On Wednesday August 11th at 8pm CST, MentorCONNECT, the first nonprofit global online eating disorders mentoring community, is pleased to host an evening with Becca Shrier. In this FREE one-hour Teleconference, Becca will share the remarkable story behind her full recovery from an eating disorder.

Several studies have shown that every dollar you spend at a locally-owned business returns five times that amount to our community. Your support helps create jobs and your tax dollars go right back into our roads, schools, and parks. Why would you want those dollars to go to some other state or some other far-off country? Don says, “At Classic Chevrolet we went from zero employees in January of 2009 to more than two hundred today and most live and do their shopping right here in Fort Bend. We are your friends and your neighbors...and we’ll treat you right!”

Fort Bend Theatre, which celebrates its 25th season this year, is hoping to touch people by educating them on a devastating local phenomenon. “Research shows that Houston has the greatest occurrence of human trafficking in the country,” says Executive Artistic Director Tarra McCain, “and we want to make a difference.” McCain has invited several non-profit groups who aid victims of human trafficking, including Free the Captives, Redeemed Ministries and Freedom Place, to be in attendance, and a portion of ticket sales will go to their causes.

The event raised more than $15,000 for underprivileged youth in Fort Bend County. Fort Bend Cares has raised more than $1 million dollars in the past nine years for approximately 60 different organizations that serve disadvantaged children and youth in Fort Bend County.

The Second Mile Mission Center Pat McWaters Health Clinic is the ONLY free and charitable medical and dental clinic serving the poverty stricken Residents of Ft. Bend County. Pat McWaters was a longtime volunteer at the clinic who passed away last year from breast cancer.

“We are so honored that Richmond Tire & Automotive elected to make us the beneficiary of their 10th anniversary celebration,” commented Child Advocates of Fort Bend Events Specialist Lisa Moore. “Not only was it a lot of fun but it was truly a pleasure to work with Callie, Chris and the entire Richmond Tire & Automotive team. The first step to creating a lasting change in our community is continuously educating the public, adults and children alike, about child abuse so Child Advocates of Fort Bend can reach every child in need. Richmond Tire & Automotive reached out to us and gave us an opportunity to do that with this event.”

For over 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has helped people make smarter decisions, instilling consumer confidence and advancing a trustworthy marketplace for all. This May, Fort Bend County’s own Jackson Air and Heat has been awarded the 2014 BBB Award of Excellence Distinction award...for the fourth time in a row! Brian Jackson says, “Being recognized by the BBB really drives home that customer satisfaction is our top priority! As we celebrate the birth of our country, we recommit ourselves to delivering the excellent service you and your family deserve!”

Luckily, you can ride into summer with confidence thanks to Alan’s Plumbing. Master plumber, Alan Burkhalter and his crew have been offering quality plumbing service to the families of Fort Bend for over fifteen years. They’ve built a reputation on excellent workmanship, punctuality, and reasonable rates.

Optimist International is a national organization committed to bringing out the best in kids, by providing hope and positive vision. Dr. Thomas Lomonte, D.D.S. of Stafford is proud to be an original charter member of our local Fort Bend Optimist Club. Dr. Lomonte says, “Since 1983, we have been reaching out to young people in our community, helping them shape their future.” Members of the club conduct positive service projects to provide a helping hand to local youth. With an upbeat attitude and a helping hand, they empower young people to be the very best they can be.

“A great benefit to choosing a local company is knowing they’ll stand behind their work if something goes wrong. One of the parts on our new system was defective (from the manufacturer) and All Out A/C was Johnny-on-the-spot when they found out about it. They sent someone out the night we called to get it up and running again. Every single person told us exactly what was going on, not just what they thought we wanted to hear. A week or two after they installed the new part, they installed two carbon monoxide detectors...and they didn’t collect a nickel more than they had told us on the initial quote.”