FamilyTime’s Annual Purple Ribbon Luncheon Set for October 9 - Kingwood

Published: Aug 10, 2015, 10:00am

These volunteers for FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center devote their time and efforts to making the 5th Annual Purple Ribbon Luncheon a success.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, FamilyTime Crisis & Counseling Center will hold its 5th Annual Purple Ribbon Luncheon on Friday, October 9, 2015, at Kingwood Country Club from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The luncheon is also an opportunity to recognize women who have been honored as FamilyTime Women of Achievement.

FamilyTime is a Humble area social services agency providing outreach services to families and individuals in crisis through counseling and crisis intervention. It also operates an emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and human trafficking. It is the only such facility in northeast Harris County, and it provides a vital service to the community.

This will be the fifth year for the luncheon which has continuously grown in popularity. The event will include a special guest who will speak on domestic violence survival and share a personal story. While to many the cycle of domestic violence may seem impossible to break out of in the moment, the Purple Ribbon keynote speaker’s message will be designed to show that there is hope and a way for those in despair.

The hardworking and dedicated members of the Purple Ribbon Committee have been working diligently to make this event the best ever.

Stephanie Marquard, a former Lone Star College Trustee and owner of Kingwood Air Conditioning and Heating is a new member of the Purple Ribbon Committee. “I believe that we can make a difference in people’s lives. FamilyTime brings like-minded enthusiastic volunteers together to do something dynamic for families in crisis. Its outreach programs and services depend on passionate volunteers who give their time and energy to improve the lives of those in need. There are many challenges ahead but with the rewards for services it is gratifying”.

“People should attend the FamilyTime Purple Ribbon event because it will be fun, awe inspiring and a chance to do something good for others,” Marquard said. Linda Prator, Luncheon Chair, agrees. She says there are several reasons why the community should come join this fun event.

First, there are over 40 fabulous silent auction packages that have been donated by community members and sponsors.

Second, the highlight of the luncheon is the table-decorating contest. The theme for the decorations include items needed by the shelter, such as diapers, toys, toiletries, paper products, baby items, and other necessities. The guests plan their own table decorations hoping to land the first, second, or third place prize which will be awarded for practicality and creativity. “There were so many creative designs last year the judges had a hard time choosing the winners. It’s a win/win for everyone. Guests have a good time creating their centerpieces and all the items they use are donated to the shelter,” added Prator.

The luncheon also provides opportunities to get involved in a good cause. Participants can help support the “Fund a Need Campaign”, participate in the “Wine Pull” of nice wines in decorative koozies, win a special raffle item, help cheer during the recognition of past Women of Achievement and this year’s Woman of Excellence, and enjoy the special guests and live entertainment.

Individual tickets to the luncheon are $60. Individuals can also be a “Friend of FamilyTime” and reserve a table of 10 for $600. There are opportunities for sponsorships. “We are very excited to have an event sponsor this year,” said Prator. “Modern Home Renovation has been a sponsor for the past three years and this year stepped up to be our event sponsor. We are very excited to have such wonderful support from businesses and leaders in our community.” Other current sponsors include Minuteman Press; Edward Jones-Diana VanHorn, CFP; Professional Organizer Ellen Delap, CPO; Flowers of Kingwood; Texas State Rep. Dan Huberty and wife Janet; Texan Drive Car Dealerships; and Eunice Dennis/ Halene Crossman/Karen Garrison/Janice Costa/Susan White.

“The Purple Ribbon Luncheon gets to the heart of what FamilyTime is all about,” said Susan Meinholz, Board President. “The staff and volunteers at FamilyTime help repair lives and give hope for a better future. Many families have been healed through the wide range of services FamilyTime provides.” FamilyTime’s contributions to the community last year were indeed considerable. The 24 hour crisis hotline answered 16,377 calls; 4,355 sessions of free counseling were provided to victims of abuse; 2,055 sessions of low cost counseling were provided to non-victims; 49 victim accompaniments to local hospitals for medical treatment were given, and 733 victims of violence were provided with emergency shelter services.

“It’s important to come together at events like this and acknowledge that the instances of domestic violence are growing and are affecting lives everywhere including right here in our community,” said Meinholz.

In addition to the luncheon, FamilyTime will honor domestic violence victims during Domestic Violence Awareness month in October, with its annual candlelight vigil and Open House on October 14. During the ceremony the names of all victims in the state of Texas who died in 2014 as a result of domestic violence will be called. Check the website for more information on this event.

For more information or to make reservations, visit www.familytimeccc.org, call 281-446-2615 or e-mail prl@familytimeccc.org.