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.
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IT’S RODEO SEASON in Houston, and Kendra Scott is celebrating by opening a new concept store, Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, deep in the heart of Texas. The shop — featuring a collection of furniture, accessories and clothing for the modern cowgirl — bowed in Heights Mercantile last week with a western-chic bash.
Boot-clad guests sipped ranch waters and margaritas while watching Suede & Honey brand and embellish custom hats; they also loved Layne Stitch’s jewelry engraving and bandana stitching. DJ Cara kept the party going while mingling amongst the fringe and suede in the crowd.
The entrance to the store features a dramatic floor-to-ceiling cowhide mural of a cowgirl by Kyle Bunting. All the art and some of the furniture were hand-picked over the years by Scott herself in Round Top. The boutique carries collections from Yellow Rose x Wrangler Denim, H Bar C, Arloom, Three Sons, Daydreamer, Juan Antonio Leather, and Clayton & Crume.
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THE WEATHER IS changing, and soon, so will the time! Make the most of that extra hour of sun at Montrose’s Okto. This Mediterranean hotspot, located in Montrose Collective and part of Sof Hospitality — a group nominated for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Award in the competitive Outstanding Restaurateur category — is rolling out a new happy hour to enjoy on their urban-chic patio.
Monday Funday — yes, it’s totally a thing — is now in full swing with happy hour prices all day and 50% off all bottles of wine! Regular happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 5–7 p.m., with $12 cocktails, $10 wines and delicious bites.
Bask in the warmer weather with an Okto G&T ($12), served ice cold with shishito pepper-infused gin, a citrus-y Italian liqueur, and tonic. There's also an espresso martini ($12) and sangria ($12) on the happy hour menu.
Chef Yotam Dolev doesn’t skimp on happy hour food. The Instagram-worthy tuna tartare ($16) is served in a bowl with sweet white soy sauce. And the bread service ($7) includes creamy pistachio butter, olives, and pickled peppers. Cheers!
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