Jewels of Fort Bend County

I love living in Fort Bend County for so many reasons. We come together as a community in times of laughter, troubles and triumphs. Today, at Safari Texas Ranch, a luncheon and fashion show was held featuring five women for their commitments to our wonderful County. This year’s Jewels of Fort Bend County being honored were, Billie Neuhaus, Donna Kay Tucker, Ann Smith, Lizz Sansone and May Tape.

I am honored to be in a community where these fine women set the standards in their work with in a variety of different organizations. Our County Fair, the Arts, Youth and Seniors Citizens programs and countless other causes have benefited from these women's efforts. I personally know three of the five women. Actually, they have known me since I was a child. I am so grateful to be raised around such pillars of the community.

Donna Kay Tucker has been a victor in life and principal of many causes. Her support of the sport of Rodeo is enduring. From professional rodeo to local youth events she has stepped up and in as a believer of the sport. For years she stood in the shadow of the Miss Rodeo America crown, all in the glory of the sport of rodeo. She is a true ambassador of the sport.

Ann Smith has been a supporter and a pioneer to many causes that remain close to her. She is the flying eagle of the ARC’s fundraising. “Best in the West” benefits The Arc of Fort Bend County. Funds raised help maintain group homes, activity and work centers and provides for training and transportation of citizens with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.

Billie Neuhaus, I know best. By no means let her age fool you. She is as clever with wit as she has ever been. She is a lady who wears boots for a reason and not for the fashion. You never have to guess what she is thinking; she will tell you her thoughts.

She has been a strong supporter, a lioness of sorts, to the Fort Bend County Fair. In the early 1960’s she engrossed the responsibility of the annual parade, growing it to a community wide event with over 500 participants. Through the 73 years the fair has been open to the public, Ms Billie along with her family have been a constant fixture of the event. She has sponsored Christian concerts, World champion cowboy rodeo events and purchased a plenitude of show animals from deserving FFA and 4H kids. She sat on the fair board for several years.

She always arrived late to the Fair auction. She was not there for the grand champion front page bidding; rather she helped the kids who made the end of the sale. She wanted to make sure these kids were getting a fair and decent price for their efforts.

Lizz Sansone and May Tape were also honored. I do not have not have the pleasure of knowing the women personally; however the company they keep speaks volumes of the type of people they are. They are trailblazers in their relentless efforts of giving to the community.

These are five reasons why Fort Bend County is a great community to be a part of and involved in.