MCJCF Kicks-Off Its 10th Anniversary Celebrations

The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation started its festivities in a chic way with their VIP Kick-off Reception held June 7 at Chef Rey’s, one of Missouri City’s premier restaurants.

About 50 people attended the private reception to mark the beginning of this year’s celebration—the foundation’s 10th annual.

“The VIP Kick-off reception was well attended, and, I believe, successful.  We had an opportunity to broadcast the upcoming events and encourage Missouri City stakeholders, Juneteenth sponsors, and all other attendees to participate and get involved in the upcoming events,” said Don Smith, Founder and Chairman of MCJCF.

Smith, who also is a Missouri City Councilmember, representing District B, said the event is very important to him, as are the people who have supported the foundation’s decade-long presence in Missouri City. Many of those people were at the reception, which made it more special for Smith.

“It was a warm feeling,” Smith said. “Not only because of the support that was emitted, but the people who attended for the most part, are the same ones who have supported our efforts for the last 10 years; thus, it was a family gathering.”

Above, Michael Mouton, Councilman Don Smith, Sonja Thornton, Pamela Poole, Charles Swindell and Derrick Woods—all MCJCF founding board members. Below, from top left: Mayor Allen Owen, Cary Yates, Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo; State Rep. Ron Reynolds and his wife Jonita. Yates is being honored by MCJC this year.