing our mission and serving our wish families. A key component of fulfilling this vision each day is empowerment of my team to embody a service-focused culture of achievement. My motto is, “We always find a way to make a wish happen!” We’re here for the sole purpose of making magic happen for our wish kids — it’s that simple!
What factors motivated you to choose a career in non-profit leadership? Growing up, I was fortunate to have role models who constantly showed me what true community stewardship looks like. Studying Journalism at Mizzou, I felt a strong desire to bring stories to life. Then, I saw the need for people to actively contribute to making their community stronger. It is an ongoing, rewarding and humbling journey to work with a team who shares that mindset and to bring hope to those that need it.
What are the key lessons you’ve learned? By far, the most important lesson is that we must be 100 percent kid-focused with every decision we make. There is no higher priority than our wish kids. We must act with honesty, integrity and compassion. The commitment to serve is one not to be made lightly, and we hold ourselves to standards higher than those set by anyone outside Make-A-Wish.
What’s most exciting about the future of Make-A-Wish? This summer we will grant the 10,000th wish to a local kid since our organization’s inception in 1984. This represents a very special and key milestone as Make-A-Wish is building toward our impact goal to double the number of local wishes granted annually by 2025. Get involved at http://wish.org/texgulf
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Cowboy Cool: Crime Stoppers’ Texas-Themed Gala Raises $2 Mil for Safer Streets in Houston
Nov. 13, 2024
Michelle and Jonathan Zadok (photo by Jacob Power)
WITH A COWBOY theme and terrific country band — think big hats and big hearts, said organizers — the Crime Stoppers gala was a huge hit and moving evening.
“The lavish celebration united over 400 generous supporters, community advocates, elected officials, and law enforcement from across the state for a lively Texas-themed party which kicked off with an energetic happy hour, offering guests opportunities to support the night’s exciting silent auction and raffle,” noted a rep for the nonprofit of the elaborate celebration at The Revaire that raised more than $2 million.
The band Nobody’s Fool was terrific playing all the best country covers, and even providing a soundtrack for a rowdy silent auction that found auctioneer Johnny Bravo jumping on tables!
Chairs for the evening were Elizabeth McIngvale-Mackey and Matt Mackey and jewelers Michelle and Jonathan Zadok. Stirring remarks were made by notables including Mayor John Whitmire, UH President Renu Khator, Jim ‘Mattress Mack’ McIngvale and Vanessa Ames and Jordan Seff, generous donors credited with helping set organization’s strategy and inspiring others to give. The steak dinner was provided by Ben Berg of B&B Butchers and other top restaurants.
VIP guests included a slew of dignitaries and officials such as U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, District Attorney Kim Ogg, County Commissioner Tom Ramsey, City Council Member Willie Davis, Police Chief Noe Diaz and Constable Alan Rosen. Private citizens from the society set were also on hand, including Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith, Susan Boggio, Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees and many members of the fame Zadok family of jewelers.
Marge Lundquist, Tama Lundquist (photo by Priscilla Dickson)
Renu Khator (photo by Jacob Power)
John Eddie and Sheridan Williams (photo by Jacob Power)
Ben Berg and Morgan Skiba (photo by Priscilla Dickson)
Auctioneer Johnny Bravo (photo by Jacob Power)
Eric Elder (photo by Priscilla Dickson)
Seven Shamir Francis (photo by Jacob Power)
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Breanna Blankenship, Nicholas Stuart, Zsavon Butler, Outspoken Bean
SUPPORTERS OF THE Houston Arts Alliance pulled inspiration from global art, fashion and culture for a spectacular gala at the Hobby Center. “The World’s Stage” gala, chaired by Zsavon Butler and Nicholas Stuart, raised $325,000 to benefit the Houston Arts Alliance’s public-art and artist resiliency initiatives.
A meaningful moment was when former Houston Poet Laureate Outspoken Bean honored longtime chef and food-writer Adán Medrano with a spoken-word performance. Works by other beloved local artists, like Jamal Cyrus and Vincent Valdez, adorned the walls, and music was provided by Breanna Blankenship and DJ Flash Gordon Parks.
The 350 guests also enjoyed a runway show featuring fall looks by Chloe Dao, modeled by icons like Lauren Anderson, and a spread prepared by Jackson & Company along with H-E-B. A nod to the global theme, the menu included Korean-style short ribs and Greek kourabiedes — washed down with French and Italian wine, of course. Cheers!
Ross Smith, Leigh Smith, Caroline Smith, Alecia Harris, Whitmire Vo, Owen Duffy
Casey Valverde, Tammy Dowe, Marco Martinez
David James, Judge Lina Hidalgo, Honoree Adan Medrano & Richard Jimenez
Rita Garcia, Sergio Selvera
George Farah & Michele Leal Farah, Nicholas & Zsavon Butler, Lauren Anderson & Chris Stanaway, John Abodeely & Edward Kachinske
Chloe Dao with her models
Michele Leal Farah
Lisa and Saul Valentin
Leigh Smith, John Abodeely, Lauren Anderson
Aerialist from J&D Entertainment
Joel Rottier, Council Member Mario Castillo, Rep. Christina Morales, Michele Leal Farah
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