Clearing the Way for Evell n`s Park

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Evelyn’s Park Conservancy Monthly Newsletter
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Clearing the Way for Evell n’s Park
The five-acre historic site of Bellaire’s first business, Teas Nursery,
traces back to 1843, when renowned horticulturist, John C. Teas,
started his business. The property was purchased in December 2009
by the Jerry and Maury Rubenstein Foundation, and gifted to the
City of Bellaire with the stipulation that the property be turned into a
park for the community to enjoy. The park will be a gathering place
to enhance the health, safety and well being of citizens of all ages.
From dining at an onsite restaurant to participating in engaging
weekly programming, Evelyn’s Park will be the perfect venue to host
special events and create memorable experiences.
Message from our President:
Dear Friends,
I am excited to introduce you to our first newsletter, In the Loop, to
keep you updated on the latest happenings occurring at Evelyn’s Park!
I encourage you to tell your friends and family to go to
http://www.evelynspark.org and click the ‘Join Email List’ tab for
them to also be included on our distribution list. People like you are the
driving force for the success of Evelyn’s Park, and we are already
appreciative of your overwhelming support.
-Keith Rubenstein, Evelyn’s Park Conservancy President
Evelyn Rubenstein was a
woman who loved her family
and understood the importance
of community spirit. Her sons,
Jerry and Maury Rubenstein,
and their families have carried
on her tradition of giving back
to the community with the
generous donation of this 5-acre
park in her memory.
“My parents expected me to
share and give,” said Jerry
Rubenstein. “I was taught that
this was my duty and
obligation. It is the highlight of
my life to be able to do this and
carry out their wishes.”
INTHE
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SPRING
2016
JUNE
2013
Life’s a Picnic in the Park
Evelyn’s Park Kick-Off Event Inspires $500,000 Anonymous Matching Donation
Evelyn Park’s future became a reality at the first of many Picnics
at the Park events last Thursday, May 30th. An astonishing 600
people walked, biked and drove over to EP’s Picnic to meet up
with old and new friends and learn about EP’s upcoming plans.
“We didn’t know how many people to expect and the crowds kept
coming!” beamed Patricia King-Ritter, EP Events Co-Chair.
From Berry Hill fish tacos to the Monsterlicious PB&J truck, five
of Houston’s most popular food trucks lined up to serve quite the
hungry crowd. “Bernie’s Burger Bus had so much business they
even ran out of burgers!” said volunteers Devyn Schultz and
Meredith Lerner as they cooled off with cherry snow cones.
The evening was a perfect way to say goodbye to Teas Nursery
and welcome in a new beautiful addition inside the loop. “Seeing
so many people inside the park was like a glimpse of the future
and confirms how much the community wants and needs a local
gathering place,” expressed Debbie Lapin, EP Events Co-Chair.
The event marked the official kickoff of the $17 million capital
campaign, and what a start it was! An anonymous donor
announced a $500,000 matching gift inspired by the success of
EP’s first event. The grant can only be matched with funds from
individual donations (no foundation dollars). To make a donation
on behalf of EP go to www.evelynspark.org and click the
“Donate” button. There are also naming opportunities available
if you are interested in making a substantial gift.
Evelyn’s Park in the News
“Great Day Houston” on KHOU Channel 11
gets in on the EP buzz!
Fifteen community members of all ages woke up Monday, June
2nd bright and early to make an appearance on live television!
Talk show host Deborah Duncan heard about the overwhelmingly
successful Picnic at the Park and wanted tell all of Houston about
it. Another GREAT DAY for Evelyn’s Park!
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INTHE
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LOOP IPSUMS
SPRING
2016
JUNE
2013
“To Plant a Garden is to
Believe in Tomorrow”
-Audrey Hepburn
Imagine the Possibilities
There will be an array of vibrant and urban park
settings, consisting of a great lawn area for lounging
and picnicking, stream gardens and fountains, jogging
trails, a restaurant and more. Both the environment and
the community will benefit from this eco-friendly
development.
Recreational Activities
Come to Evelyn’s Park to kick a ball, walk the trails,
grab lunch, or even meditate in the butterfly garden.
The possibilities are endless!
As a highly programmed park, Evelyn’s Park will also
include a full time Programming Director to plan
events such as yoga in the park, movies on the lawn,
live concerts and other interactive activities. There is an
activity for everyone at Evelyn’s Park!
Bellaire Home Show Success
Thank you to everyone who toured the Bellaire Home
Showcase the second and third weeks of May.
Through your ticket purchases and kind donations,
$15,150 was raised for the development of Evelyn's
Park! Our sincere appreciation goes to the scores of
volunteers who worked the event and to the generosity
of the Bellaire Builders Association for selecting
Evelyn's Park Conservancy as this year’s beneficiary.
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IN THE LOOP
JUNE 2013
How to Get Involved
We are in the process of reaching our $17 million
capital campaign goal, as well as creating
awareness about the park in the community.
We need YOUR help!
Adult Volunteers
Opportunities
Teen Volunteers
Opportunities
Interested in contributing more
of your time and skills? From
planning events to fundraising
to hosting a house party, we are
looking for dedicated
volunteers like you. Evelyn’s
Park needs lots of dedicated
volunteers to make this park a
reality!
Are you interested in helping
out in your community and
making a difference? Do you
like interacting with
people? We are looking for
twenty-four EP Teen
Ambassadors (from 6th
through 12th grade) to
represent EP at various
community events in the
coming year!
Become an EP Volunteer Today!
Contact peta@evelynspark.org for
more information on these great
volunteer opportunities.
Evelyn’s Park Conservancy Board
Keith Rubenstein, President
Cindy Siegel, Treasurer
Marybeth Flaherty
Peta Rubenstein
Lou Waters, Vice President
Kim Padgett, Secretary
Linda Rubenstein
Rusty Rubenstein
www.evelynspark.org
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Evelyn’s Park Conservancy
Created by Kali Lang
Evelyn's Park Conservancy Intern
The University of Texas at Austin