Anytime the members of the Houston MG Car Club gather it is a special time with the driving of our cars, sharing a meal, helping each other keep our cars running and most importantly enjoying the friendship of fellow members.  But every once in awhile a day stands out as being truly special.  This month's monthly meeting was one of those days.

It began with a moment of silence in memory of club member and friend Ralph Ratta.  He will be greatly missed by all of us.  From the many posts on Facebook it is clear that he touched many, many people across Texas and throughout the U.S. MG Community. 

Next was the planned program for the meeting, the presenting of financial support to two local charities.  Each year the NAMGBR and the local host chapter commit to present 25% of the net proceeds from the NAMGBR Annual Conference and Car Show to support charitable organizations in the local community where the event was held.  The decision as to which charities to support is made by the local club.  We chose to support Katy Christian Ministries and The Brookwood Community.

Presentation of check to Deysi Crespo, Katy Christian Ministries by Ron Redding and Bob Chalker

Deysi Crespo, Executive Director of Katy Christian Ministries was on hand to receive their check and to share with us a little about the great work they are doing in the community.  KCM is a social services non-profit serving Katy/West Houston with programing that includes a food pantry, a crisis center for domestic abuse and sexual assault, emergency financial assistance, resiliency programs and a resale store to provide affordable, and often free, clothing and home goods.  In 2023 KCM served over 22,000 families with social services.  They also provided nearly 1.5 million meals, distributing 1.7 million pounds of food through the food pantry.  The crisis center served more than 3000 victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and mental health issues.  If you would like to learn more about the ministry, make a further donation, or you need their help please go to their website https://ktcm.org. 

Carol Thornburgh and Jeremy Weisinger, from The Brookwood Community, receiving their check.

We also presented a check to The Brookwood Community.  Joining us to receive the check was Carol Thornburg, Chief Advancement Officer, Jeremy Weisinger, a resident of the community and his parents Janna and Mike Fries.  Brookwood's mission is "Through the grace of God, to providing an educational environment that creates meaningful work, builds a sense of belonging and awakens genuine purpose in the lives of adults with disabilities".  Brookwood is a residential community that provides work programs, health & wellness activities, fine arts and spiritual growth for the more than 200 citizens they are serving.  They also operate a gift & garden center, where the works of the residents are made available for purchase, and a restaurant staffed by the residents.  If you are in the Katy, area make it a point to visit this community, you will leave with a full stomach, gifts for your loved ones and a changed heart.  To learn more about The Brookwood Community or to make a donation go to https://www.brookwoodcommunity.org/

You should take great pride in knowing that the Houston MG Car Club has provided financial support to local charities nearing $10,000 over the past two years.  This club truly is something special.