HOUSTON – December 1, 2022 –There was a lot of bootscootin’ going on at The Center for Pursuit’s beautiful new headquarters in the East End at the end of November. The Rodeo Under the Stars event was the first chance many of Social Motion’s supporters have had to see and tour the expansive 5.8-acre campus built at the corner of Harrisburg Boulevard and Eastwood Street.
Guests arrived dressed in cowboy hats, jeans, and boots to celebrate the evening’s theme. Horizon Band Houston got the crowd on its feet with its country tunes, while Goode Company provided the eats – Tex-Mex and barbecue, of course.
Event chair Stacy Stidham Anderson helped drive the fundraising to a grand total of just under $146 thousand. It was a typical brisk November evening in Houston, but there was nothing but warmth and support for the cause at hand — celebrating the strengths and successes of those with autism and similar special needs.
Among supporters in the crowd were Precinct 1 Assistant Chief Carl Shaw and his trusty canine companion Frau, Carrabba’s Manager and Director of Customer Relations Kim Jenson, Limor and Stuart Smith, FedEx’s Doug and Erica Clavier, The Honorable Elizabeth Ray and The Honorable Pat Kerrigan.
The festive evening included a program led by Anderson, The Center’s CEO and President Charles C Canton, Social Motion’s Founder Wendy Dawson, and Social Motion’s Director Cynthia Florez. Guests also viewed a video of firsthand accounts from students with autism and their parents about the impact the Social Motion program has had on their lives.
Social Motion merged with The Center for Pursuit earlier this year. Social Motion provides social skills and vocational training to individuals on the autism spectrum, from pre-K to young adults. The Center serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, they are providing a continuum of high-quality programs and services from childhood through adulthood.
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About The Center for Pursuit
For more than seven decades, The Center for Pursuit (The Center) has empowered individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism to live meaningful, dignified lives filled with opportunity. Through innovative programs and services in areas like job skills training, supported employment, health, wellness, community living, and day services, The Center helps clients develop the skills and tools necessary to grow as individuals and participate fully in their community. The recent merger with Social Motion has expanded their offerings and reach a younger demographic. The Center will now serve approximately 200 children and young adults along with more than 450 adults with IDD, autism, and similar conditions in the Houston area.