By Stefanie Thomas<\/p>\n
The Houston Junior Forum will host the fifth annual City Market this spring, bringing together shopping, dining and philanthropy to support the organization\u2019s outreach programs across the region.<\/p>\n
Scheduled for April 9\u201310 at Silver Street Studios, the two-day event will feature more than 75 vendors offering boutique fashion, home d\u00e9cor, gourmet foods and artisan goods. Proceeds from the fundraiser support the organization\u2019s college scholarships, community grants and its newest outreach effort, Daily Essentials \u2013 Everyday Confidence.<\/p>\n
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(Photo courtesy of Houston Junior Forum)<\/p>\n
Amy E. Price<\/p>\n
Organizers say the market is designed to blend a lively shopping experience with the group\u2019s long-standing philanthropic mission.<\/p>\n
For 80 years, the Houston Junior Forum has supported nonprofits throughout the area through volunteerism and fundraising. Members have contributed more than one million volunteer service hours to organizations including the Christian Community Service Center, Gracewood, Harrison\u2019s Heroes, Houston Food Bank, Kids\u2019 Meals, Literacy Now, Meals on Wheels, See to Succeed and Undies for Everyone.<\/p>\n
Funds raised through City Market will also support HJF\u2019s Daily Essentials \u2013 Everyday Confidence program, launched in May 2024. The initiative provides toiletry packages to women and senior adults in need, addressing everyday necessities not covered by SNAP benefits, such as toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant. The organization distributes the packages quarterly in partnership with Interfaith Ministries\u2019 Meals on Wheels Program and The Women\u2019s Home.<\/p>\n
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(Photo courtesy of Houston Junior Forum)<\/p>\n
Amy E. Price<\/p>\n
The organization\u2019s College Scholarship Program, established in 1976, has awarded more than 300 multi-year scholarships totaling more than $2 million. Initially serving graduates of Community House Preschool, the program expanded in 2023 to include applicants from the Nehemiah Center and SpringSpirit.<\/p>\n
In addition, HJF\u2019s Community Grants Program, created in 2010, has awarded more than $1 million to local nonprofits serving children, youth, women and senior adults across the greater Houston area.<\/p>\n
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(Photo courtesy of Houston Junior Forum)<\/p>\n
Amy E. Price<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s City Market will include a full schedule of shopping events and social gatherings throughout both days.<\/p>\n
Opening festivities begin Thursday, April 9, with the First Look Festivity from 2\u20134 p.m., offering early access to vendors along with cocktails and a raffle ticket for a luxury prize drawing. The evening continues with Opening Night Shopping and a Cocktail Buffet Dinner from 5:30\u20138 p.m., featuring a gourmet buffet, hosted bars, live music and a chocolate dessert station.<\/p>\n
Events continue Friday, April 10, with Early Bird Shopping and the Biscuits & Bagels Party from 9:30\u201311 a.m., followed by the Retail Therapy Luncheon and Decadent Dessert Bar from noon to 4 p.m. Additional ticket options include lunch-only seating and access to the dessert bar and afternoon shopping.<\/p>\n
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(Photo courtesy of Houston Junior Forum)<\/p>\n
Amy E. Price<\/p>\n