“Bellaire Roundup” Benefitting Bellaire High Alum with Down syndrome

J.J. Moore, in cowboy hat, with his sister, Kim Winkelmayer, in red shirt, and the owners, chef and staff of The Ivy & James at Evelyn's Park. (Photo: Dorothy Puch Lillig) 

Kick off rodeo season with a Texas-style dinner right here in the neighborhood. Ivy & James owners Edgardo de la Garza and Ivy Zelko have organized the Bellaire Roundup, benefitting Friends of Down Syndrome (FoDS) and Bellaire’s own J.J. Moore.

The dinner is scheduled for Wed., Feb. 21, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Evelyn's Park Conservancy Event Center, next to The Ivy and James, Bellaire. Seating is open, so mosey on over whenever it suits your schedule. But, buy your tickets in advance. Limited tickets will be available at the door and will include a surcharge.

Chef John Kim has planned a delightful family-style menu of beef brisket, country roasted potatoes, and borracho baked beans. A vegetarian option will be available. Village Bakery will serve a boot-shaped cake for the occasion. Allan McPherson will entertain guests with live music throughout the evening. 

100 percent of ticket sales will support teens and adults with Down syndrome, like J.J. a Bellaire High School graduate and now, student at the FoDS Down Syndrome Academy. The Academy is one of only a handful of institutions in the United States that offers a well-rounded curriculum for teens and adults with Down syndrome. J.J. was in the Academy’s inaugural class four years ago, when there were only 14 students. Now the school serves more than 70 students and continues to grow with the help of the community.