We’re incredibly grateful to The Astros Foundation for hosting the Champions for Healthy Families Lunch & Fashion Show at Union Station. BEAR was honored to be part of this event, where we had the chance to talk about our mission to support at-risk and CPS-involved children throughout Greater Houston.
The Astros Foundation is more than just the charity arm of the Houston Astros. They’re a driving force in the community, focusing on initiatives like youth sports and education programs, military recognition, childhood cancer awareness, and efforts to reduce homelessness. Their work goes beyond the ballpark, creating real opportunities for kids and families to thrive.
The Champions for Healthy Families event was a great example of their commitment to making a difference. It brought together people who care deeply about helping children and families. For BEAR, it was a valuable opportunity to share how we provide essential resources—like clothing, shoes, and other necessities—to children who need them most.
We’re thankful to The Astros Foundation for giving us a platform to connect with others who share our mission, making a real impact in the lives of children across Houston. And to everyone who attended, donated, or simply stopped by to learn more about BEAR—thank you for your support.
The Stetsons & Stilettos evening event, BEAR’s largest fundraiser of the year, took place Oct. 6, 2024 at The Revaire. This year’s event did not disappoint with a sold-out venue of 700 attendees. Cash donations added to a record-breaking $683,000. If including in-kind donations, the amount raised comes to more than $700,000!
It far surpassed last year’s event, which had 500 guests and raised $500,000 for BEAR, with a portion of the funds used to purchase a van (the BEAR Mobile!) to help transport supplies for at-risk children to and from its community partners in Houston and around the 12-county region. The funds are also allocated to four of BEAR’s key programs: BEAR Necessities, BEAR Back to School, BEARing Gifts and its newest program, Heart Gallery of Greater Houston.
The 2024 presenting sponsor was Kinetik, and the event was chaired this year by an all-star team: Lindsey & John Hohlt, Paula & Johnathan Jones, Iva & Cutris Knobbe, and Sierra & Raj Mansukhani.
“‘Stetsons & Stilettos’ is more than an event—it’s a powerful gathering of people who share a common goal of uplifting children in our community. Each year, I am deeply moved by the generosity and passion of our supporters, whose commitment helps us provide crucial resources and a sense of security to children who need it most. This funding makes a real difference in their lives, and we couldn’t be more grateful,” said Tammy Hetmaniak, Executive Director of BEAR.
Guests took part in a seated dinner featuring protein dishes prepared and donated by restaurateur, Benjamin Berg, founder of Berg Hospitality Group. Maven Coffee and Cocktails were shaking things up with signature cocktails for the night and guests were sent home with a sweet treat from Crave Cupcake.
Lindsey Leigh Jewelry, known as The Houston Diamond Girl, made a special experience for attendees, while, the generous Kendra Scott sponsored a Jewelry Pull, adding extra sparkle to an already dazzling night. Artists Taft McWhorter and his wife, Dana, were live-painting throughout the event while Houston folk/country music duo The Magnolia Brothers performs live music. Guests enjoyed the Branded Hat Bar, where they can create custom hats in the Whiskey Lounge. Tenenbaum Jewelry brought a little puppy for live auction. Attendees also participated in the Silent Auction and the exciting Live Auction led by Johnny Bravo.
THANK YOU to all who sponsored, donated, attended and volunteered at this year’s Stetsons & Stilettos event. Your commitment to BEAR plays a key role in helping BEAR provide hope, help, and essential resources to children who are at-risk, abused, and neglected. We hope to see you next year!
Special thank you to CatchLight Group team for these amazing photos of our guests!
Above: Tammy Hetmaniak, Executive Director at BEAR, attends October 2024 reception for Impact 100 Houston Grant finalists.
BEAR (BE A Resource) has been announced as one of the five finalists for the esteemed Impact 100 Houston Grant. If awarded, this grant will provide crucial funding to advance BEAR’s mission to deliver essential resources to vulnerable children and families across the Greater Houston area. Winners will be announced at the upcoming Impact 100 Houston Annual Awards Celebration on Wednesday, November 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the Junior League of Houston.
“We’re beyond grateful to be named a finalist for the Impact 100 Houston Grant,” said Tammy Hetmaniak, Executive Director of BEAR. “For many of the children we serve, BEAR is their source of hope and vital essentials, providing necessities like clothing, shoes, and a sense of comfort during challenging times. Being considered for this award is incredibly significant for us, as it would allow us to deepen our reach and impact, ensuring that no child in our community is left without the resources, dignity, and compassion they deserve.”
Through its four core programs—BEAR Necessities, BEARing Gifts, BEAR Back to School, and Heart Gallery of Greater Houston—BEAR provides essential support for at-risk and CPS-involved children. Each program is designed to address specific needs, from providing clothing, diapers, and other necessities to helping children legally available for adoption find permanent, loving families. In 2023 alone, BEAR Necessities served over 32,500 children, BEARing Gifts brought holiday cheer to more than 26,600, and BEAR Back to School provided over 16,400 children with the supplies they needed to start the school year ready to learn. These impactful initiatives reflect BEAR’s vision to be a consistent resource for children, offering them stability and comfort during times of crisis.
The Impact 100 Houston Grant is awarded annually to nonprofits that demonstrate a remarkable capacity for positive, sustainable change within the Greater Houston area. The grant enables organizations to expand and enhance services, allowing for a wider-reaching community impact. BEAR’s commitment to improving the lives of CPS-involved and at-risk children aligns with the mission of the Impact 100 Houston Grant, making BEAR a strong candidate for this transformative support.
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About Impact 100 Houston:
Impact 100 Houston is a community of women committed to addressing the needs of the Greater Houston area by awarding high-impact grants to local nonprofits. Through collective philanthropy, Impact 100 Houston empowers nonprofits with the funds to create lasting, transformational change.
We are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with Papa John’s Pizza! For every online order using the promo code “BEAR,” you will receive 20% off the regular menu price, and 10% of the discounted purchase price will be donated to BEAR!
Participating Locations
Papa John’s has numerous participating locations across the region, making it convenient for you to contribute to this cause. Here’s a list of where you can order your delicious pizza and support BEAR:
Baytown: 4605 Garth Rd Brenham: 228 Hwy 290 West Clear Lake: 1002 Bay Area Blvd College Station: 1741 University Dr East, 1740 Rock Prairie Conroe: 1201-A Loop 336, 10161 Highway 242 Cypress: 13503 Louetta Ste 200, 26281 NW Freeway #250, 7014 Fry Rd Ste 110 Deer Park: 4138 Center St Friendswood: 210 E Parkwood Ave #A Galveston: 6600 Seawall Blvd Houston: Multiple locations Humble: 7591 FM 1960 East, 239 FM 1960 Bypass Huntsville: 2128 Sam Houston Ave Katy: 3719 N Fry Rd ste A, 1514 S Mason Rd, 9727 Spring Green Blvd ste 800, 455 Katy Ft Bend ste 400 Kingwood: 2855 W Lake Houston Pkwy #109 Lake Jackson: 121-1 West Hwy 332 La Porte: 210-A Fairmont Pkwy League City: 2800 Marina Bay Dr, 2251 FM 646 West Ste 115 Magnolia: 6313 FM 1488, 18640 FM 1488 STE C Missouri City: 4340 Sienna Pkwy #112, 6262 Hwy 6 South Mont Belvieu: 13520 Lake Of Champions Blvd Montgomery: 18442 W Hwy 105 New Caney: 20875 FM 1485 G Ste G Pearland: 3405 E Broadway, 10223 Broadway Ste #S Richmond: 7770 West Grand Pkwy South Spring: 2725 Rayford Rd, 21187 Kuykendahl Rd Sugar Land: 11545 Hwy 6 South, 13582 University Blvd., Ste. 300 Tomball: 28418 C Tomball Pkwy The Woodlands: 25118 Grogan’s Mill Rd #A, 8000 Research Forest Dr #105
How You Can Help
Supporting BEAR through this partnership is easy:
Visit Papa John’s website or use their app.
Place your online order at any participating location.
Use the promo code “BEAR” at checkout to get 20% off your order.
Enjoy your delicious pizza knowing that 10% of your purchase will help CPS-involved children in Houston.
Every bite of pizza ordered through this initiative directly contributes to BEAR’s mission of providing hope and help to children in need. Your support aids in stocking the BEAR Room with essentials, filling backpacks for the BEAR Back to School program, and spreading joy through the BEARing Gifts holiday program.
We recently opened our doors to the community, inviting everyone to take a behind-the-scenes tour of our office and warehouse. This special event was an opportunity for the public to see first-hand how our nonprofit operates and the immense impact we have on children in the greater Houston area.
During the tour, visitors explored our operations and learned about our key programs that serve CPS-involved children and their caretakers, including:
BEAR Necessities– This program ensures that children entering CPS custody have access to the basic necessities they need. From clothing and shoes to diapers and hygiene products, our BEAR Room is a haven where CPS workers can find brand new items for children of all ages, from newborns to 17-year-olds.
BEAR Back to School – Our volunteers were busy packing backpacks, preparing to help 13,000 at-risk and CPS-involved kids in our area receive the school supplies they need for the upcoming school year. This program is vital in ensuring that these children can start the school year on an equal footing with their peers, ready to learn and succeed.
BEARing Gifts– This holiday program brings joy to children in the CPS system by providing them with personalized gifts during the holiday season. It’s a heartwarming initiative that ensures every child experiences the magic of the holidays, regardless of their circumstances.
Heart Gallery of Greater Houston – This touching exhibit at the BEAR warehouse features photos of children who have found their forever homes. Since its inception, the Heart Gallery of Greater Houston has facilitated 93 adoptions, highlighting the power of community and love in transforming lives.
BEAR’s mission is to offer hope and help to abused and neglected children and their families. Through our programs, we are able to make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. We hope that by inviting Houstonians to our behind-the-scenes tour, we can encourage more people to join our mission through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word about BEAR.
Your support is crucial in helping us continue to provide these essential services to children in need.
Thank you to all who attended the July tour!
Did you miss this tour? Catch our next one!
Come visit for our next open house on Wednesday, September 18th from 4pm – 6pm at our warehouse (572 E TC Jester Blvd, Houston TX 77018).
Register for the event here or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Alexis Evans at Alexis.Evans@harriscountytx.gov.
Wow! What an amazing event!! On Thursday, May 16th, the Greater Houston Sports Club, supporters gathered for the annual Clays for Kids fundraiser. This year, the event achieved unprecedented success, making it the biggest Clays for Kids event in BEAR’s history. With a record-breaking number of teams participating, we doubled the turnout from last year, which just goes to show the growing community support for BEAR and its mission in the greater Houston area!
The funds raised from Clays for Kids 2024 will go a long way in supporting BEAR’s initiatives, providing crucial resources and support for local at-risk and CPS-involved children.
A Heartfelt Thank You
This event’s success would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and contributors. A special thank you goes out to:
TailorMade Tumblers LLC
Dolce Niente
CastAway Rods
Kendra Scott
Mr. Margarita The Woodlands
Tyler Hodgson-Music
Island Breeze Party Rentals
Eureka Heights Brew Co
Milam & Greene Whiskey
M&R Liquor
Bonnie Pinkerton Thomas
Mac DeLaup
Ayman Najjar
Ray Golden
Your contributions and efforts have made a significant impact, and we are profoundly grateful for your involvement.
Thank you to everyone who participated, sponsored, and volunteered. Your generosity and dedication are the heart of BEAR’s mission, and we couldn’t do it without you!
A BIG shoutout to Tide Cleaners for teaming up with BEAR to shine a light on the journey of children in foster care searching for their forever families! With Tide Cleaners’ incredible support, we’re able to spread awareness through 33 permanent Heart Gallery exhibits across greater Houston.
The Heart Gallery of Greater Houston is one of BEAR’s core programs, dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in foster care. These exhibits feature stunning professional photographs of children who are waiting to be adopted, capturing their personalities and giving the community a chance to connect with their stories.
Why the Heart Gallery Matters: The Heart Gallery is more than just a display of photos; it’s a powerful tool for advocacy and awareness. Each image tells a unique story of resilience, hope, and the urgent need for loving, permanent homes. By bringing these faces into the public eye, we aim to inspire families to consider adoption and provide these children with the stability and love they deserve.
Tide Cleaners’ Support: With Tide Cleaners’ partnership, we’ve been able to expand our reach and impact. Their support has allowed us to set up 33 permanent exhibits in various locations across Houston, making it easier for the community to engage with the Heart Gallery. By hosting these exhibits, Tide Cleaners is helping us bring attention to the needs of children in foster care and encouraging more people to get involved.
Find a Location Near You: We invite you to visit one of the Heart Gallery exhibits near you. Witness the beautiful faces of these resilient kids and learn about their stories. Each visit is a step towards raising awareness and supporting the journey of these children as they search for their forever families.
Thank You, Tide Cleaners: A heartfelt thank you to Tide Cleaners for being an invaluable part of our community! Your dedication and support are making a significant difference in the lives of children in foster care. Together, we’re creating a brighter future for these kids, one exhibit at a time. 🧡🧸
For more information on the Heart Gallery of Greater Houston and to find an exhibit location near you, visit Tide Cleaners Locations.
On Sunday, May 5th, the Young Professionals of BEAR hosted the 2nd annual Cornhole and Crawfish event, and it was a hit! From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Memorial Trail Ice House was packed with excited attendees ready for a day of fun, food, and community spirit.
Event Highlights:
Cornhole Competition: The Cornhole tournament was a blast! Teams and solo players competed with enthusiasm, and the friendly rivalries added to the excitement. Cheers, high-fives, and victory dances were everywhere.
Delicious Crawfish: The crawfish station was the star of the show! Perfectly seasoned and cooked, the crawfish were a huge hit. Attendees couldn’t get enough of the tasty spread.
Drink Specials: Great drink specials kept the good vibes going. There’s nothing like a cold drink to go with spicy crawfish and good company.
Community Impact: Every ticket sale and donation directly supported BEAR’s mission to help at-risk and CPS-involved children in the greater Houston area. Knowing our fun day also made a positive impact on vulnerable children’s lives made it even better.
A huge thank you to everyone who came out and made this event so special. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and community spirit made it a day to remember.
What’s Next?
We’re already planning our next event, and we can’t wait to see everyone there! Stay tuned to our social media channels and website for updates on upcoming events. Your support is crucial, and together, we’re making a big difference in our community.
If you missed this one, don’t worry—there’s always next time! We’re excited for what’s to come and can’t wait to share more fun and impactful moments with all of you.
Are you ready for a day filled with friendly competition and camaraderie? The Young Professionals of BEAR invite you to join us for our 2nd Annual Crawfish and Cornhole Event at Memorial Trail Ice House on May 5, 2024.
Tournament Details
Date: May 5, 2024 Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location: Memorial Trail Ice House Team Registration/Check-In: Begins at 10:30 AM Tournament Start: 11:00 AM How to Participate:
Team registration and check-in will start promptly at 10:30 AM, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot in the tournament. Teams can register through our partner, SportsKind, using the link provided below.
Tickets for general admission are available through Eventbrite for just $5. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE.
We’ve added options for additional donations if you’d like to contribute even more to BEAR: Be A Resource for CPS Kids. All ticket sales and donations directly support BEAR and its mission to provide hope and help for at-risk and CPS-involved children in our community. Your generosity goes a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
Can’t Make It? You Can Still Help!
If you’re unable to attend the event but still want to show your support, you can make an individual donation directly to BEAR through our website by CLICKING HERE.
Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in the lives of children in need!
April is more than just the beginning of spring; it’s a critical time to shine a light on a sobering reality that affects far too many children: child abuse and neglect. As we observe Child Abuse Prevention Month, it’s imperative to raise awareness about this issue and renew our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our youngest generation.
At BEAR, we strive to provide hope and support to at-risk and CPS-involved children, as well as the dedicated caseworkers who tirelessly advocate for them through the Heart Gallery of Greater Houston, our newest program which just expanded to 13 counties.
HOW BEAR HELPS HOUSTON KIDS
Across Texas, over 32,000 children are in foster care, facing uncertainty and longing for stability. Heart Gallery of Greater Houston’s powerful, mobile exhibit featuring portraits of children in foster care, beautifully captured by volunteer professional photographers. These portraits not only showcase the unique personalities of each child but also challenge stereotypes, reminding us that these children deserve love, stability, and a chance to thrive just like any other child.
Since its launch in October 2021, the Heart Gallery has been instrumental in facilitating over 40 children finding their forever homes. This traveling exhibit has graced various venues across Houston, from museums to shopping malls to libraries, sparking conversations and breaking down barriers that hinder these at-risk children from finding permanent loving families.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT
However, addressing child abuse and neglect goes beyond finding permanent homes for foster children. It necessitates a collective effort from the entire community. During Child Abuse Prevention Month and beyond, we implore everyone to take action. Whether it’s volunteering your time, donating resources, or advocating for policies that prioritize child welfare and support families in crisis, every effort counts.
At BEAR, we firmly believe that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment to thrive. Our mission is clear: to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. As we stand together against child abuse and neglect, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a brighter future for all children.
