Over the past few weeks, the community has rallied around the Montrose Center, Houston’s LGBTQ+ social services and community center, raising nearly $150,000 through four distinctive community-sponsored events. Fundraisers ranging from a royal court’s generous contribution to a lively gumbo cook-off, and a life-affirming 5k run/walk to a fun St. Patrick’s Day celebration, each event showcased the deep connection between the Center and the Greater Houston queer community it serves.
The ‘fun-raising’ kicked off on February 22 when the Empire of the Royal Sovereign Imperial Court of the Single Star, Inc (ERSICSS) awarded the Center with more than $27,000 for the Center’s TransWellness program. Emperor 39 Borque Duran Whitney Bouvier and Empress 39 Anastacia Kelly Anne Fontaine Whitney led this impressive campaign throughout 2024. Next year, Emperor 40 Blair Fullerton and Emprex 40 Pup Naranja committed to supporting the Center again—a testament to the enduring partnership between these organizations.
Just a week later, on March 1, the sponsors and attendees at the 12th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off at George Country Sports Bar cooked-up more than $21,000 for the Center’s youth services. Organizers Bryan Taft and George Konar transformed a beloved culinary tradition into vital support.
The momentum continued March 10 with the 3rd annual Poppy’s Run for Life, which raised $40,000 for the Center’s mental health initiatives. Caryn Honig, who founded and directs the run to honor her father and grandfather who both died by suicide, chose the Montrose Center to help fund its life-saving mental health services. Also benefitting from the run was Alexander Jewish Family Service, a collaborative partner of the Center. To support these efforts, don’t miss Poppy’s Row for Life on March 30.
A perennial favorite, the 33rd annual Bringin’ in the Green celebration on March 13 generated an impressive $61,000 for Center services. Host Chris Robertson opened his beautiful home for the occasion, while host committee members Paul Brockman and Scott Greenwood joined him in underwriting all event costs and providing a $20,000 matching gift that doubled the impact of community contributions.
The Montrose Center extends its deepest gratitude to all who have contributed to these events and continue to support its mission of empowering the LGBTQ+ community to live healthier, more fulfilling lives—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
To support the Center and its work in the LGBTQ+ community, consider making a donation online.
