Opt for Optimism
Houstonians raise a glass to kindness and optimism at annual wine walk
There are two things guaranteed to put people in a good mood: wine and free stuff. CultureMap and Frost Bank rolled up to Market Street in The Woodlands during the H-E-B Wine Walk, part of Wine & Food Week, ready to supplement the first with plenty of the second, all from the new Opt for Optimism van.
More than 5,000 people braved a few summer showers for the beloved annual event, raising their glass not only to the dozens of 15th anniversary of Wine & Food Week and vino samples but also to what makes them happy. They were encouraged to jot down answers on the Call Me Optimistic chalkboards, and answers for "I'm thankful for..." ranged from "my family" to "my health."
Three small brothers were initially shy about writing on the boards, but when presented with Frost It Forward cash cards from Frost Bank, they blossomed at the idea of sharing. One even said he'd use his to buy lunch for a girl at school who was being bullied (excuse us while we sob at his good heart).
One woman detailed how she'd been dealing with money issues with her husband, but vowed to use her cards to show her daughter how to give back to others, especially during hard times. Those who attended not only got in touch with their gratitude, they also got T-shirts and wildflower seed bombs to bring a little more color into their lives.
A face painter helped make the evening even brighter, sprinkling many a cheek with glitter and giving guests of all ages a fun, festive look for the night.
CultureMap and Frost Bank will be hosting more of these pop-up events throughout the year, surprising and delighting folks all over Texas. Want to know where we might show up next? Sign up for our emails and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for hints about our next stop.