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INN Bloom 2026: A Luncheon for Change

The Samaritan Inn is gearing up for its annual charity event, INN Bloom 2026: Seeds of Change, set for April 17, 2026, at the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel. This noteworthy luncheon aims to unite community leaders, corporate allies, and advocates to shed light on the pressing issues of homelessness in North Texas.

A Theme of Transformation

The theme for this year's luncheon, Seeds of Change, encapsulates The Samaritan Inn's mission: to foster meaningful transformations through small, deliberate acts of generosity. Each meal served, each counseling session offered, and every dollar invested contributes to planting seeds of stability, healing, and eventual independence for families navigating challenging circumstances.

Special Guest: Michael Oher

The event will feature Michael Oher, a Super Bowl Champion and philanthropist known for his inspiring journey from homelessness to the NFL, as the keynote speaker. Oher, also the founder of the Oher Foundation, represents the essence of the Seeds of Change theme. His life story mirrors the incredible outcomes achievable when opportunity aligns with perseverance and community engagement. Adding to the event's dynamic, Gina Miller, an award-winning sports media executive and the Chief Communications Officer for the Dallas Mavericks, will serve as emcee.

Event Schedule

• - 10:00 AM – VIP Check-In & Raffle Preview
• - 10:15 AM – General Attendee Check-In & Raffle Preview
• - 10:30 AM – VIP Meet & Greet

    A select number of VIP guests will enjoy a curated pre-event experience, engaging in a private conversation with Michael Oher, capturing personal photos, and participating in inspiring activities designed to foster connections.

• - 11:30 AM – Luncheon Commences

  After the program concludes, attendees can partake in further discussions at a coffee and dessert bar.

Kellie Maynard, Chief Development Officer, aptly states, "INN Bloom goes beyond simply being a luncheon; it represents a return to the foundational roots of The Samaritan Inn. For over 42 years, our community has been nurturing seeds of hope, characterized by generosity and unwavering support. This backing has empowered us to evolve in response to growing community needs, and we rely on our partners to continue this mission for the future."

Addressing Growing Needs

In the past year, The Samaritan Inn has observed a substantial increase in community need:

• - Over 550 individuals received shelter.
• - 73,000 nights of shelter were provided.
• - Over 104,000 meals and snacks were served.

These rising figures highlight the urgent need for ongoing community investment in support of homeless families.

Proceeds from the INN Bloom 2026 luncheon will directly bolster The Samaritan Inn’s diverse programs. These encompass comprehensive services such as holistic case management, career development, financial literacy education, parenting classes, counseling services, and initiatives aimed at combating food insecurity.

A pivotal aspect of their service offerings is a free grocery-style food pantry that ensures families have stable access to nutritious meals, consequently allowing them to concentrate on employment, education, and long-term self-sufficiency.

Community Contribution

The realization of INN Bloom 2026 is made possible by the generosity of many local sponsors, including:

• - Presenting Sponsors: Pam & Larry Little
• - Garden Sponsor: SRS Raise the Roof Foundation
• - Spotlight in Bloom Sponsor: Credit Union of Texas

Additional sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available through their official link. Those interested can learn more about the event and how to contribute by visiting The Samaritan Inn's website.

About The Samaritan Inn

The Samaritan Inn stands as the largest homeless program in Collin County, Texas, offering extensive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Uniquely, it remains the sole shelter in the county that accommodates pets, thus ensuring that families can remain united during challenging times. The organization provides not only shelter but also job placement assistance, counseling, life-skills training, and nutritional support—all aimed at restoring dignity and enabling lasting independence in affected families.

For more information, please reach out to Minerva Bediako at 972-542-5302 or through email.