The Rotary Club of Houston Achievements
 
  • The Club membership collectively volunteered over 1,700 hours of community service to programs that address literacy, homelessness, hunger, child welfare, education and veteran assistance throughout the Greater Houston area. 
  • In the immediate aftermath of “Hurricane Harvey,” the Club membership provided immediate assistance to thousands displaced by the unprecedented flood waters.
  • The Club hosted quarterly “Lunch with a Purpose” programs to bring awareness and assistance to several non-profit service organizations throughout the City of Houston.  The Club membership prepared “Meals on Wheels,” “Ani-Meals,” “Notes of Encouragement,” “Words of Hope,” and donated clothing that was “Pressed for Progress.”
  • The Club membership donated and distributed holiday toys to thousands of children under protective and foster care in partnership with BEaResource for CPS Kids.
  • The Club membership purchased and distributed thousands of books to children in partnership with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, Houston Independent School District and First Book Houston. 
  • The Club membership donated Thanksgiving dinner to the families residing at the Star of Hope Community Center.  The Club membership purchased the dinner turkeys and hams from the Future Farmers of America as part of a campaign to raise educational scholarships.
  • The Club hosted and sponsored our annual “Hearts for Children Adoption Fair” for children under protective and foster care in partnership with local, county and state service agencies.  The event facilitated the opportunity for prospective adoptive parents to meet and interact with these beautiful children in a festive environment.
  • The Club hosted and sponsored our inaugural “Easter Basket Fiesta”—a multi-week event where the Club membership handcrafted and distributed “Easter Baskets” to the children sheltered at the Salvation Army Family Residence.
  • The Club hosted and sponsored the inaugural “Rotary Loves Kids-Night at the Ballpark” in partnership with the Sugar Land Rotary Club.  The event allowed children in foster care to attend a baseball game—many for the first time—without any expense and allowed the Club membership to raise funds to support Rotary’s “End Polio Now” campaign.
  • The Club membership volunteered to assist Easter Seals of Greater Houston with their “Big Move.”  The event allowed Easter Seals to move to their new location and save thousands of dollars used to provide critical assistance to those in need. 
  • The Club hosted and sponsored our annual “Salute to Veterans Luncheon” in partnership with the West Point Society of Greater Houston and Texas Gulf Coast Chapter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association.  The event successfully raised thousands of dollars to provide assistance to veterans in the Greater Houston area.  This year, the Club donated necessary funds to “Camp Hope” and “Honor Flight Houston”—organizations that provide immediate assistance to our veterans.
  • The Club continued its historic 99 year relationship with the Burnett Bayland Rehabilitation Center by providing young men (ages 14-16) with educational programs.  This year, the Club expanded its commitment by providing young men with a challenging “Robotics” program.
  • The Club hosted and sponsored our annual “Camp Enterprise Golf Tournament and Luncheon” at the Wild Cat Golf Club.  The event successfully raised thousands of dollars for educational scholarships.
  • The Club hosted outstanding key-note speakers throughout the year, including without limitations, the following: (i) elected officials from federal, state, county and city government; (ii) chiefs and commanders from state and local law enforcement and firefighter agencies; (iii) military leaders from the U.S. Armed Forces; (iv) executives from several corporate, financial, and non-profit organizations; (v) a legendary professional and collegiate athlete; and (vi) a renowned marine archeologist who discovered the Titanic.   
  • The Club hosted and sponsored our historic “31st Annual Rotary Club of Houston Camp Enterprise” in Navasota, Texas.  The event provided 72 outstanding high school students with a 3-day entrepreneurial and team-building experience.
  • The Club hosted a “book-signing” by several accomplished authors to raise funds in support of Rotary’s “End Polio Now” campaign.
  • The Club hosted and sponsored an Interact Club at the YES Preparatory Academy and sponsored several children at annual “Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.”
  • The Club hosted and sponsored the “2018 Distinguished Citizen Award Gala”—a successful and historic fundraising event that honored Tony and Donna Vallone for their selfless service to the City of Houston. 
  • The Club hosted and sponsored monthly receptions at the Jesse H. Jones “Rotary House” International Hotel for patients—and their caregivers—receiving medical treatment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.  The construction of the “Rotary House” hotel is the “crown jewel” of the Club—the largest community project sponsored by a single Rotary club.
  • The Club, in partnership with fellow Rotary clubs throughout District 5890, prepared over 24,000 packaged meals as part of a world-wide campaign to “Rise Against Hunger.”
  • The Club was selected by the Region 6 Council of Child Welfare Boards of the State of Texas as the “Outstanding Resource Center for 2017-2018” for the Club’s service and continued commitment to programs that provide assistance to children under protective care.
  • The Club qualified for a “Rotary International Presidential Citation for 2017-2018.” This award recognizes Rotary clubs that are “strong and making a positive difference in our communities.”