Kids’ Meals, a nonprofit that makes and delivers free meals to poverty-stricken preschool-aged children, along with Luncheon Co-chairs Kathleen Pennington and Julie Applegate, will host the 14th Annual Harvest Luncheon at Marriott Marquis Houston on Friday, November 11, 2022, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Jimmie Allen
Platinum-selling recording artist, author, 2021 CMA “New Artist of the Year” and ACM “New Male Artist of the Year Award” Jimmie Allen will take the luncheon stage to share his story of struggles of poverty and mental illness. Known for his electric onstage musical performances, Allen also has a talent for telling inspiring and thought-provoking stories.
Allen has widened his focus to include using his voice to effect change. He speaks on the wisdom he has garnered throughout his journey, the importance of leadership, the urgent need for greater diversity in music and entertainment, destigmatizing discussions of mental health, and an overall message of hope and compassion in the face of unbelievable odds. He connects emotionally with his audience and has expanded beyond an entertainer into an inspiring figure and author. Allen’s debut picture book “My Voice Is a Trumpet,” published in 2021, is a powerful story about speaking up for what you believe in, at any age.
The luncheon will feature Allen onstage for an intimate Q&A with more than 1,400 expected attendees from corporations, foundations, and generous Houstonians to deliver hope to the future of Houston by investing in the next generation. This year, Kids’ Meals will honor Valero, Kroger, The Astros Foundation, Drs. Nicci and Chris Greeley, Vanessa Gobel, Donna Jett, and Helen Pung for their strong support during the inspiring, engaging, and entertaining afternoon.
The luncheon will offer guests a VIP experience as well as a Mimosas & Market, a curated group of vendors offering a collection of unique items to kick off holiday shopping, with Kathy Bennett as the Market Chair. Guests will also enjoy a raffle and silent auction curated by Silent Auction Chair and Décor Co-chair Michele Holbrooke, along with a live painting by acclaimed Houston artist Taft McWhorter.
Proceeds from the event support Kids’ Meals’ mission to end childhood hunger in Houston. Since 2016, Kids’ Meals has distributed more than 9 million healthy meals to food-insecure preschool-aged children. The program grew more than 135 percent almost overnight during the peak of the pandemic to feed more than 7,500 children each day.
For information on Kids’ Meals, including details about purchasing a ticket, table, or sponsorship for the 14th Annual Harvest Luncheon, visit www.kidsmealsinc.org/harvestluncheon/ or contact Cynthia Stielow at cynthia@kidsmealsinc.org.
