The World Youth Foundation (WYF) is gearing up for a spectacular event that honors the bright minds and passionate hearts shaping our community—the 34th Seeds of Gratitude Celebration. On October 6, 2024, the Wortham Theater Center will play host to an afternoon of inspiration, recognition, and innovative youth projects, reminding us all of the power of youth engagement and community service. 

This year's celebration promises not just a look back at over three decades of impactful service but also a forward leap into the future, highlighting the contributions of our young leaders, dedicated volunteers, and generous sponsors. At the forefront of this event are two significant honors that will surely resonate throughout the Greater Houston area and beyond.

Honoring a Legacy: Sheila Jackson Lee

Among the highlights of this year's festivities is the heartfelt tribute to the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Known for her unwavering support of youth initiatives and her commitment to public policy, her legacy remains a beacon of inspiration. In recognition of her profound impact, WYF will proudly rename its Youth Development/Mentoring and Civic Engagement/Public Policy initiatives in her honor. “Her commitment to our youth was unparalleled,” noted WYF CEO Karen Franklin. “Congresswoman Lee loved our youth participants; they were her joy and her future.” 

Elwyn Lee, the Congresswoman’s devoted husband, and her daughter, Erica Lee Carter, will graciously accept this honor on her behalf, symbolizing a family’s deep commitment to continuing her legacy of service.

Celebrating Community Leadership: Jewell McGowan

In addition to honoring Congresswoman Lee, WYF is excited to celebrate the remarkable contributions of Jewell McGowan, a long-time advocate and community leader. The annual Seeds of Gratitude Program will be renamed in her honor, a fitting tribute to her visionary leadership in shaping the program since its inception. “Ms. McGowan really set the tone for the mission and goals of this event,” Franklin added. “We are truly grateful to the families for allowing us to honor their loved ones in this special way.” The McGowan family will be present to accept this significant accolade.

 

 

A Celebration of Impact

The Seeds of Gratitude Celebration is more than a tribute; it’s a vibrant showcase of the future. Attendees can look forward to:

- Showcasing Youth Projects in AI and Tech: Tomorrow’s leaders will present their innovative projects, demonstrating the incredible potential of the next generation.

- Heartfelt Tributes: The event will honor milestones and individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by over 34 years of service.

- Awards Ceremony: Recognizing the incredible donors and supporters who have been vital to WYF's journey.

- Youth-preneur Marketplace: A dynamic platform for young entrepreneurs to exhibit and sell their creative products and innovations, showcasing their talents to the community.

“We are excited to celebrate this significant milestone and reflect on the transformative impact we have had over the years,” Franklin shared. “This event is not only a chance to look back at our accomplishments but also to highlight the innovative work being done by the next generation as we move boldly into the future.”

Join Us for This Momentous Occasion

Honorary Chair and Councilmember Martha Castex-Tatum emphasizes the importance of this event, stating, “The Seeds of Gratitude event is a unique opportunity for youth to showcase their talents to community leaders and friends, emphasizing the boundless potential within every child. By empowering these young individuals, we are investing in a brighter future for all of Houston.”

As we gather to celebrate 34 years of dedication to community service and youth empowerment, we invite you to join this momentous occasion. Together, let’s honor the legacy of those who came before us while inspiring the leaders of tomorrow!

Event Details:

- Date: October 6, 2024

- Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Location: Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave, Houston, Texas 77002

For more information, visit worldyouthfoundation.org