Furniture Bank Fete Opens Doors for Families, Ensures No Kids Have to Sleep on the Floor

Furniture Bank Fete Opens Doors for Families, Ensures No Kids Have to Sleep on the Floor

Aamir Maniar, Aniq Ahmed, Sabeen Pirzada, Leena Shah, Schehzad Shah

A HOUSTON ORGANIZATION has been providing families with basic necessities in the form of furniture for more than 30 years. This summer, supporters of the Houston Furniture Bank gathered at River Oaks Country Club to raise awareness and funds to provide beds to children who otherwise have to sleep on the floor.


Founder Jodie Hoffer of Hoffer Furniture has helped thousands of families over the decades, thanks to fellow family-run businesses including Finger Furniture and Star Furniture. All were honored at the evening function, which was emceed by Khambrel Marshall.

A "giving tree" was stocked with surprise items for purchase, and a silent auction touted exclusive wine lots, among other fine prizes. In all, the No Kids on the Floor event raised more than $275,000 to purchase beds for youth.

Steve Finger, Karen and Murry Penner

Tom and Carol Sawyer

Audrey Davis, Phillip Davis, Adele Bentsen

Scott and Gayle Hoffer

Catherine Wile, Randy Wile, Ellen Robinson, Cindy Ward

Samantha Hoffer, Ryan Bonnet

Chris Case, Steven Finger, Alan Finger, Marlene Finger

Roz and Alan Pactor

Dexter and Chelsea McCoy

Phil and Colleen Smith

Francie Wilis and Bernie Falco

Oli Mohammed, Selina Rahman

Janice and Charlie Hall

Mike and Fancie Willis

Karen Cress, Laura Bradshaw

Michele and Youval Meicler

Lisa Helfman, Lee Haverman

Parties
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less

Lady Stephanie Kimbrell, Cory McGee, and Butler Studio artists, Ani Kushyan, Alissa Goretsky and Elizabeth Hanje (photo by Michelle Watson)

ALL OF THE top performing arts organizations in Houston have now officially opened their 2024-2015 seasons, now that Houston Grand Opera has bowed with a stirring performance of Verdi’s Il trovatore at The Wortham followed by a lavish al fresco dinner in a tent on the plaza out front.The Houston Ballet and the Houston Symphony held their own grand opening night festivities earlier in the fall.

Keep Reading Show less
Art+Culture

Photo by Lynn Lane

HOUSTON GRAND OPERA’S second fall repertoire production is Gioachino Rossini’s Cinderella. The colorful, commedia dell'arte-inspired production opens Friday, Oct. 25, and stars Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard — a breathtaking brunette beauty, even when doused in soot — in bel canto role of Angelina, known to her mean step-sisters as “Cenerentola.”

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment