Famed American author, political activist, and lecturer Helen Keller once said, “I thank God for my handicaps, for, through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God.” It is only the truly insightful and wise person who, despite all outward appearances of “disability”, can appreciate “handicaps” and use them to change the world for the better.
The staff at The Brookwood Community in Brookshire see all of the wonderful qualities their 110 resident adults and 80+ day-program participants have within them, despite their “disabilities”. They see the dedication and the excitement in their eyes as their Handbell Choir prepares to entertain thousands at the Houston Astros game, the pride and sportsmanship in their smiles as they scan the crowd at the Special Olympics, and the selfless love in their heart as they concentrate on creating special, handmade crafts to be sold in area retail stores and online. This beautiful community is truly a magical place where miracles happen every single day.
The Brookwood Community, an independent nonprofit organization based in Brookshire, Texas, is light-years ahead of state-run homes for adults with disabilities. However, this isn’t a competition they want to “win”. Through their outreach programs and plans for a new “Center for Learning”, they share their innovative concepts and techniques with other caregivers around the country and the world. The activities they coordinate, programs they establish, and community involvement they engage in are made possible 
through resident tuition, sales from their entrepreneurial enterprises, and private sector donations. This is where you have an opportunity to enter the Brookwood Community story.
The Cinco Ranch Rotary would like to invite you and your friends to the 7th Annual Katy Wine Fest, to be held on Friday, November 9 at The Tuscany Villa in Katy. On this special evening, wine lovers from all over the Greater Houston area will come together to sample a large selection of wines from Texas and around the world and nosh on delicious food provided by several Katy and West Houston restaurants to help raise money and awareness for Brookwood’s programs and services and to help launch its new Center for Learning.
In addition to more than 30 wines originating from all corners of the world, special selections from Texas wineries Messina Hoff, Eaglefire Winery, Braman Winery, and The Cellar Door will be doling out unlimited tastings of your favorite red and whites. Katy-based No Label Brewery will keep guests topped off in the Beer Garden, and local eateries such as Tree House Mexican Baja Grill, Vida Loca Bar & Grill, and Red Oak Grill will keep you satiated with sweet and savory bites throughout the evening. The Katy Wine Fest will also feature live musical entertainment from Chris Austin Martinez, educational workshops by sommelier Lawrence Lee of Corks and Spirits Unlimited, and an opportunity to purchase items from the vendor marketplace or silent and live auctions. “It will be a great night to enjoy with friends while supporting an amazing organization like Brookwood,” says Katy Wine Fest co-chair, Mary Ellen Morris.
Tickets are going fast so I recommend you buy your ticket online now. Advanced general admission tickets are just $50. Tickets will also be available at the door for $60.00.
It’s a well-known fact that Texans value independence and strongly believe in looking out for those in our community. I can think of no better way to support both values. Check out this video to see for yourself all the good that is happening at The Brookwood Community and then please join me, the Cinco Ranch Rotary, and the Brookwood Community for an amazing night of food, wine and fellowship as we support some of our most giving and special neighbors who to continue to defy expectations.
