HOUSTON (September 7, 2011) – HoustonWorks USA will celebrate local employers and community investors this fall as the organization celebrates the Putting Houstonians Back to Work Weekend, October 6-8, 2011. The weekend, benefiting the agency’s workforce development and human services programs, will include the 2011 HoustonWorks USA Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at Redstone Golf Club and the 2011 HoustonWorks USA Biennial Blacktie Celebrity Gala on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at the Hilton Americas.
“Putting Houstonians Back to Work Weekend is going to be a phenomenal event where we will celebrate and recognize those who have excelled and contributed to creating opportunities for local citizens affected by recent economic challenges,” Larry Green, CEO, HoustonWorks USA, said.
More than 100 business leaders and community members are scheduled to hit the links at Redstone for the Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. HoustonWorks USA Spokesman Brett Cullen and Hollywood actor Dennis Quaid will chair the tournament, which will feature celebrity players and exclusive prizes. The tournament benefits the HoustonWorks USA Scholarship Fund, which has awarded more than $100,000 in merit-based educational grants to students pursuing higher education at vocational, public and private institutions.
“HoustonWorks USA is committed to student success, providing resources for young people to continue their education and become the leaders of tomorrow’s workforce,” Rick Diaz, HoustonWorks USA Board Member, said. “Whether you like to golf or raise a glass of fine champagne, HoustonWorks USA will have a great weekend planned where we can join together to have a good time for an even greater cause.”
The weekend concludes at the Biennial Blacktie Celebrity Gala, where more than 800 guests will gather to honor elected officials, community and industry leaders for their commitment to strengthen the Houston/Gulf Coast community. The gala will feature Kirk Whalum as the musical guest and include celebrity presenters and hosts. Proceeds generated from Putting Houstonians Back to Work will benefit HoustonWorks USA employment and training opportunities for all local job seekers.
The 2011 Gala Honorees Include:
- Shell, Corporate Leadership Award
- The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee, U.S. Congresswoman, Public Servant Award
- Howard Lederer, HoustonWorks USA Chairman of the Board, Founder Award
- Brett Cullen, Actor/Director/Producer, Community Service Award
- Rodney Bradshaw, Director of Human Services, Houston-Galveston Area Council, Workforce Development Award
“With continuous headlines about workforce reductions and an unpredictable economic outlook, many are asking what they can do to help their neighbors. HoustonWorks USA provides an effective solution to this question,” Nina Shokrian, account supervisor, Love Advertising and HoustonWorks USA board member said. “By participating in Putting Houstonians Back to Work, citizens are able to make realistic differences that yield positive results for the entire Houston community.”
Gala tickets, golf foursomes and weekend sponsorships are available for purchase. For more information, please visit www.houstonworks.org or call 713.654.1919.
ABOUT HOUSTONWORKS USA:
Founded in 1984, HoustonWorks USA is the leading provider of services focusing on job placement, continuing education and vocational training. Serving more than 1 million annually, HoustonWorks USA provides job seekers with a variety of workshops including job search techniques, interviewing skills and resume writing, and use of the resource library with internet access and postings of local, state and national job openings. Training is also available in career fields such as healthcare, business, computers and education. HoustonWorks USA manages several of the largest Workforce Solutions offices in Houston and the surrounding region for the Houston-Galveston Area Council. These offices offer a wide range of services for job seekers as well as employers looking for trained workers. HoustonWorks also provides numerous youth programs including internships, scholarships, summits and summer camps. HoustonWorks is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization. Visit www.houstonworks.org for additional information.
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