Development Update: Support Westview

Westview Goes to the Movies: A Community Event

The pandemic put our annual fundraising luncheon on hold for 2021, so the development office got creative with a night at the drive-in movie. Our Westview community was long overdue to gather together and connect as a group. The Friday night before Spring Break in East Downtown Houston, our staff, families, and community showed up in force. One hundred twenty-five cars gathered at the Moonstruck Drive-In to support The Westview School’s fundraising efforts. Our staff rolled out the red carpet to welcome and serve our families with the ever-present joy and enthusiasm that is always reserved for our Westview kids. The night was a success. It was pure joy watching the children running and laughing outdoors with their friends outside of their school cohort bubble! It was a great reminder that despite the long year, Westview continues to thrive as a community.

International Support: A Gift from Qatar

In April of 2021, Qatar's Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, recognized World Autism Day and Autism Awareness Month by selecting several charitable organizations to be recipients of support. The Westview School was chosen as one of those recipients. As part of Qatar's generous support of the autistic community and their families in the United States, a three-year scholarship fund for Westview students was established. Westview is thankful to the State of Qatar for selecting our program to be a recipient of their generosity. We are excited to use this partnership as an opportunity to help us grow our mission and serve more students in the Greater Houston community.

Community Support: Alex's 5k

Alex's 5K is a fun, family-friendly race event created as a tribute to the life of Alex Jamrich, who passed away suddenly in 2010 at the age of 17. The event not only celebrates Alex's life, but also promotes autism awareness, and raises funds for research and services in the Houston community. All race profits from Alex's 5K benefit Houston-based charities that support the autistic community. In 2020, Alex's 5K celebrated ten years. Despite being unable to gather in person due to the pandemic, the virtual race was met with the same purpose and enthusiasm as in previous years. The Westview School is thankful to Bayou City Road Runners (BCRR) and Alex's parents, Milan Jamrich and Kathi Mahon. Each year they include Westview as a beneficiary of Alex's 5K. Westview is proud to be affiliated with this event that honors the life of such a special young man.