Fort Bend Lifestyles and Homes Magazine Jul 2009: Fort Bend, People, Events, Campus News, Chamber and Business 2

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels receives big donation. Following a successful fundraising event, Andres Novoa, owner of La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, and the event planning committee for the 4th Annual Cinco de Mayo fundraiser presented a check for more than $21,000 to Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels.

Through the continued corporate and individual support of this festive event, Andres Novoa has been able to donate more than $60,000 to help feed the seniors in Fort Bend County.

“We are fortunate to live in a community where giving back is a standard,” said Novoa. “Hosting this annual event is my way of supporting the individuals who made Fort Bend County what it is today. ”

Fort Bend Boys Choir Sings for Joy with Matching Grant from George Foundation. The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas announced that its scholarship program will receive $25,000 from The George Foundation in the form of a matching challenge grant.

New and current choirboys in the Fort Bend County area will receive financial assistance in the form of scholarships to cover tuition, workshops, vocal instruction camps and more.

Designed as a dollar for dollar match, the Fort Bend Boys Choir has until April 2010 to raise $25,000 after which The George Foundation will match that amount.

“With this grant, we can reach out to many more deserving, talented boys in the Fort Bend area who have the desire to sing but no monetary resources to support them. We are truly appreciative of the financial show of faith The George Foundation has bestowed on us with this matching grant, ” says William R. Adams, founder and artistic director of the Fort Bend Boys Choir.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Partners with FBJSL for 2009 Sugar Plum Market. Fort Bend Junior Service League announced that Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will return in 2009 as the Presenting Sponsor for the FBJSL Sugar Plum Market.

The 9th annual Sugar Plum Market benefits Fort Bend County Women’s Center, Fort Bend Community Partners Rainbow Room, Child Advocates of Fort Bend and Literacy Council of Fort Bend. Last year, FBJSL ’s Sugar Plum Market raised $111,000 for local charities, with an estimated 6,000 patrons in attendance.

Event co-chairs Jana Bauman, Cindy Dempster, Katharine Hunton and Rebekah Pickering are planning this year’s “A Magical Holiday” themed event, which will be held Nov. 6-7 at the Stafford Centre.

With several months to go, the market already is attracting some of the best vendors from all over Texas to provide shoppers a wide variety of holiday gift ideas. This two-day shopping extravaganza will also feature a fabulous fashion show and luncheon each day and an exciting Friday evening fashion show and dinner. Sponsorships are now available with opportunities ranging from $250-$5,000.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, vendors, or for purchasing tickets, go to www.sugarplummarket.com or call 281-636-6272.

HOUSTON AREA SPORTS CELEBRITIES JOIN EFFORTS TO BENEFIT FORT BEND YOUTH. Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital and KPRC Channel 2 Sports Director Randy McIlovy are teaming up to give sports fans one hour of up-close and personal interaction with a local sports celebrity at their Friday Sports Forums. Held quarterly, the one-of-a-kind event helps support Fort Bend County youth programs.

The most recent Friday Sports Forum featured Larry Dierker, former major league baseball pitcher and manager. Dierker, a long-time Houston Astros legend and Texas Baseball Hall of Famer, shared his experience growing up as a player and manager and offered his unique perspective on major league baseball today.

Hosted by Sweetwater Country Club, Friday Sports Forum is an interactive Q and A session in an intimate setting. Each quarterly luncheon features a three-course meal and is free and open to the public. Attendees can participate in a silent auction and purchase golf vouchers good for free greens fees at each of the four Arnold Palmer golf courses in the Houston area.

Funds raised benefit the Logos Preparatory Academy Athletic Department and a selected Fort Bend County nonprofit that supports youth and children. ACHIEVE Fort Bend, a county-wide initiative committed to drop out prevention and recovery, was highlighted at the most recent Friday Sports Forum.

(L-R) Steven Ramirez, sports medicine coordinator, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital; Aaron Weast, head administrator, Logos Preparatory Academy; Lucia Street, ACHIEVE Fort Bend; Randy McIlvoy, sports director, KPRC Local 2; and Karen Chitty-Boe, director of marketing, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital.