Event Commemorated Center’s 10th Anniversary
Gratitude was the theme as friends and donors gathered for the annual Mission of Love Gala, benefiting the Mamie George Community Center (MGCC), the Fort Bend location for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The event celebrated MGCC’s 10th anniversary of service to Fort Bend County residents.
“We are grateful to the donors, volunteers and others in the community who provided outstanding support during the 10 years that Mamie George has been in operation,” said Gladys Brumfield-James, MGCC executive director. “The extent of that support was illuminated during the pandemic to show people’s desire to take care of one another, and of course, the value of Catholic Charities’ work in Fort Bend.”
Most Reverend Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S., Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, provided the invocation.
The event was led by chair Lisa Emiliani, a member of MGCC’s advisory board, along with co-chair Eleanor Loosbrock. Guests were entertained and inspired by a performance of traditional dancing by the St. Faustina Catholic Church Matachines Dance Team, as well as musical entertainment by Los Tres Amigos.
The Mission of Love Gala honored Dr. Thomas E. Randle, who retired this year after a distinguished 20-year career at Lamar Consolidated ISD. Dr. Randle is a beloved figure in the district, known for striving for equitable education and putting children first while giving extraordinary support to those who serve as educators and staff throughout the district.
“We thank Dr. Randle for allowing us to honor him while we experienced a record-breaking year in proceeds for the Mission of Love event,” said Brumfield-James. “We are grateful for the impact he has had on the Fort Bend Community over the last 20 years.”
When Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston was exploring construction of the service center in Fort Bend County, the agency sought input from the community to determine its best use. The highest priority: a place where seniors could gather and receive help to maintain independent lifestyles.
Over the last decade, the Mamie George Community Center has lived up to that request by providing meals, gatherings and classes to keep seniors engaged and active. In addition, the center provides vital services for people of all ages: a food pantry, financial assistance, help for women veterans, and parenting education for young families.
“We are here to make sure that seniors who are isolated and lonely have a place to go and share a hot meal,” said Emiliani. “That women veterans trying to figure out what comes next, have a place to find support. And that those struggling with the decision to pay rent or feed their children have a place to get nutritious food.”
Earlier this summer, the center opened its doors to let the community back in, while maintaining safety practices. During the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, MGCC converted to home deliveries of meals and food to seniors, virtual interaction with other clients and drive-through food distribution. Nearly four million pounds of food has been distributed, with help from a devoted corps of volunteers, since the pandemic began.
Those who were unable to attend Mission of Love but still wish to support Catholic Charities’ Mamie George Community Center and the services provided in Fort Bend County may donate at https://catholiccharities.org/missionoflove/make-a-gift/.