Mary and Tony Gracely devote much of their considerable energy and passion to volunteering. The Gracely “Footprints” Foundation, of which Mary is President, supports numerous charities and arts organizations. Since selling their automobile dealerships—Champion Ford, Texan Ford and Texan Lincoln Mercury—in 1998, Tony stays involved in entrepreneurial and real estate endeavors but increasingly he works to benefit non-profits.
Mary has been honored with the “Women of Distinction” Ambassador Award from Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, later co-chairing their 2004 Winter Ball with her daughter, Jill. Mary received the Mary Jo Peckham Award from the Assistance League of Houston in 2005 and the Spirit of Excellence Award from Baylor HCOA in 2006. Tony chaired the First Annual “Men of Distinction” Luncheon with Harry Mach in 2007 benefiting Baylor College of Medicine. Together, Tony and Mary have chaired the United Cerebral Palsy “Hats Off to Mothers” Luncheon and The Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston Fall Speakers Series Luncheon. They also shared the Laura Lee Blanton Community Spirit Award from Houston Hospice.
The Gracelys are known for hosting events in their home in order to increase awareness of needs within our community. Most recently, those gatherings benefited Houston Children’s Charities, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, Citizens for Animal Protection, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
Both born in San Antonio, Tony and Mary have called Houston their home for 32 years, raising their three wonderful children here. Recognized as “Family of the Year” by Family Services of Greater Houston in 2005, the Gracely brood includes Jill, A.J. and Adam, and daughter-in-law, Siobhan.