Here is Houston: The Official Relocation and Newcomer Guide - Fall 2021-Spring 2022
Aug. 18, 2021
What year was your organization launched? 1938
What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.
March of Dimes funded research that led to the development of the polio vaccine by Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin in the 1950s. The vaccine was a major factor in eliminating polio from the United States.
Today, March of Dimes focuses on improving the health of mothers and babies regardless of race, gender, wealth, or geography. Our mission is to lead the fight for the health of all moms and babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Through advocacy, education, research, and support programs, March of Dimes works to ensure every baby gets the best possible start.
How have you impacted the community? March of Dimes works across the Greater Houston area to further our work to end preventable maternal health risks and deaths and ending preventable preterm birth and infant death. Each year, we bring comfort and care to more than 25,000 families and babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) through our NICU Family Support Program at three area hospitals. In 2023, March of Dimes invested $5.7 million in active research grants to end preventable maternal and infant death, to discover the causes of preterm birth and to achieve birth equity for all mothers, regardless of race or class. This winter, the organization will launch the first ever Mom & Baby Mobile Health Center in Texas in collaboration with Memorial Hermann Health System that will address access to care issues for women and babies in underserved areas right here in Harris County.
Tell us about your big event. Signature Chefs brings together culinary talent from across Houston for an unforgettable evening that raises critical funds to support the health of moms and babies. This year’s event is co-chaired by longtime friends of March of Dimes, Kristen J. Cannon and Mignon Gill, and will be held at The Revaire on Thursday, November 14th. Guests can expect tasting stations from renowned local chefs, signature cocktails, curated auction with exclusive items and experiences, and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. We are thrilled to have some of Houston’s top chefs and restaurants represented including A Fare Extraordinaire, Eunice, Le Jardinier, MaKiin, Navy Blue and many more!
Join us this November for an evening of fine dining and philanthropy to advance March of Dimes mission. Visit our event website for more information and to purchase your table today!
www.signaturechefs.org/Houston
How many employees and volunteers work with your organization? In 2023, our local Houston market engaged more than 800 mission, corporate and individual volunteers. The Houston staff team is comprised of 12 dynamic individuals that focus on fundraising, mission impact and volunteer engagement.
Braxton Berrios and Alix Earle (photo from @alix_earle on Instagram)
WHILE HOUSTON IS still mourning the loss of Alex and Reagan Bregman’s move to Boston, a new power couple is about to touch down in H-Town. Influencer Alix Earle’s boyfriend Braxton Berrios was drafted to the Texans this week.
Earle made the announcement to her 7.3 million followers on TikTok with a video featuring Beyonce’s Texas Hold ’Em and the caption, “Braxton got the call today that he will be playing for the Houston Texans this next year!! So incredibly proud & can’t wait to see what this next year brings.”
@alixearle Texas time 👏🏻
In a second video — one of her GRWM videos that brought her to social media fame — she said, “I’ve been just having the itch for Texas,” And added that Houston should be prepared to “see a lot of me.”
The 29-year-old influencer — who also has 4 million followers on Instagram — was living in Miami as Berrios played for the Dolphins. She started amassing followers in 2022 with her candid discussions of acne and body dysmorphia. In 2023, she was named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. The same year, she launched the popular Hot Mess podcast which dethroned Joe Rogan’s top position on the Spotify charts when it debuted, a position he held for two years prior.
Berrios, a wide receiver, signed a one-year deal worth $2 million with the Texans. He previously played four seasons with the New York Jets and two seasons with the Maimi Dolphins.
@alixearle A little life update - go bb
Marla Hurley, Ben Berg, and Laura Goodson
NEVER TURNING DOWN an excuse to dress up and get down, Houston VIPs descended upon Ben Berg's The Ranch Saloon & Steakhouse to celebrate the opening of the Rodeo's only sit-down restaurant, now back for a fourth year running.
More than 300 invitees donned their western best and headed on out to the fairgrounds for the occasion. The Ranch's new frozen margaritas were a hit, and patrons raised a glass (or two!) while also munching on passed bites — mini versions of Berg's hit dishes, including "carpet baggers," crab cakes and beef Wellington. The 2025 iteration of The Ranch will feature activations from some of Berg's concepts, like Buttermilk Baby, and other Houston bars and restaurants.
The Ranch's decor includes 90-plus pieces by Texas artist Laura Goodson, which are all available for purchase; Goodson herself was on hand during the opening event, chatting with guests about her process. And Round Top's vintage and consignment expert, Marla Hurey of Modern Marla, wheeled in some of her latest finds to set up a bespoke photobooth backdrop, which was quite popular among partygoers!
Ellie Francisco and Michael Francisco
Tiana Lee and James Lancaster
Azameeh Zageer, Arthur Mooradian and Maya Shay
Terry Agris and Tisha Mesa
Brandon Duliakas, Katherine Ross and Armie Sadeghi
Shayna Hawkins, Stephanie Hawkins and Lindsey Nichley
Cameron Edwards, Robin Spilker, Lauren Hundley and Melanie Amua-Sekyi
Randy Paul, Ernie Manouse, and Katie Stone
Fady Armanious
Randi Smith, Christi Rawls, and Megan Ruddy
Rachel Tipton and Thuy Nguyen
Courtney Zavala and Alley Leto
Meghan Bailey and Chelsea Coyne
Demi McCormack, Johnny McCormack and Mike Plank
Maryellen Walsh, Maggie Miller, and Dani Kattan
Jacob Shipp and David Denenburg
Lindsay Yates, Debbie Festari, Courtney Hopson, Melissa Mithoff, and Stephanie Wilcox
Jenny Weber and Allison Bagley
Laura Resendez and Lloyd Segall
Kevin Henry, Danielle Dubois, and Jim Janke