Memorial Assistance Ministries Ignites Change at 11th Annual Luncheon
+6 Memorial Assistance Ministries Ignites Change at 11th Annual Luncheon
Memorial Assistance Ministries Ignites Change at 11th Annual Luncheon
Memorial Assistance Ministries Ignites Change at 11th Annual Luncheon
Event Raises More than $1 Million for Houstonians in Need
The Houston philanthropic and business community gathered on Thursday, Oct. 3, at Lakeside Country Club for Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) 11th Annual Luncheon, “Ignite: See Potential, Spark Change,” to raise essential funds for MAM’s mission of empowering families to build stable, self-sufficient lives.
Chaired by Wendy and Ben Moreland and Liane and Marty Phillips, the luncheon honored George “Buz” Jochetz as a community leader and a champion of others who believes in people reaching their full potential regardless of their circumstances.
“Buz exemplifies the power of seeing potential in every person and sparking change that can ripple through an entire community,” said Sonja Gee, President and CEO of MAM. “His leadership reminds us that when we invest in people and believe in their abilities, we can build a strong, more vibrant community together.”
Thanks to the generosity of luncheon sponsors and donors, this year’s event set a new fundraising record – more than $1 million – ensuring that MAM can continue its vital work in the community. Proceeds from the luncheon will support programs that provide emergency assistance, financial coaching, workforce development, mental health counseling, English literacy classes, and citizenship, among other services.
The sold-out crowd of over 400 guests was moved by the stories of MAM clients, including a live pitch competition featuring four of MAM’s entrepreneurship program graduates, and learned about how the organization plans to meet the growing demand for its services with the “Growing Our Impact… Together!” campaign.
MAM’s work extends far beyond immediate crisis relief. The organization has served Houston for over 40 years, helping more than 18,000 individuals from 15,000 families in 2023 alone. MAM’s comprehensive programs focus on fostering financial stability, career readiness, and long-term family success.
Seen in the crowd: Lilly & Thurmon Andress, Bob Zorich, Mariloli Odum, Greg Nelson, Dr. Marc Boom, Bill Mearse, Juliet Ellis, West Griffin, Kath & Jorge Blanco, Steve Strake, Jack Moore, Charlotte & Art Schroeder, Maria & John Zerr, Liz Padon, Chris Matlock, Paula & Paschall Tosch, Sarah Pacheco, Louise & Steve Sweet, Aimee & Wynne Snoots, Tom Forney, and Lanham Frazier.
For more information about MAM’s programs or to donate, please visit www.mamhouston.org.
About Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM):
For more than 40 years, Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) has provided assistance, resources, and hope to individuals and families in the Greater Houston community so they can thrive and realize their full potential. Through their bundled services, they help clients gain skills, resources, and connections that support economic mobility and break multi-generational cycles of poverty. MAM works collaboratively with individuals, foundations, faith communities, and businesses to fulfill its mission of building stable families, a dynamic workforce, and vibrant communities … together! For more information about MAM, visit www.mamhouston.org.