new name: girl scotts

'World's most powerful woman' Mackenzie Scott gifts historic $4.2 million to Houston's Girl Scouts

Mackenzie Scott has handed out $8 million to Girl Scout groups in Texas.

Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images

Houston-area Girl Scouts have 4.2 million reasons to celebrate, as one of America's most generous philanthropists has just gifted them the largest donation in their organization's history.

Billionaire benefactor Mackenzie Scott — called "The Most Powerful Woman in the World" for her game-changing, often surprise donations to groups in need — has donated $4.2 million to the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC), which serves the Greater Houston and surrounding areas. The landmark gift marks the biggest grant in the local council's 100-year history, per GSSJC.

Scott's $4.2 million Houston-area endowment is part of her massive, $84.5 million grant to Girl Scouts of the USA. The Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas also received a hefty donation in the amount of $3.8 million — the only other Texas group. Aa total 29 Girl Scout councils across the U.S. were lucky recipients of Scott's generosity.

Heather Ganucheau, communications director of the Houston-area troupe, tells CultureMap that news of Scott's gift came during the organization's annual fundraising event on Tuesday, October 19, prompting an "eruption of applause and Texas-style whoops.

“We are truly humbled and grateful for this generous gift and for Mackenzie Scott’s trust in our mission,” said GSSJC CEO Mary Vitek, in a statement. “This gift not only emphasizes the importance of supporting the next generation of female leaders, but it also acknowledges the work of our volunteers and support of our local donors and community. It ensures we can advance our efforts to provide girls with meaningful experiences and equitable access to our leadership development program so they are empowered and equipped to lead.”

GSSJC, one of the largest councils in the U.S., serves some 35,000 girls across 26 counties in southeast Texas. Vitek's statement notes that funds here will help GSSJC "advance its mission within the community and fund innovative programs and growth strategies as the council recovers post-COVID and embarks on its next 100 years in southeast Texas."

As the ex-wife of Amazon founder/billionaire/occasional space traveler Jeff Bezos (currently No. 3 on the list of richest people in the world), Scott has become somewhat of an underground philanthropist — her group has no publicly listed address or even a website. Worth an estimated $31.6 billion, she has doled out $12.8 billion to more than 1,200 organizations since 2020.

Just this year, Scott donated $11 million to Houston Habitat for Humanity as part of a larger, $436 million grant to the international organization. That came after December 2020's $50 million to Prairie View A&M University and millions parsed out to charity groups across the Houston and Texas in 2021.

“I have a disproportionate amount of money to share,” Scott wrote in 2019 when she promised to give away at least half her wealth to charitable causes. “I will keep at it until the safe is empty.”

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Trader Joe's sets Cypress opening date, confirms Bellaire plans

Photo courtesy of Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page

Trader Joe's is expanding, and shoppers couldn't be happier.

Two new Houston-area communities announced that they would be opening Trader Joe's locations, bringing the total number of stores in the city to nine.

On Thursday, December 18, the Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page posted that the new Trader Joe's at 9715 Towne Lake Parkway would open at 8 am on Friday, December 19. Unsold but still-good products left over at the ribbon cutting ceremony will be donated to local nonprofits.

"Not only does Trader Joe's have great prices on food, drinks, and treats, but as a hobby florist I always find the best selections for my floral arrangements," Copperfield resident Kelsey Zuchlewski tells CultureMap. "Now, with the convenience of having a location right here in our neighborhood, I'm in heaven."

Confirmation of the Cypress opening followed an announcement on the City of Bellaire's Facebook page that a Trader Joe's would take over the former Randall's at 5130 Bellaire Blvd. The post did not specify when construction will begin or when the location will open.

"This highly anticipated addition to our community will bring a unique grocery shopping experience and further enhance the vibrant retail landscape of Bellaire," the post said. "We look forward to welcoming Trader Joe’s and will share updates as the project progresses."

The California-based chain of stores entered Houston in 2012, first in the Woodlands and then, more famously, at the old Alabama Theater space on Shepherd, where it has become a beloved local institution. Since then, the chain has expanded throughout Houston, including a Kingwood location that opened earlier this month.

Over the year, Trader Joe's has built a loyal following that rivals even H-E-B. Staff at the stores (wearing Hawaiian shirts) are trained to be extremely friendly and helpful, as well as being encouraged to purchase ownership in the company. The selection is smaller and more curated than other larger grocery stores, leading to a boutique experience that many consider to be surprisingly affordable. At least one viral TikToker claims that Trader Joe's beats H-E-B's price, although the latter undoubtedly has a larger selection of goods.

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