Dining Out for Good

Big turnout launches "Blue Plate Special" month targeting efforts to end child abuse

Since founding The Thread Alliance three years ago, Sheila Aron has single-handedly grown the non-profit that targets child abuse into a meaningful organization that each April highlights National Child Abuse Prevention Month with its "Blue Plate Special" program.

Aron welcomed more than 100 supporters to Brennan's for the "Blue Plate Special" kick-off. Throughout April, close to three dozen restaurants are offering a special dish, dubbed the "Blue Plate Special." A percentage of sales from that special go to The Thread Alliance in support of its efforts to end child abuse.

Guests picked up copies of Aron's book, I'm Glad I'm Me, Weaving the Thread of Love From Generation to Generation, and viewed a display of BabyLovies, a collection of baby blankets made by local women and distributed to non-profits that aid victims of child abuse.

In addition to an array of appetizers, guests could try Brennan's "Blue Plate Special" — Froberg Farm strawberry shortcake.

A sampling of the specials include Ragin' Cajun's fried shrimp Po'boy with red beans and rice, Giacomo's linguine Giacomo with shrimp, Café Adobe's chicken brave entree, Tony's grilled Mediterranean branzino and Fleming's craftsman ribeye.

Adding extra meaning to the kick-off was Mayor Pro-Tem Ed Gonzalez, who read a mayoral proclamation declaring April 2 as The Thread Alliance Child Abuse Prevention Day in Houston.

Joining the fight against child abuse were Nancy and Joe Mathé, Alexander Dell, Lisa Wilmore, Kim Ross, Ronnie Lipman, Joan and Joe Perez, Rob Todd, Beverly and Dr. John Berry, Lynn Kamin and Judy Borrell.

Alexander Dell, from left, Sheila Aron and Ronnie Lipman.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Alexander Dell, from left, Sheila Aron and Ronnie Lipman.

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Two-Stepping Bash

Country tunes and Houston's charitable hearts rock for Dec my Room

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jacob Mansfield, Grace Ward, and Kendyl Mansfield.

A bustling crowd kicked open the doors of the House of Blues for the Eighth Annual "Kick Up Your Boots for Kids" bash, all in support of Dec My Room. The night was set ablaze by the toe-tapping tunes of country stars Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen, transforming the venue on October 24 into a jitterbug jamboree and creating an atmosphere brimming with joy.

Event chairs Laurel Bashaw and Dodi Willingham and founders Kendall Plank and Susan Plank were thrilled about how the extra funds will turbocharge their mission. Since 2007, Dec My Room has adorned nearly 18,000 hospital rooms across 178 institutions, delivering personalized coziness like a warm blanket to pediatric and young adult patients.

Emcee and auctioneer David Ackel kept the energy high as generous Houstonians vied for coveted treasures. Standouts included rare Pappy Van Winkle bourbon bottles and a glimmering necklace from Lugano. A wine and whiskey dinner hosted by Federal Grill’s Matt Brice saw bids skyrocket, leaving winners over the moon. The grand finale was a private management hunt at Sycamore Springs Ranch in Kerrville, Texas.

With over 250 attendees two-stepping and $350,000 raised, the event proved to be a night where generosity danced hand in hand with a rockin’ good time. In the crowd were Laurie and Tracy Krohn, Stacey and Al Lindseth, Mike Plank, Rachel and Tom Regan, Ericka Bagwell, Aimee and Wynne Snoots, Carley and Mike Stasney, Grace and Steven Ward, Monica and Jed Skeet, Marie and Joseph Flanigan, Jessica and Ryan Getz, Denise and Brett Mears, Kiki Wilson, Peggie and Kyle Pentecost.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jacob Mansfield, Grace Ward, and Kendyl Mansfield.

dec my room fundraisers