Miracles and “Godwinks” Captured Hearts at Miracles of the Mission Luncheon

The Junior League of Houston was packed to the max at the Miracles of The Mission luncheon benefiting The Mission of Yahweh homeless shelter for women and children. Many kudos were being given to Tammie Jeffers, Development Director, for the huge turnout, attributed to her decision to change the event from a breakfast to a luncheon. 

The audience enthusiastically welcomed, with childlike anticipation, guest speaker, the “Godwink Guy,” SQuire Rushnell, to hear tales of the many “Godwinks” he has experienced and those of thousands of others who shared uplifting stories documented in his 12 bestsellers books.  Guests sat with rapt attention as Rushnell explained how his original “Godwink” expression came to be in the hospital with his newborn son who he was told could not survive and who today is 35 years of age. In his early career, Rushnell was a 20-year executive with ABC and led Good Morning America to #1 for the first time.  He is the father of ABC School House Rock.  Today, in addition to his best-selling books, he is the Executive Producer of five Hallmark Godwink movies and the huge hit movie for Netflix about “Dogwinks.”  Rushnell made many friends and admirers as he stood near the front door greeting guests as they arrived.

Greg Reid, President of Real Assets, Westwood Holdings, and a supporter of The Mission for many years, gave a rousing rundown of ways to support the 62-year-old shelter that has produced thousands and thousands of “miracles” in the form of homeless women becoming self-sufficient productive members of society.  A resident of The Mission, CiMire NG, after sharing her journey in finding the shelter and a new life, inspired tears, cheers and a standing ovation.

Executive Director, Richard Hill, was excited to share the news that Home Aid Houston and builder captain David Weekley Homes have signed on to build the new dormitory on the Mission campus. More great news that Hill announced was that revenue from the luncheon was nearing the $200,000 mark.  Yes, that news created another “let’s stand up and shout moment” with accolades going to major sponsors, City Bank, Dresser Utility Solutions, Ellen and Clayton Cody and Pam and Ron Sterlekar.

Serving as Mistress of Ceremonies, it was my pleasure to urge everyone to visit The Mission of Yahweh, to volunteer and to make miracles happen.

Socially present (not previously mentioned):  Kathy Hill, Terri Alexander, Lori and Todd King, Joyce and Gus Pankonien, Janelle Reid, Margaret and Greg Smith, Saula Valente, Michelle Feagin, Sue West, Beth and Michael Sinclair, Kari and John Work, Debra Witherspoon, Kim Moody, Alicia Smith, Angie Roberts, Stephanie Pickett, Mary Ann and David McKeithan, Susan Casias, Anne Romano, Vicki Rizzo, Carol Sawyer, Lotty Gautschi, Marilu Garza, Sybil Roos, Sonia Soto, Betsy Garlinger, Kim Padgett, Melissa Williams Murphy, Lisa Graham-Garza, Keith Guillory, Melanie Johnson, Dr. Susan Osterberg, Franelle Rogers, Rebecca Martens and Emilee Procter