Guests rally for record-breaking gala and raise half a million for mental health in Houston

What:Nick Finnegan Counseling Center’s 15th Annual Tree of Life Gala

Or: Goode Company Armadillo Palace

The 411: Perfect weather and refreshing waters from the Ranch greeted the nearly 400 guests who came in their finest Western attire for this annual gala, which raises funds to provide affordable, high-quality mental health services to anyone, regardless of age. be their age, finances or beliefs.

After trying their luck with tequila and wine, hungry guests then headed to Goode Co.’s fajita buffet, which was stocked with all the fixins.

Rustic, whimsical florals courtesy of Bergner & Johnson garnished each table, and guests sipped ice-cold Topo Chicos and beers wrapped in personalized koozies from The Essential Market.

Co-chair of the event Smith Scooter then greeted the crowd, which included former Texas A&M All-American and 2023 SEC football legend Ray Childress, and premiered the NFCC 15th anniversary celebration video. As past chairs of the organization’s advisory board, Scooter and his wife Clear have supported the NFCC since the very beginning and co-chaired the event with Carla and Cole Dawson.

When I think of the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center and its accomplishments, a couple of things come to mind,” he said. “The unprecedented growth of an organization like this, the discovery of ‘a need in a community and its being met so well over a long period of time now, you know? Just look at where it all began and where we are today: it’s an incredible story.

This year’s event honored NFCC Executive Director, Hand of Mary Elizabethwho has been part of the counseling center since 2013 and is a childhood friend of the center’s namesake, Nick Finnegan.

Nick’s parents, Susan and Bill Finnegan, had the honor of presenting the 2023 Angels Among Us Award to Hand, with Susan saying: “She walks around making the counseling center comfortable and cozy because she wants clients and her staff to feel at home ; not to mention the incredible work she does. We are so impressed. She was chosen by God, there’s no doubt about it, and watching her do her thing is incredible.

The prize was a custom watercolor created by Bethany Sauer (@besweetink) depicting the exterior of the NFCC, which includes part of the building expansion that Hand oversaw in 2018 and her favorite pink rose bushes that frame the courtyard fountain.

In my role as executive director, in addition to raising awareness of the NFCC, cultivating a healthy and positive work environment has always been my number one goal,” Hand said. “I want NFCC to be a place where my team feels fulfilled and inspired in the work they do. When we, as a team, feel this dedication to the mission, it touches the lives of every person we interact with. We believe that when a person receives counseling, it can have a positive impact on how they interact with their family, friends, and have a ripple effect on how they interact with their community.

“Your support of the NFCC has the same ripple effect,” she continued. “You make a positive difference not only in the lives of our clients, but also in the community through your support of NFCC’s counseling services and outreach programs.

Nurse Becky Helms, a local Houston influencer (@iwanttoquitmydayjob), then shared a heartfelt message with attendees. Helms shares on social media her daily triumphs and challenges with her mental and physical health as she beats cancer.

Two fun games, Heads or Tails and Paddles Up, came next, with entertainers. Stuart Ford And Randy Helms reminding attendees that instead of a live auction, donations would directly benefit the NFCC.

This brought the total raised to nearly $500,000, all of which continues to help provide mental health services to individuals, couples and children at a significantly reduced rate.

Fundraising efforts such as the annual Tree of Life Gala in October and Crack em for a Cause Crawfish Boil in April help offset the cost of counseling, allowing NFCC counselors to offer more than 8,000 sessions annually to people in more than 127 postal codes in the greater region. Houston area.

WHO:Carla and Cole Dawson, Clare and Scooter Smith, Terrell Finnegan Branch, Scotty Finnegan and Maggie Archer, Susan and Bill Finnegan, Stuart Ford, Mary Elizabeth and Robert Hand, Becky Helms, Chuck Helms, Alice and Randy Helms, Caitlin and Jonathan Sanders, Lindsay Amburn, Amy Robinson, Katie Woodroof, Marti Elliott, Matt Harper, Dylan and Courtney Stout, Heather Timmis, Ray Childress, Amber and Cary Gray, Paris Garhett, Jennifer Bowen, McKenzie Palmer, Courtney Bassett, Lizzy Bowenand hundreds of other customers and guests.