Philanthropy Spotlight: Azalea Edition
Philanthropy is one of Goodman Financial’s core tenets. Many of our employees are involved in different charitable organizations and donate both monetarily and with their time. Our Director of Portfolio Management, Chris Matlock, has been involved with a non-profit called Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) since 2009 when he first started serving on the Endowment Board, and currently serves as a Board Director and President of the organization.
CCSC is dedicated to serving the inner city Houston community through outreach programs. The organization was founded in 1980 and currently encompasses 42 churches all united in the desire to serve. The first part of their mission statement is “to serve the poor, hungry, disabled, and otherwise needy while respecting their religious, ethnic or cultural differences.” CCSC is volunteer based and gospel driven, though they make a special effort to be respectful of all those they serve, despite any differences in faith or belief. In addition to their various programs, such as Back to School which promotes academic preparedness or Vision Care Program which provides vision related services to those in need, CCSC also operates a resale shop which both allows the community to give and receive.
To put into perspective how CCSC serves the community, consider the response during Hurricane Harvey. CCSC provided extra food and hygiene items to over 11,000 people. In the aftermath, CCSC helped provide those affected with money to subsidize their rent, new clothes, blankets, school supplies, and other items to help victims get back on their feet.
As president, Chris works to make sure all these good things go smoothly. Chris first got involved with CCSC through their programs, such as the Jingle Bell Express which provides Christmas toys and meals to families in need, and then joined the Endowment Board and is now President. “I just love CCSC’s mission, to serve the “Least of These”– meeting folks in dire need where they are, with dignity and without judgment,” says Chris. Chris frequently attends meetings and assists in fundraising efforts. Being a fourth generation Houstonian, Chris has deep roots here and is dedicated to making it the best that it can be.
CCSC has a celebration every year called the Azalea Dinner and Auction to encourage fellowship and fundraising. It is a well known event and Houstonians around the city look forward to it every year. This year’s event took place on April 26, at the Post Oak Hilton. Chris and Goodman Financial sponsored a table this year.
Goodman Financial is proud to have a team member that has such a heart for philanthropy and consistently gives of his time and resources
If you are interested in donating or learning more, click here.