Rob and Donae Chramosta and Valerie and Tracy Dietrich
By Jeff Gremillion
Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Houston packed The Revaire, glittering with colorful characters in costume and fun spacey vibe, and then left with $675,000 for mentorship.
An Evening for Potential, chaired by Jenarae Garland and Sean Wion, honored Tim and Sarah Neuhaus as community honorees for their work on mentorship and philanthropy. Memorial Hermann took the corporate honor for youth programs including Bigs in Scrubs, which puts high school students into hands-on healthcare experiences with professional mentors.
Houston Market President Alistine Turnbull-Blackshear used the night to push Houston Tomorrow, the group’s long-term plan to expand mentorship through education, workforce development and community partnerships. She also introduced collaborations with KIPP Texas — Houston and Houston City College, aimed at opening paths to college and careers.
“We are building the human infrastructure this city needs for the future,” says Turnbull-Blackshear. “Expanding access to mentorship. Connecting young people to schools, colleges, employers, and caring adults who can help them thrive.”
She added that the city’s future “is not predetermined” and will be shaped by the opportunities and partnerships built now. The money supports the organization’s work matching youth with screened volunteer mentors and building those pathways.
