ReGenerate Luncheon

Blackwood Educational Land Institute Annual Appeal Luncheon

Thursday, October 22, 2026
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

POST Houston
401 Franklin Street
Houston, Texas, 77004

Please join us in celebrating this important, REGENIFIED-certified, 21st century farm. We hope you'll consider supporting this event.

Honoree

Joy Warren’s life has been guided by a deep belief that the places we nurture ultimately shape the lives we lead. From an early career in finance and accounting to decades of quiet leadership in philanthropy, conservation, and community-building, she has consistently invested in people, land, and institutions that help communities flourish. A longtime advocate for environmental stewardship and healthy landscapes, Joy has supported efforts that make Houston more beautiful, resilient, and connected. Her influence is often felt more than seen—through the gardens planted, organizations strengthened, and opportunities created for future generations. Through her generosity, vision, and behind-the-scenes leadership, Joy has helped create a more beautiful, resilient, and connected Houston, making her a fitting honoree for Blackwood Educational Land Institute’s 2026 ReGenerate Luncheon.

Guest Speaker

R. W. "Mister" McKinney is a Houston historian, educator, preservation advocate, and public speaker dedicated to bringing the city's rich history to life. Through Mister McKinney's Historic Houston, he has spent decades connecting people of all ages with Houston's neighborhoods, architecture, cultural heritage, and the stories that shaped the nation's fourth-largest city.

Known for his engaging storytelling and deep knowledge of local history, McKinney has educated thousands of students, residents, visitors, and community organizations through guided tours, classroom programs, lectures, and public events. His signature Houston History Bus serves as a mobile classroom, offering immersive tours that explore Houston's historic districts, landmarks, and diverse communities.

Since 2008, McKinney has been a resident historian on Great Day Houston on KHOU 11, where he shares historical insights and highlights the people, places, and events that have defined Houston. His work has also included partnerships with schools, museums, historical societies, preservation organizations, and civic groups throughout the region.

A passionate advocate for preserving Houston's historic legacy, McKinney has served in leadership and volunteer roles with numerous local historical organizations and has been recognized for his commitment to public history, education, and community engagement.

Through every presentation, tour, and conversation, Mister McKinney inspires audiences to see Houston not only as a modern global city, but as a community with a remarkable and enduring story worth preserving for future generations.

REGENERATE CO-CHAIR

[Co-Chair Name — TBD]

HOST COMMITTEE

• Marlin Murdoch
• Gemma Chuk
• Anna Chuk
• Karen & Harvey Newton
• Jennifer Touchet
• Joy Warren
• Jeff Kaplan
• Justin Rockman
• Megan Parks
• Sheila Blake
• Jackie Hansen
• Carolyn & Gabriel Lopez
• M.A. Reed

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Soil Stewards — Table of Ten (10 Seats)$20,000

Land Regenerators — Table of Ten (10 Seats) $10,000

Watershed Guardians — Table of Ten (10 Seats) $5,000

Root Keepers — Table of Ten (10 Seats) $2,000

Visionary Partners — Individual VIP Ticket $1,000

Friends of the Farm — Individual Ticket $200

For corporate sponsorship information, contact: info@blackwoodland.org

You may sponsor, purchase a ticket, or make a donation by selecting the link below.

Support ReGenerate

INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS

• Coming soon...

CORPORATE SPONSORS

• Coming soon...

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Paula Finley
• Jeff Kaplan
• Laverne Williams
• Justin Rahman
• Catherine Delano
• Sheila Blake
• Megan Parks

STAFF

• Andrew Witt
• Sam Cummings
• Bee Nixon
• Cade Conlon
• Sarah Yashinskie
• Sarah Weisfeld
• August Stubler
• Kim McCorkle
• Kimberly Meeks
• Brian Russell
• Hayley Guerra
• Ana Owens
• Consula Uresti

FOUNDER

Cath Conlon
‍Founder & Director, Blackwood Educational Land Institute

Thank you for all you do to ensure we succeed in our mission.