There was no tariff to attend the Mission of Yahweh Annual Miracles of the Mission luncheon that had to close registration more than a week before the event. And despite the recent storms, more than 250 guests filled the Junior League of Houston to hear guest speaker Alan Graham, the visionary Founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes.
Emcee Johnny Bravo led the charge in welcoming guests to a riveting luncheon filled with tales of courage and resilience as Graham shared the miracles that have unfolded in his experience extending a helping hand to those in need.
Guests enjoyed the Junior League’s coveted Orange Rolls along with a lunch of Chicken Marsala, Potatoes au Gratin, Julienned Carrots, Leeks, Zucchini, and topped off with desserts of Chocolate Mousse Cake and Pound Cake on Lemon Curd with Strawberries. Centerpieces, crafted by Sarah Hartland and Adele Hartland with the assistance of Charly Gay, included a colorful display of florals, greenery, and fruit with photos of the children from the Mission. The fruit is a reminder each year that fruit is a welcome donation to the Mission as it is not often gifted to the residents.
With unwavering commitment, Graham shared stories of sustainable solutions for the chronically homeless, infusing their lives with compassion, love, and dignity. Joining Graham on stage was Angela, one of the Mission’s residents, who shared the life-changing impact the services of the Mission had in helping her get back on her feet from living in her car and contemplating suicide to a safe place in which she has rebuilt her family relationships and life. Bravo then conducted the call for support to fill the envelopes distributed by each table host that raised more than $200,000.
Mission of Yahweh’s Executive Director Richard Hill announced his retirement after 25 years serving Houston nonprofit organizations that serve the homeless, including 13 years with the Mission following many years in corporate organizations. Hill was honored for his longtime leadership and service to the organization. The Mission is currently conducting a search for his replacement while Director of Development Tammie Jeffers serves as Interim Executive Director.
Sponsors that made the luncheon possible to ensure miracles happen every day at the faith-based shelter that empowers, enriches, and restores the lives of homeless women and children, included Ellen and Clayton Cody, First Horizon Bank, Nikki Samuelsen, Dresser Utility, Ernie and Heather Layton, Terri Alexander, Citibank, Scott Picard, Radie Stroud II, Margaret and Greg Smith, Michelle Feagin, Reid Family Foundation, and Joyce and Gus Pankonien.
Guests supporting the Mission included: Board Members Michael Sinclair, Terri Alexander, Mike Crigler, Glenda Haynes, Todd King, Stanley Salters, Nikki Samuelsen, Dave Schrandt, Blake Steele, Saula Valente, Debra Witherspoon, and Sammy Giammalva; Advisory Board Members Janelle Reid and Richard Baker; and supporters Rania Edlebi, Yoon Smith, Michelle Martin, Micheline Newall, Deborah Laws, Rose Chen, Tyri Centanni, Leisha Mamera, Aliza Dutt, Giacomo Valente, Mady Kades, Cheryl Byington, Cynthia Wolff, Beth Wolff, Heidi Rockecharlie, Heidi Turney, Donna Chapman, Susan Osterberg, Joni Baird, and Beth Muecke.
For more than 60 years, the Mission of Yahweh has focused on restoring hope, transforming lives, and worked tirelessly toward ending homelessness in Houston. Since 1961, the Mission has helped thousands of women and children by providing emergency shelter in a nurturing faith-based environment while providing programs and support to help them become more independent and lead productive, successful lives. In addition, the Mission provides outreach services to communities in need in the neighborhoods surrounding their campus.
For more information, please visit Mission of Yahweh.
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