Success to Significance raises record $410,000 for Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council
Community rallies to raise funds to invest in girl development across 26 counties
September 24, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2026
HOUSTON, Texas – Confidence, inspiration, and generosity took center stage at the Hilton Americas on Tuesday, Sept. 22, as supporters helped Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC) raise a record-breaking $410,000 during its annual Success to Significance luncheon presented by NOV. The funds will help give more girls access to life-changing experiences that develop their courage, confidence, and character in a pressure-free and supportive environment.
The annual luncheon brought together community leaders, donors, volunteers, advocates, and Girl Scout alumnae to celebrate the power of Girl Scouting and the importance of investing in the next generation of women leaders. Throughout the event, speakers underscored the importance of creating spaces where girls can grow, lead, and reach their full potential.
"Girls are resilient, creative, and eager to pursue their dreams," said Mel Underhill, board chair and president of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council. "They simply need peers and adults by their side who serve as cheerleaders, advocates, and guides. We believe girls already have power within; we're here to help them confidently tap into those strengths."
Guests at the NOV sponsor table enjoy the luncheon.
That message resonated throughout the ballroom. Attendees responded with generous support, making this year's luncheon one of the council's most successful fundraising events in recent years. Event co-chairs Cassandra McZeal and Marty Lundstrom thanked donors and sponsors for investing in opportunities that help girls discover their strengths, explore new possibilities, and become tomorrow's leaders.
During the program, Underhill reinforced the importance of making Girl Scouting accessible to all girls. Half of GSSJC members receive financial assistance for membership, uniforms, and program fees, while one-third participate through outreach programs that bring the Girl Scout experience directly to underserved schools, shelters, and juvenile detention centers. GSSJC currently serves more than 39,000 girls and 18,000 volunteers across 26 counties in Southeast Texas.
"Girls today are facing tremendous pressures at home, at school, and online," said Underhill. "Girl Scouts provides a place where they can explore their interests, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we're ensuring that girls from all backgrounds have access to these life-changing experiences."
One of the afternoon's most memorable moments featured four Girl Scouts participating in a panel discussion moderated by Girl Scout 
alumna and GSSJC board member Shavonnah Roberts Schreiber.
Their stories highlighted friendship, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. The girls spoke about opportunities that expanded their horizons and encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones – from United Nations leadership experiences and public speaking opportunities to STEM exploration, community service, and career opportunities.
"When I joined Girl Scouts, I found a place where I belonged," said Girl Scout Autumn E. "The friendships I've made gave me the confidence to try new things, join my school's robotics team, and believe that girls can do anything they set their minds to."
Other panelists shared stories of discovering new career interests, building confidence through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, and finding support during tough times. Together, their experiences illustrated how Girl Scouts equips girls with the skills, confidence, and support network needed to pursue ambitious goals and overcome challenges.
The discussion served as a powerful reminder that leadership is not something girls wait to learn as adults. It begins when they are encouraged to take initiative, use their voices, and believe in their potential.
As the luncheon concluded, attendees left inspired by the girls' stories and energized by the impact their support will have on future generations. Funds raised through the event will help GSSJC continue delivering programs that build courage, confidence, and character while expanding access to leadership opportunities across Southeast Texas.
About Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council
Girl Scouts discover who they are, tap into the power inside them, and build the confidence to shine. Through programs offered across 26 counties in Southeast Texas, girls of all backgrounds and abilities come as they are and create their own paths. Each step becomes part of the journey, and along the way, they explore their passions, develop hands-on skills, and discover the tools they need to lead with joy on their own terms. Girl Scouts discover their strengths in science labs, on hiking trails, at cookie booths, and in front of city councils. Backed by volunteers, mentors, and millions of alumnae, they are part of a lifelong sisterhood of powerful changemakers who are always on their side. The world deserves to see Girl Scouts’ full potential – and girls deserve to experience it. Join as a volunteer, reconnect, or donate at www.gssjc.org.
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Media Contact:
Shivani Parmar
Public Relations Manager
713-292-0372
sparmar@sjgs.org
