It’s been a busy month for MCC! Our sincerest gratitude goes out to the organizers, attendees, and volunteers at each of the following events for helping raise much-needed funds for client services. Here is a quick peek at each event.
Coming Out Day Celebration
Hosted by OutReach United
An exclusive VIP Dinner on Friday, October 7, allowed major donors to mingle with one another, as well as with featured artist John Palmer and Special Guest Raja, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race. The big event on Saturday, October 8, included wonderful entertainment, a great crowd of supporters, and the opportunity to celebrate our respective journeys through the coming out process.
Success
The event raised $5,000 for our seniors group SPRY, $7,000 for Project Remix, our work with GLBT homeless youth, and $10,000 for Pride Houston’s Scholarship Fund.
Special thanks to…
The OutReach United Board of Directors, President Gary Wood, Special Guest Raja, Artist John Palmer, who commissioned a special piece for the event, Tye Blue for organizing and hosting the afternoon’s entertainment, all the talented performers, the beautiful location Sycamore Heights, as well as to F Bar and Bayou City Boys Club for hosting after parties.
How can you help?
Attend next year’s Coming Out Celebration, which is traditionally held the Saturday before National Coming Out Day on October 11. Mark your calendars now! Looking for other ways to get involved? Volunteers always needed! For more information about ongoing volunteer opportunities or to fill out a volunteer application, please click here.
The Secret’s Out
Hosted by Montrose Counseling Center
At the 6th annual dinner on October 27, new supporters learned about the services MCC offers and the difference they make in the lives of our clients. The evening included a reception, the opportunity to view the HATCH room and updated GCAM exhibits in the GLBT Cultural Center, as well as the inspiring one-hour program.
Success
More than $29,000 was raised that evening in support of client services! Thank you to all of our generous donors.
Special thanks to…
The Honorable Judge Steven Kirkland, Sue Lovell, Executive Director Ann Robison, Board President Chris Robertson, Clinical Director Chris Kerr, Staff Therapist Kara Ridenbaugh, and Anti-Violence Program Specialist Allison Vogt for speaking at the event. In addition, many thanks go out to the evening’s Table Captains and Advocates, as well as Community Projects Specialist Sally Huffer for putting together the video Finding Home, GCAM, Jim Benton of Houston for the delicious food, and event sponsors Silver Eagle Distributors and Southwest Airlines.
How can you help?
Help us spread the word about our services! Become more informed by attending a Behind-the-Scenes Tour, and invite your friends and family members to come too. At the dinner, we’re always looking for loyal supporters tho host tables, in addition to volunteers to work the event. To get involved, please contact Community Projects Specialist Meleah Jones at 713.800.0872 or communitydev@montrosecounselingcenter.org.
Brunch of Drag
Hosted by Carl Han and Gary Giddings
This event also is in its 6th year. Brunch of Drag was held on November 4 with delicious New Orleans-style food, including gumbo, red rice and beans, fried chicken, bread pudding, and much, much more! In addition, performers Marsha Mellow, China Doll, Saigon, Yna Nova, Evita Longoria, Madama Nightinggale and Jade Mykel provided a fabulous afternoon of entertainment!
Success
In just three hours, more than $3,500 was raised. Because of the generous underwriting of Carl and Gay, every penny will go directly to youth group HATCH!
Special thanks to…
Carl and Gary for providing the delicious refreshments, the very-talented entertainers who performed, and Tye Blue and Clinical Director Chris Kerr for speaking at the event.
How can you help?
Join Carl and Gary in support of HATCH by making a donation today. Looking for other ways to get involved? Volunteers are always needed! For more information about ongoing volunteer opportunities or to fill out a volunteer application, please click here.