SPJST Members from East Texas Help Raise $623 for Czech Center Museum Houston

(Left to right) District 5 Director Bradley Stavinoha, FIC, District 5 Council Chair Dorothy Pflughaupt, Czech Center Museum Executive Director Johana Dickerson, and SPJST President/CEO Brian Vanicek. Photo Courtesy of SPJST

HOUSTON – SPJST members from across East Texas — including Jasper, Newton, Hardin, and Tyler counties — joined fellow District 5 members August 9 for a day of heritage, fellowship, and giving, raising $623 for the Czech Center Museum Houston through a spirited cookie auction.

The event, held at the museum’s San Jacinto Street location in Houston, brought together members from all corners of District 5, which spans 21 counties from San Augustine to Brazoria.

Bakers donated dozens of homemade cookies, with bidding adding up to the final donation total. District 5 Director Bradley Stavinoha also contributed a gift basket featuring meads, honey, and local Czech beers.

“It was really good getting everyone together,” Stavinoha said. “I really liked collaborating with members from other lodges to think up new ideas to better our communities.”

The day included family activities, such as a youth rocket launch won by new member Rod Rojko, and bingo prizes for attendees — including Junior Miss SPJST Kaylee Palmer, who selected a seat cushion “for the days I go to my sister’s games and sit on the benches.”

The Czech Center Museum Houston, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating Czech and Slovak culture, art, and history, will use the funds to support exhibits, educational programs, and community outreach.

“We could not have done this without the generosity of our members,” said SPJST Vice President of Communications Melanie Zavodny. “It’s their continued dedication to SPJST’s mission that keeps us serving our communities, advancing our goals, and preserving our rich heritage and culture.”

Founded in 1897, SPJST is a fraternal benefit society committed to enriching the lives of its members and strengthening communities through fellowship, service, and financial security. More information is available at www.spjst.org. To learn more about the Czech Center Museum Houston, visit www.czechcenter.org.