Fall Philanthropy Report: Urban Harvest Farmers Market Helps ‘Transform Food Accessibility’
Oct. 8, 2024
What year was your organization launched? Urban Harvest’s Saturday Farmers Market started in 2004 with just seven vendors, providing an outlet for local farms, community and backyard gardeners to sell fresh produce harvested directly from their soils. Now in its 20th year, the market has grown to be one of the largest markets in Texas, supporting over 100 local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans all from within 180 miles of Houston. The market draws 3,000 customers every Saturday morning and includes many original vendors like Animal Farm, Atkinson Farms, and Wood Duck Farm.
The Urban Harvest’s Farmers Market Program supports real, fresh food and the hardworking people who grow it. The market is more than just a place to shop, it’s a gathering place where friends and families meet up each at Urban Harvest, kids grow up knowing where their food comes from, and new friendships are forged.
What is your mission? The mission of Urban Harvest is to be a catalyst in transforming food accessibility in Greater Houston. Urban Harvest aims to achieve this by fostering strong partnerships with local farmers and gardeners, operating vibrant Farmers Markets, initiating mobile markets, and providing comprehensive garden education.
What is your vision? Their vision is not just to improve, but to transform the way communities engage with and access fresh, locally sourced food. Through these efforts, Urban Harvest aspires to set a national example, showcasing how innovative community collaboration can lead to sustainable change in food systems across the country.
How have you impacted the community?
In 2023 -
• Urban Harvest Farmers Market brought together over 100 local farmers, ranchers, gardeners and food artisans to sell their products directly to Houstonians
• Urban Harvest Farmers Market hosted over 45,000 shoppers
• Urban Harvest matched $25,000 in Double Up Food Bucks, allowing those who use SNAP/EBT to get $1 in fresh fruits and veggies for each $1 spent, up to $40 daily
• Approximately 45% of Urban Harvest vendors identified as social minorities and Urban Harvest continue to strive to grow the Farmers Market diversity. In addition, 50% of shoppers identify as a BIPOC.
Tell us about your big event. Urban Harvest invites Houstonians to break bread during their 30th Anniversary Sunday Supper hosted at St. John’s School on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024. The evening will be a celebration of local food, culinary excellence and the communities Urban Harvest serves. Thirteen of Houston’s most esteemed chefs will lend their unique talents during a multi-course, family-style meal created in partnership with local ranchers and farmers. Proceeds from this unforgettable farm-to-table experience will benefit the programs of Urban Harvest: Farmers Markets, Community Gardens, Youth Education, Food Access, and Gardening Classes.
What are you most proud of? Every year the small but mighty organization serves over 45,000 farmers market patrons and over 100 small food business; nearly 5,000 students and teachers in socially vulnerable Areas; 3,823 community gardeners preserving over 34 acres of greenspace; over 2,000 Mobile Market customers, 78% of which are in underserved neighborhoods; and educates over 900 individuals who participate in year-round organic gardening classes.
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THERE'S A MOMENT just before dusk when everything turns to gold—the light softens, the world slows, and indulgence feels not just necessary, but deserved. Welcome to Golden Hour at The Marigold Club, where opulence meets effortless charm and your midweek unwind turns into an exquisite ritual.
From Tuesday through Sunday, between 5 and 6 PM, The Marigold Club transforms into a haven of refined indulgence for their newly launched happy hour. Think half-off champagne by the bottle, caviar service that feels straight out of a Bond film, crisp martinis that demand slow sipping, and a spread of oysters and snacks that elevate the entire affair. Because sometimes, a little decadence is exactly what you need. Enjoy half-off champagne by the bottle, half-off martinis, half-off shrimp cocktail, half-off caviar service, half-off bar snacks, and half-off French fries—each bite and sip is designed to make your evening effortlessly luxurious.
While you are there, discover the intricate mural by Pauline de Roussy de Sales , where hidden nods to The Marigold Club’s story come to life. Delight in the playful crochet art “Sardines on Toast” and “Seafood Salad” by Kate Jenkins , bringing humor and charm to every detail. And don’t miss Sabrina Bockler’s surrealist painting, “Hungry Hearts,” which blends Golden Era Dutch influences with modern themes of identity and abundance. From the hand-painted wallpaper by London’s Degournay to the Murano chandeliers and sconces from Vernier House each piece is a masterpiece in its own right. Every corner of our space is a story, told through art and craftsmanship.
Whether you’re toasting to something grand or simply treating yourself just because, The Marigold Club’s Golden Hour is the perfect backdrop. It’s about savoring the finer things, letting time slip away in the most stylish way possible, and making the evening a little more golden.
So, what are you waiting for? The bubbles are chilled, the oysters are fresh, and your seat is waiting.
*The Marigold Club Golden Hour is available anywhere in the restaurant from 5 – 6 pm Tuesday – Sunday.
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Dog Days of Rodeo! 'Wags and Whiskers' Lunch Unites Lassos, Leashes and Animal-Lovers for a Cause
Michael Costilla and Dalton DeHart
Feb. 25, 2025
Fashion show winner Buttercup
IT DOESN'T GET any cuter than a bulldog in a tiny cowboy hat, does it?! At least that's what supporters of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston sure think after its successful annual Wags and Whiskers bash at Hotel ZaZa.
The 12th annual event — a luncheon and fashion show starring fabulous furry friends — had a theme of "Lassos and Leashes," and attendees dressed in rodeo-chic westernwear for the occasion. Co-chairs Kristin Guthrie and Roberta Konicki welcomed guests, including honoree Frank Billingsley, a famously animal-loving media personality and author.
Emcee Casey Curry, IM Board Chair Saied Alavi, and past Board Chair Kathy Flanagan all spoke, shedding light on IM's missions. Animeals is is program that provides pet food, toys and vet care supplies to more than 1,300 pets of homebound senior Meals on Wheels participants. There was also a silent auction featuring tons of jewelry, trips, spa treatments and other experiences.
Finally, the main event: a pet fashion show, produced by Todd Ramos with hair and makeup by Edward Sanchez. Judges included magazine editors MichelleMantor, Lara Bell, Suzanne Schakett, and CityBook's own Jeff Gremillion. The winner was Buttercup, pictured above, and her owner Brittanny Diller.
In all, more than $130,000 was raised for IM's Animeals program.
Angela Hernandez, Frank Billingsley, Kevin Gilliard, and Kamisha Mickey
Susanne and Randall Evans
Azher Kantawala, Ali Al Sudani, and Sheroo Mukhtiar
Stephanie Gaytor, Susan Boggio, Todd Ramos
Britta Christensen and Stephanie Pancioli
Ava Khademi Deljou
Tonia Whilden
Casey Curry, Roberta Konicki, and Kristin Guthrie
Kathy Flanagan and Philomena Baird
Karen Harberg, Nadia Tajalli, and Jay Harberg
Kevin Gilliard, Nick Batesole, Leonel Limonte, and Frank Billingsley
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