Go behind the scenes of the Winter issue featuring Hope Farms’ Chris Katthage in laid back winter fashion and all the best places to eat now!
Fall Philanthropy Report: Be An Angel Improves Quality of Life for Children with Special Needs
Oct. 8, 2024
What year was your organization launched? 1986 by a small group of committee community members that believed special needs children were not receiving basic life services.
What is your mission? It is our mission to improve the quality of life for children withs special needs by providing adaptive equipment, hearing devices, select services, and support programs.
Why did you launch the organization? We believe that children are the heart and soul of humanity, that they represent all that is good within us, and that we can help children with special needs experience life at their fullest potential.
What are you most proud of? We have immediate results for the children needing most any kind of medical adaptive equipment. No long waiting periods. Children and their families who have been waiting between 10-12 years for respite services alone from governmental services receive respite care within 30 days or less. All with a very small administrative staff and hundreds of volunteers. Additionally, we have opened offices in DFW and San Antonio.
What’s been your impact in the community? Be An Angel has provided adaptive equipment, respite care and other select services to over 9900 special needs children from birth to age 22 in just this past year alone. These children generally come from limited to low-income families.
Tell us about your big event. We are proud of the many events hosted by Be An Angel each year. Every February we host Purse Bingo with over 600 participants winning luxury end purses and prizes. Dan Pastorini hosts his Celebrity Golf Tournament which has raised more than 2 million dollars in the past years he has supported these children. Additionally, our Spring Gala, with “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” theme raises well over $700,000 per year.
How many employees and volunteers work with your organization? We currently have 5 employees in Houston, and two in DFW and San Antonio. We are thankful for over 600 volunteers assisting us each year.
What are your major challenges? Sharing our story making families know we are here to help them.
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These CityBook partners are among the best eateries in the most deliciously diverse city.
Annabelle Brasserie
Infused with the charm of a bustling Parisian café, Berg Hospitality’s newest concept is in Autry Park on Buffalo Bayou. Anticipate modern French cuisine — brunch, lunch and dinner — served in a very pretty space with picturesque views of the park. 811 Buffalo Park Dr.
B&B Butchers
Venture in for the deep-fried A5 Wagyu katsu sando, or similarly stacked deli sandwich in the adjoining butcher shop, at this boutique steakhouse. A rooftop terrace makes B&B a premiere Sunday brunch destination. 1814 Washington Ave.
B.B. Italia
Find classic Italian-American food with modern twists in a lively setting, in the heart of Sugar Land’s Town Square. 16250 City Walk
BB Lemon
The old-fashioned-yet-upscale bar setting, complete with green-checkered tablecloths and tufted leather banquettes, serves starters like blue-crab beignets, chili and New England clam chowder. 1809 Washington Ave.
Benny Chows
Bringing to mind Chinese restaurants in Ben Berg’s native New York, from the menu to the decor, Benny Chows is a delight. With Chinese-born exec chef Shirong Mei at the helm, it serves dishes both familiar — dim sum, Peking Duck — and uniquely Texan, a la the Smoked Brisket Egg Roll starring Truth BBQ. 1818 Washington Ave.
Brasserie 19
Wine with lunch and bubbles with brunch is the norm at this sceney River Oaks spot. Situated in the center of a busy shopping strip, it’s reminiscent of a Parisian sidewalk café. 1962 W. Gray St.
Emilia's Havana
At this speakeasy lounge reminiscent of a 1950s Cuban club, guests can enjoy cocktails designed by Alba Huerta, chef-driven small plates, as well as nightly live “bossa nova style” music and tunes by local DJs on weekend nights. 1800 Post Oak Blvd.
Jonathan's The Rub
Jonathan’s the Rub has two locations in the Memorial area and is open for brunch, lunch, dinner and special occasions, touting steaks, meatballs, gumbo and hearty American cuisine. The eatery is also known for its catering services, private events and putting on amazing wine dinners at the Memorial Green location. Multiple locations
NoPo Cafe
An all-day café from Ben Berg, NoPo offers a menu of classics like a piled-high club sandwich, pizzas and more. In the front, find unique local provisions, premade meals and freshly baked pastries to-go. New happy-hour specials and cocktail list! 1244 N. Post Oak Rd.
Potente
Chef Danny Trace’s handmade pastas come with the option of tableside truffle service, and baguettes and pastries are made in house by pastry chef David Berg. A supremely sexy cocktail lounge serves as a festive gathering area with a happy hour to boot. 1515 Texas Ave.
Sorrento Ristorante
Under new ownership, the upscale spot on the Westheimer Curve is an elegant space touting a richly classic menu — lobster tortellini, stuffed lambchops — that now includes killer pizzas and dessert staples like cannoli. One of the best bread baskets in town. Brunch is lovely. 415 Westheimer Rd.
Steak 48
A steakhouse standout delivers in its rich side dishes — the Hasselback potatoes are excellent — and desserts. Crowds of pretty people pour in early and stay late, so reservations are recommended. In River Oaks District
Tavola
Polished and glamorous, Tavola on Post Oak aims to be the next see-and-be scene in a neighborhood known for them. Chef Luca Di Benedetto’s wild-boar ragu is a must-try. 1800 Post Oak Blvd.
The Annie Café & Bar
A fine-dining stalwart for decades, The Annie Café & Bar has ample private-event spaces and impeccably executed white-tablecloth service. 1800 Post Oak Blvd.
Tonight & Tomorrow
The restaurant inside storied Montrose hotel La Colombe d’Or boasts eclectic but sophisticated European dishes with Southern touches. Be sure to check out the cocktail lounge, Bar No. 3. 3410 Montrose Blvd.
Trattoria Sofia
An Italian-American spot from Berg Hospitality looks like a trattoria you might stumble upon in rural Italy, with enchanting and spacious indoor and garden seating. 911 W. 11th St.
Turner's
At hidden-gem Turner’s, the food is as decadent as the environment (which is kicked up a notch further with live vocalists accompanying the pianist on weekends). 1800 Post Oak Blvd.
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HANDSOME HOUSTON ARTIST Justin Garcia held a homecoming of sorts at Downtown’s Z on 23. He’s been on a world tour with Orphaned Starfish Foundation, the nonprofit that helps orphans, survivors of trafficking, and refugees break their cycles of abuse and poverty. Garcia is traveling to all 80 of the foundation’s programs around the world, creating unique art pieces that aim to capture each program's unique feel with color, shape and words.
The first part of the project was on display at a hip rooftop cocktail party that brought out art enthusiasts, creatives and culture lovers. Garcia’s evocative pieces were showcased against Houston’s skyline as guests sipped cocktails from Frio Vodka. And a giant shot wall — also created by Garcia — illuminated in the shape of the state of Texas. Cheers!
Z on 23 is located atop Le Méridien Houston Downtown. The hotel is covering its elevators and room keys with Garcia’s work. In a statement, the hotel said the initiative is part of its “mission to spark inspiration through artistic exploration.”
Garcia has a longstanding connection to the hotel, as Steven Visneau photographed Garcia for an eight-page fashion story in CityBook at Le Méridien when it opened in 2017!
Victoria Bhagat, Jourdan Lugo, Mindy Garza, Diana Yera
Justin Garcia, Kenny Owen, Brian Ching
Bruce Banta-Guevara & Oscar Banta-Guevara
Dimitri Bozonelos, Konstantina Lagou, Justin Garcia, Katie & Mark Canady
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