Houston is known for its rich cultural heritage and community spirit, and there’s no better embodiment of this than the legacy of “Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo. This September, the city will come together for an evening that promises not just to be a memorable celebration but also a heartfelt tribute to a woman whose influence shaped Houston’s culinary landscape and touched countless lives.
On Thursday, September 19, 2024, The Revaire will be the scene of a fiesta in honor of what would have been Mama Ninfa’s 100th birthday. The event, co-chaired by Christine and David Underwood, and Ileana and Michael Trevino, is not just a gathering of friends and family, but also a significant fundraiser for The Ninfa Laurenzo Scholarship Fund.
Mama Ninfa’s story is one of resilience and vision. As a widowed mother of five, she turned her family’s tortilleria(tortilla factory on Navigation) into a globally recognized restaurant empire, introducing the world to the now-famous taco al carbon and fajitas. Even as her restaurant empire faced challenges in the late 1990s, the spirit and determination of the Laurenzo family never wavered. Today, her legacy lives on through El Tiempo and Laurenzo’s Prime Rib, as well as through the scholarship fund established in her name.
The Ninfa Laurenzo Scholarship Fund, founded in 2017, reflects Mama Ninfa’s lifelong dedication to education and her belief that it is the key to future success. The fund has empowered Houston’s youth, particularly those from the East End, by providing the financial support needed to pursue educational opportunities. This year’s goal is especially ambitious: to fund 100 scholarships in honor of Mama Ninfa’s centennial.
For those of us that knew and cherished Mama Ninfa in her lifetime and her beautiful family filled with love, stemming from the Matriarch herself, we take pride in what her daughter, Phyllis Laurenzo Mandola, President of The Ninfa Laurenzo Scholarship Fund, expresses here in her gratitude to the community for keeping her mother’s memory alive through their continued support.
“We hope to share an evening filled with good food, great friends, and the joy of giving-just as my mother did every day of her life,” says Phyllis.
This event promises to be a night to remember, combining the warmth of family, the joy of celebration, and the spirit of giving. Attendees will not only enjoy a festive atmosphere but also contribute to a cause that has the power to change lives.
So, mark your calendars for September 19th and join us all at The Revaire for what will undoubtedly be one of the most meaningful and enjoyable evenings of the year. Celebrate the legacy of a Houston icon and help make a difference in the lives of students who represent the future of our community.
About The Ninfa Laurenzo Scholarship Fund
The Ninfa Laurenzo Scholarship Fund is a 501(c) 3 organization that honors the heart of Mama Ninfa and is dedicated to helping students with limited economic resources become forces of change in our community by providing financial support for educational opportunities. The Scholarship Fund was created to empower and strengthen Houston’s youth with lifelong learning. Donations will directly support the educational endeavors of these students who are poised to change the world. For more information, www.theninfalaurenzoscholarshipfund.org. Follow us on social media: @theninfalaurenzoscholarshipfund
For more details about the event and to learn how you can support The Ninfa Laurenzo Scholarship Fund, visit theninfalaurenzoscholarshipfund.org.