Building a solid and fully legal foundation for such an endeavor proved to be an ongoing testimonial to total, untiring teamwork in action.  Monthly board meetings found members tackling the adoption of by-laws, copyright laws, non-profit status, printed materials creation, major fundraising development, the seeking of community partners, etc.  It could have been a daunting task, but as Chris Hiller, Chairman of the Board shares, the passion had been embraced, the commitment was unconditional and it was ”full speed ahead”!

Because such facilities are scarce, with the Ronald McDonald House being an exception, developing a model for their dream has been challenging.  However, through perseverance, the National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses (NAHHH) web site surfaced and became a beacon of light for Cinco Charities.  At last they had discovered the camaraderie of others who were successfully sharing this vision!

Cinco Charities’ long-term goal is a freestanding, multi-family housing facility. Until that realization, the Marriott TownePlace Suites has joined in their efforts by offering them discounted patient rates.  Currently Cinco Charities is aiding their fifth individual who traveled from Connecticut for treatment.  Due to lack of insurance coverage, the free housing provided by our Katy team made the possible life-saving trip a reality!

In true “culture-keeping”, applicants’ finances are not considered and help is based strictly on medical needs.  Recently, as more and more volunteers have stepped forward to help, “Friends of Cinco Charities” is being formed to support their many fundraising endeavors.  We invite you to learn more about this exciting Keller Williams family organization by visiting their informative web site:  “cincocharities.org”.  In February they will host a community event featuring their vision, testimonials, etc.  “Katy is a large city with a small town spirit, and we’re anticipating a positive, supportive response!” offers Chris.

My heart has been deeply touched by the incredible culture example our Katy team has set through Cinco Charities and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for sharing their love and compassion with those in great need.

Yours in Caring and Sharing,
Mo

The purpose of this event is to raise awareness in the Katy community about Cinco Charities, and the purpose of our organization.  The schedule of events for the evening will include a cocktail hour with cash bar, Dinner, Scheduled Speakers, and a short presentation by our Board Chairman with special recognition of the families that Cinco Charities has had the honor of helping in 2008.  It is our sincere desire to provide all who attend with information about Cinco Charities, how our organization came to be, and where we are headed in the coming years including a spotlight on events planned for 2009.

The Inaugural Vision Event will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and is by invitation only. The event is being underwritten by The Tuscany Villa, who is graciously donating their facility for the evening, Hasta La Pasta and Charles Cash with Cash Agency/Nationwide Insurance.

The Board of Directors of Cinco Charities would like to thank you all in advance for you help and support, both past and present.  Without the continuing support of the Katy Community, our local vendors, hospitals, and Churches, none of this would be possible.

For more information and details regarding the Inaugural Dinner, please contact Linda Piazza or Stacie Wright at 281.220.2100.

“Building a Community of Care and Support”. That’s the mission statement of Cinco Charities®, formed in 2005 by a group of real estate professionals working with Keller Williams Realty-Katy @ Cinco Ranch.

Last Friday evening at The Golf Club @ Cinco Ranch, the charity hosted a ‘Wine & Foods From Around the World’ fund-raising event, attended by nearly 90 individuals and raising over $3,000 to further the mission of the charity. Vino 100 generously provided 15 wines to complement the food dishes, while Carino’s Italian Grill, Landry’s Seafood House, Panera Bread and Qdoba Mexican Grill served samplings of some of their finest h’ourderves and entrees to the guests.

“Our vision is to provide temporary housing in our community with a warm, safe environment for individuals and their families when hospitalized or receiving treatment for a serious medical condition.” said Board Member Ginger Hopper. “And, thanks to the kind and generous donations of local businesses and individuals, we’ve been able to assist those in need!”

In just over two years, the charity has raised over $70,000 through various fund-raising events and donations from individuals and corporations. And what does the future look like? “Our ultimate goal is to build our own structure and be able to accommodate multiple families at any one given time.” said Board Member David Rozier.

If you’d like to learn more about donations, sponsorship or promotional opportunities, please contact Chris Hiller at (281) 220-2188.

Carrie Brown, Tournament Coordinator, said, “We couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Through the hard work of many volunteers and the generous donations from Katy businesses, Cinco Charities® will be empowered to host future guests while continuing to work towards the eventual construction of their own facilities. The incredible staff at River Ridge has once again made this an extraordinary event for all involved.” Lunch for players and volunteers was graciously provided by Jason’s Deli. After the tournament, Hasta la Pasta generously provided a fully catered dinner for over 200. This was the third straight year that Jason’s Deli and Hasta la Pasta stepped up to the tee box, and subsequently the third consecutive year they hit it straight and true! Delectable desserts were provided this year by Ooh La La.

Player awards were designed and donated by Janota Art & Frame. Signage for the event was provided by The Sign Store and event programs were donated by Ideal Printing. Azzarelli’s was a tournament first, Bronze Sponsor for the event. Chris Hiller, Board Chair of Cinco Charities®, says, “What a blessing this will be for those in need. Our sincere thanks go out to all who supported, volunteered and participated in making this tournament a success. With their help, we are making a difference.”

“Building a Community of Care and Support”. That’s the mission statement of Cinco Charities®, formed in 2005 by a group of real estate professionals working with Keller Williams Realty Katy @ Cinco Ranch. With the recent completion of M.D. Anderson’s Radiation Treatment Center adjacent to Christus St. Catherine Hospital and the forthcoming construction of new area facilities by Texas Children’s, Methodist and St. Luke’s hospitals, Katy will become the temporary home for numerous families in need of medical care. It is the goal of Cinco Charities® to reach out to those families and give back a measure of the “Katy Spirit”.

The charity’s ultimate goal is to operate their own facility to accommodate multiple families at any one given time. Although still in the planning and fundraising stages, Cinco Charities® is anxious to begin meeting their vision and mission, and the charity has already hosted several guests during 2008.