Luncheon features Texas’ first lady
Cecilia Abbott, the first Hispanic women to serve as Texas’ first lady, will address the Hispanic Women in Leadership as its keynote speaker for its “Excellence in Education Scholarship Luncheon” fundraiser set for June 4 at 11:15 a.m. at the HESS Club, 5430 Westheimer Road.
The group is a nonprofit organization that has been serving the Houston community for more than 27 years.
Other speakers include Sylvia Garcia, a Texas state senator, and Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman.
For ticket information email hwil-org@mail.com or call 281-724-8495 or visit www.hwil.org.
Blood drive set in west Houston
The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is holding a blood drive on Thursday, May 28 from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the offices of Terry Bryant at 8584 Katy Freeway.
Camp fun for kids available in Westchase
Youngsters as small as six months can participate in summer camps at Wesley Academy in the Westchase District at 10570 Westpark Drive, but the school offers summer-fun activities for children through eighth grade.
The 10-week preschool camp is available from June 1 through Aug. 7 for children six months of age through five years old. Kids in kindergarten through eighth grade can participate in the halfday summer STEM Days camp, focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These sessions will be held June 3, June 24, July 15 and July 29. Half-day Summer Art Camp is set for June 15-19.
For more information contact call 713-266-3341.
Rodeo benefits collegebound students
After all the hoopla and fun of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo earlier this year it was the organization’s turn to give back to the community, awarding more than $7.5 million worth of college scholarships to 423 Texas high school students heading to Lone Star State colleges.
The winners were celebrated at a banquet in the NRG Center earlier this month.
Of those who received financial help to attend university, nearly 200 beneficiaries are the first in their families to head to college. What’s more, 120 of the scholarship winners are the first in their families to graduate from high school.
“Education opens the door to opportunity, and we are humbled that our scholarships provide the key to that door,” said Joel Cowley, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “It is extremely rewarding for our organization to support young Texans who value learning enough to want to continue their education.”
Italian restaurant marks milestone
It may be Carmelo’s Ristorante Italiano’s 34th anniversary but it’s the customer who gets to celebrate. The eatery is offering a “Summer in Tuscany” wine dinner on Friday, June 12, from 7-10 p.m. at its 14795 Memorial Drive location.
“My family and I have called Texas home for 36 years and have experienced so much good fortune here,” said owner Carmelo Mauro. “From the diverse population to the truly philanthropic community, we love Houston and want our customers to join us for this special milestone.”
The meal, which will feature some of Italy’s finest wines served with a variety of main courses including porterhouse steak, costs $95 per person. Seating is limited and reservations are required at www. carmelosrestauran.com or by calling 281-531-0696.