The 2009 JEWELS of Fort Bend - five Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives. Donna Kay Tucker, Lizz Sansone, Billie J. Neuhaus, Ann Smith and May W. Tape, DDS. To purchase tickets or for sponsorship information for the September 24th event, contact Fort Bend Focus at 281-690-4242 or visit www.FortBendFocus.com. Photo by Alisa Murray

Fort Bend Focus Magazine, the county’s premier magazine showcasing people, places and happenings, is pleased to announce their second annual event honoring five extraordinary women whose contributions to our community make them real gems.

Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2009 with a premier Luncheon and Style Show honoring this year’s Fort Bend Jewels – five Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives. The five JEWELS for 2009 are Billie J. Neuhaus, Lizz Sansone, Ann Smith, May Tape and Donna Kay Tucker. From the Sugar Land Cultural Arts to the Association of Retarded Citizens to the American Red Cross, these women are all committed to making our community the best place to live, work and raise our families. Fort Bend Focus Magazine is pleased to recognize their efforts while doing something that they all feel passionate about: supporting our community.

Proceeds from Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend will be invested back into our community by supporting two vital organizations: the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Inc. and Rosenberg Richmond Helping Hands, Inc. The two non-profit organizations provide food and basic human needs to residents of Fort Bend County. This year, the organizations have seen a nearly 20% increase in their clientele due to the stressed economy.

“Because of the hardships associated with our current economy, we felt compelled to work with these two important organizations to feed people with the JEWEL’S event this year,” said Lisa Fredrickson, publisher of Fort Bend Focus Magazine. “Many of our friends and neighbors are feeling the effects of loss of income and providing basic human needs is vital.”

While the event will be the highlight of Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend, the September magazine will feature a beautiful spread showcasing photos and biographies of the five JEWELS along with sponsors of the event. Distributed directly to Fort Bend homes each month, as well as in rack distribution at businesses and retailers throughout the county, the special Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend section will pay homage to these special women and their community service.

“Because of the efforts of the wonderful, caring individuals who devote so much of their time and talent to our philanthropies, especially these five women – Billie, Lizz, Ann, May and Donna Kay – our community is a better place,” said Fredrickson. “Fort Bend Focus Magazine is proud to honor their commitment to Fort Bend County and be able to give back to the community that has so graciously supported us.”

Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend is open to the public and will be held at Safari Texas in Richmond from 11 am to 1:30 pm on Thursday, September 24th. In addition to the Luncheon and Style Show, featuring fashions from Dillard’s, event sponsors will be treated to a private Champagne Reception with the JEWELS prior to the event sponsored by Will and Lena Hardee/Hardee Investment Group. Additional sponsors to date include Emerald Sponsor Safari Texas Ranch; Ruby Sponsors Alisa Murray Photography, Dillard’s, J Loggins Jewelers, Pamela Printing and Salon Eben and Day Spa; Corporate Gems Jack and Billie Wendt, Memorial Hermann FBSL Hospital, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, Neil and Carolyn Banfield, Nina Schaefer, Attorney at Law, Richmond Bone and Joint Center, Robert C. Brown, III and Carole D. Brown, Scott and KK West, St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital, and Team Sansone – Re/Max on the Brazos; and Sapphire Sponsors Gurecky Manufacturing Services, Inc. and OakBend Medical Center. Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $7,500 and include magazine advertising. Individual tickets are available for $65. For sponsorship information or to purchase tickets, contact Fort Bend Focus Magazine at 281-690-4242 or visit www.FortBendFocus.com.