Every Monday, our My Top 5 series showcases a Houstonian who is helping to craft and shape our city’s culture, character, and impact; and reveals what they do when not hard at work. This week, we’re privileged to feature Treveia McCurdy, who channeled her personal loss of close family members and created Houston Random Acts of Kindness Day, a program that encourages and celebrates the day-to-day generosity of spirit and commitment to being there for people in need. In anticipation of this year’s big event on July 25, 2017, nominations for local heroes and good deed-doers are currently being accepted.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Treveia McCurdy
- Hermann Park – I really look forward to spending time with my family at Hermann Park. While I’m particularly partial to The Houston Zoo, the park offers something for everyone with incredible museums, lots of recreational offerings, lovely gardens and venues like Miller Outdoor Theatre, all in a beautiful, easy to navigate space.
- The Hobby Center for Performing Arts – Houston is blessed with an array of cultural offerings. I’m drawn to art and its many expressions, especially the theatre. In fact, I’ve always wanted to be in a play. The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is a world-class venue and a wonderful place to enjoy shows.
- Kemah – Visitors often don’t realize how close Houston is to the water. A 30-minute drive can feel like a world away in Kemah, especially when you’re relaxing by the lake or bay on a sunny, breezy day. In addition to the Kemah Boardwalk’s various attractions, plus dining and entertainment offerings, there are also fun independent boutiques and restaurants to explore in the city.
- CityCentre – We’re so lucky to have such a diverse and exciting food scene in Houston, and I love trying new cuisines. Given its large concentration of restaurants, ranging from Singaporean to South American and everything in between, West Houston’s CityCentre district is a good choice when you have a lot of palates to please. Many also have great patios facing the central plaza.
- Lending a Hand – Helping people is pivotal to who I am. You never know the impact you can have on someone’s life by putting a smile on their face, especially when they’re having a rough time. We’re fortunate to live in a city as giving as Houston. But while many think that giving equates to money or time, even a simple act of kindness can make a world of difference. If you do want to get officially involved, there are many worthy organizations in town – too many to list them all. However, some of my absolute favorites are Be An Angel, Homerun Hitters International, Upward Bound, Launch Point, Houston Village Foundation, Aspire to Win, and the Kino-Eye Center.
About Treveia McCurdy
With the untimely passing of two young sons and a brother in short succession, Random Act of Kindness (RAK) Day Houston founder Treveia McCurdy thought she had lost everything. But through the compassion of loved ones, her community, and strangers she once again found her footing. In return, she has made it her mission to spread love through random acts of kindness. In 2015, RAK Day officially launched with a City of Houston proclamation. On July 25, 2015, more 1,000 acts of kindness occurred throughout the city as part of the initiative. With support from Royal Sonesta Houston hotel near the Galleria, the Houston Humanitarian Awards were established to recognize local heroes that exemplify kindness by giving back. In anticipation of the upcoming Random Act of Kindness Day on July 25, 2017, all Houstonians are invited to click here and nominate a local humanitarian for recognition at the Houston Humanitarian Awards.
