CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF
PARTNERSHIP, IMPACT & POSSIBILITY
MCC Power of Partnership Luncheon
Please Join Us
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: The Briar Club, 2603 Timmons Lane, Houston, TX 77027
Doors and the Luncheon Marketplace open at 11:00 AM. Come early to shop and explore our unique offerings!
10 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP. A FUTURE OF POSSIBILITY.
Since 2016, My Connect Community has brought residents, partners, volunteers, funders, and community champions together around a shared belief: lasting change happens when we work together.
Across Gulfton and Sharpstown, those partnerships have helped reduce barriers, expand opportunity, and create pathways for families to thrive. From stable housing and education to workforce development, health and wellness, and economic opportunity, our partnerships have made a lifetime of difference to families here.
Please join us on October 20 to celebrate ten years of impact, recognize the people and organizations who have helped shape this work, and look ahead to the vibrant future of Gulfton and Sharpstown.
SHOP WITH PURPOSE
The Luncheon Marketplace & Shopping Experience
Every dollar supports small businesses and economic development here in the community. And you’ll leave with unique pieces each with a story to tell!
Storylight Vintage: Co-chair Jacqui White’s micro-retail boutique includes one-of-a-kind textiles, jewelry, and home decor produced by local artisans.
Fabric Forge: A collection of custom fabric items produced at MCC’s own textile lab includes zipper pouches, small totebags, and large totebags.
Every purchase is an opportunity to celebrate local talent and invest in the creative spirit of our community.
Sami Grefé & Jacqui White Arribas
MEET OUR 2026 LUNCHEON CO-CHAIRS
Our Power of Partnership Luncheon co-chairs know firsthand that partnership often begins with a personal connection—and grows when people find ways to put their passions into action.
Sami Grefé, a former children’s book publicist by training, is passionate about literacy and education. As a grandchild of immigrants, she was moved by the extraordinary grit of women in our community who came to Houston to build new lives after losing so much in their home countries. Sami is especially drawn to the intergenerational vision of Connect Hillcroft, which brings together her interests in education and supporting immigrants at all ages and stages of life.
Jacqui White Arribas first connected with MCC as a volunteer and was inspired by the creativity of neighborhood artisans. She went on to open Storylight Vintage in Fabric Forge’s micro-retail space at Connect Highstar. Today, her shop sells the work of local artists in addition to vintage pieces, and she partners with the Fabric Forge team to create custom creations.
Sami and Jacqui’s stories reflect what the Power of Partnership is all about: bringing what you care about to the table and finding your own way to contribute.
Join Sami and Jacqui at the table on October 20.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
By sponsoring the Power of Partnership Luncheon, you will help celebrate ten years of impact while investing in the next decade of opportunity.
Pathway Partner $25,000
- Gene Graham
- The Mangalji Family/ Westmont Hospitality Group
Neighborhood Champion $10,000
- HEB
- St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
Connector Circle $5,000
- Brinshore Development
- Commerce Bank
- Houston Methodist Hospital
- Jacqueline White Arribas
- Matthew Mendez
- Origin Bank
- Rebecca Browder
- Sami & Justin Grefé
- Steve Rosencranz
- The Graml Family
- Tisha and Sam Dike
- Trafigura Foundation
Your sponsorship supports My Connect Community’s work to strengthen Gulfton and Sharpstown through resident leadership, trusted partnerships, and coordinated community investment.
Ten Years. Countless Connections. Infinite Possibility.
For sponsorship inquiries and custom package details, please contact Adrienne Miller, Vice President of Development: adrienne@myconnectcommunity.