Houston Charity Challenge Puts Star Pro Athletes, a Celebrity Chef and a TV Host Against Each Other

They’re four of the biggest names in Houston — and they’re going all out in the annual IW Marks Jewelers Love Mom Charity Challenge. The best part? You get to pick the winner (and the worthy charity) by voting.

The 2018 Charity Challenge pits four very notable Houstonians and their charities against each other, but it’s all in good fun. And more importantly, for good causes. Famed chef Chris Shepherd, Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., Houston Texans all-pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins and television host Deborah Duncan are this year’s celebrity charity challenge competitors, and each are participating on behalf of an organization that’s very meaningful to them.

For the past 40 years, IW Marks Jewelers has built its business based on service to the community and the commitment to family. The annual IW Marks Jewelers Love Mom Charity Challenge embodies both, reaching into the community and raising awareness and funds for organizations that do so much throughout Houston.

Shepherd is competing for Southern Smoke, a charity he started that raises funds for public charitable purposes, especially for those in Houston’s food and beverage community. Southern Smoke’s current focus is helping those in the restaurant industry hurt by Hurricane Harvey.

McCullers charity of choice is his namesake Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation, an organization that partners with local rescue groups to raise awareness of Houston’s stray animal population, empty shelters of animals and promote no-kill policies.

Hopkins is throwing his support behind S.M.O.O.T.H., Inc., an organization created by his mother Sabrina Greenlee. S.M.O.O.T.H., Inc. is dedicated to educating and empowering women and children affected by domestic violence.

Duncan is supporting the Santa Maria Hostel, Texas’ largest multi-site residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment center. It’s also one of a very few centers that provides comprehensive continuum for pregnant and parenting women and their children.

The winner of the IW Marks Charity Challenge will be presented with a check for $2,500 for their charity of choice. The challenge ends Saturday, May 12. You can vote below — and come back and vote daily.

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