2021 in photos: Texans navigated COVID-19, weathered power outages and witnessed an increase in border crossings
As 2021 comes to a close, here’s a look back at just some of our favorite images captured by Texas Tribune photographers all over the state — and across the nation — to tell the stories of Texans in a challenging year.
Mattress Mack to send several UH students to Final Four game this weekend
Mattress Mack gives out nearly 20,000 face masks FridayHOUSTON – In true “Mattress Mack” fashion, the business owner will send several University of Houston students to the Final Four game against Baylor this Saturday. Jim McIngvale and Gallery Furniture will also host a Coogs Pep Rally at the Gallery Furniture on North Freeway on Thursday at 11 a.m.During the pep rally, several UH students will win a round-trip charter flight to Indianapolis, tickets to the game and hotel accommodations. The public is welcome to show their Cougar pride in the parking lot of the pep rally. The lucky Final Four trip winners will board a private jet on Friday with the families of the UH coaches to attend the game.
Mattress Mack places $1M NCAA bet on Houston Cougars
Houston personality and business owner Jim McIngvale placed a seven-figure bet on the Houston Cougars. The Gallery Furniture store owner known as “Mattress Mack” booked a late-night flight to Colorado, where he placed $1 million with DraftKings on the Univeristy Houston at 9-1 to win the NCAA Championship. This historic wager would net McIngvale $9 million, and follows his winning $3.46 million Super Bowl bet on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to DraftKings, McIngvale’s bet is one of the largest March Madness wagers on record. I look forward to having skin-in-the-game for the rest of March Madness and seeing these young men compete, especially after the tournament was cancelled last season.”
Mattress Mack to discuss winter storm recovery efforts on ‘Ellen’
HOUSTON – Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres sat down Wednesday to meet with Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale virtually about his efforts to give back to Houstonians during last week’s Texas winter storm, including opening both Gallery Furniture locations as warming shelters. We have a saying here at Gallery Furniture that we have a responsibility for the well-being of the community,” McIngvale said. At the end of his interview, DeGeneres wanted to help his GoFundMe page hit his goal of $50,000 to help winter storm victims. Over 700 Houstonians called Gallery Furniture a place of shelter and over 4,000 meals were delivered thanks to Mattress Mack, DeGeneres said during her show. This wasn’t the first time the Gallery Furniture owner opened his stores to those in need.
Cajun Navy helps Houston residents recovering from winter storm
HOUSTON – There was a steady stream of people pulling up all day Friday picking up supplies. We make that connection,” said Marisa McKimm, a community outreach volunteer with the Cajun Navy. It’s people helping people.””Thanks to all the Texans and Houstonians who have kept the faith in the last five days. Tough times never last, tough Texans do,” said McIngvale. If you would like to donate and register for assistance, visit Cajun Relief.
Here’s how Texans are helping each other throughout the weather crisis
Deloris Sanchez, 56, and Mallissa Lee, 52, sit on a couch while taking shelters at Gallery Furniture store which opened its door and transformed into a warming station after winter weather caused electricity blackouts on Feb. 18, 2021 in Houston. As millions of people struggled to face freezing temperatures while enduring boil water notices and hourslong rolling power outages, Texans have come together to help one another during the weather crisis. “Neighbors helping neighbors cause that’s what we do in Texas,” one viewer wrote. Residents of the Harvest Green community in Richmond also boasted about their neighbors, sharing how there was an outpour of people volunteering, performing house and pipe inspections, and sharing bottled water among other essential items. Who has been your hero throughout the weather crisis?
Massive storms, outages force tough decisions amid pandemic
Making decisions about risks large or small in the pandemic era is fraught enough. But the storms and outages ravaging Texas and other states have added a whole new layer to the process. But the storms and outages that have hit a big swath of the U.S. over the past several days have added a whole new layer of complexity. They’re taking precautions while there, she said, including wearing two face masks each and keeping their distance from other people. Under normal circumstances, the family could stay with neighbors or family, but the pandemic has made that harder.
Gallery Furniture stores are now warming shelters
Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale's Gallery Furniture stores on the North Freeway and along the Grand Parkway will serve as warming centers for those in need. The stores are located at 6006 North Freeway (Houston) and 7227 West Grand Parkway South (Richmond). Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale and Gallery Furniture are offering shelter at Gallery Furniture North Freeway and Gallery Furniture Grand Parkway showrooms for Houstonians who need a warm place to stay and food to eat. With hot food and water to help ride out the storm, Gallery Furniture encourages Houstonians to take extreme caution while navigating the roads to get to the showrooms. He opened the North Freeway location to Hurricane Harvey victims for several days during the city’s major flood event.
chron.comGallery Furniture opens 2 locations as warming shelters
HOUSTON – Gallery Furniture has opened two locations as warming shelters for residents who are still without power more than 24 hours after state-mandated blackouts. People can stay warm, get hot food and water at retailer’s locations at 6006 North Freeway in Houston and 7227 W. Grand Parkway South in Richmond. “We’re here to help the community,” said Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, owner of Gallery Furniture. McIngvale said people should use extreme caution trying to get to the stores. You can find a list of warming centers in the Houston area here.
Mattress Mack reportedly says election payouts are on the way to winning customers of Gallery Furniture promotion
After a monthslong election, Jim McIngvale, otherwise known to Houstonians as “Mattress Mack,” is finally issuing payouts to Gallery Furniture customers who correctly predicted the Democratic party would win the 2020 presidential election. As part of promotional deal, Gallery Furniture owner Mattress Mack offered a 50% refund of a $3,000+ purchase total or 100% of a $3,000+ purchase total back in-store credit to customers who correctly choose the winner of the November election. According to Houston Chronicle, Mattress Mack said checks to winning customers are going out Monday. Following speculation by social media users that payouts were delayed due to concerns about voter fraud, McIngvale explained to the Chronicle that his company looked to avoid recollecting and redistributing prizes saying, “we didn’t want to pay it twice in case there was a flip, although the odds were very small.”
What's Mattress Mack giving away now?
Mattress Mack is at it again. Gallery Furniture's Jim McIngvale will give 30 families a house's worth of furniture, just in time for the holidays. You can nominate someone in need by visiting the Gallery Furniture website. It started in 1983 when he delivered furniture to his north Houston neighbors surrounding the flagship store. Since then, the man has kept the tradition going – especially in this most dire of years.
chron.comMattress Mack converts part of Gallery Furniture into trade school, charter school
HOUSTON – Houston icon Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale has stepped up once again to help our community. On Thursday, Mattress Mack converted part of Gallery Furniture into a trade and a charter school complete with childcare and life coaches. The goal of this program is to help Houstonians get the skills they need to move up in the workforce. If the program, which located at the North Freeway Gallery Furniture, is successful, Mattress Mack said they will consider expanding it to the location in Fort Bend County. Community Health Choice, a nonprofit health insurer headquartered in Houston, is one of McIngvale’s community partners for WorkTexas, providing Life Services coaches and other resources onsite at Gallery Furniture for the new initiative.
LIST: Here is where you can drop off donations for Hurricane Laura survivors in Texas and Louisiana
HOUSTON – By Wednesday evening, employees at Gallery Furniture had packed a second truck of bottled water, diapers, toilet paper and other must-haves filled for those affected by Hurricane Laura in Texas and Louisiana. The North Freeway location serves as a drop-off location for the Houston’s Hurricane Laura Relief Fund. “The products will be on the way to Lake Charles, Cameron and Orange starting tomorrow,” said Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale. Donation sites at the George R. Brown Convention Center and Gallery Furniture will be open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Kroger Stores have collection boxes at each of its locations. George R. Brown Convention CenterGround-level, Hall D off Chartres Street and Walker Street1001 Avenida de las Americas DriveHouston, Texas 77010Gallery Furniture6006 North FreewayHouston, Texas 77076A-Rocket Moving & Storage3401 Corder StreetHouston, TX, 77021Requested supplies
Mattress Mack opens resource center in Fort Bend County to help those searching for employment
Gallery Furniture’s Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale collaborated with Fort Bend County to open the Work Texas Resource Center inside of the Grand Parkway location to help people who are looking for employment.
Help local seniors in need by donating essentials at Houston-area Kroger stores
HOUSTON – We want to tell you about a way you can help local seniors in need. Many in our area are home-bound and can’t travel to the grocery store for food and essentials. Next time you are shopping for groceries at Kroger, buy a few extra items that you can donate. Items they need include bottled water, non-perishable foods and cleaning products. Contact Gallery Furniture for more information, including how you can request a care package for a senior or disabled citizen.
A one-of-a-kind Texan: Things we love about Mattress Mack
Honored and humbled to be at the State of the Union tonight with @RepKevinBrady - representing all of Texas and America! "Gallery Furniture saves you money!" Who can forget that classic line?Mattress Mack first uttered the improvised phrase in his TV commercials in 1983. I reached in my pocket, pulled the money out and said, 'Gallery Furniture will save you money!' Laura McIngvale Brown and Dr. Liz McIngvale have both appeared in Gallery Furniture commercials.However, the McIngvale family has also championed for mental health.
abc13.comHappy birthday, Mattress Mack. Heres everything you need to know about the furniture magnate
Happy birthday, Mattress Mack. Heres everything you need to know about the furniture magnateGallery Furniture's Jim McIngvale better know as Mattress Mack, sings Take Me Out To The Ball Game song Monday, March 26, 2018, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 18 Caption Close Happy birthday, Mattress Mack. Heres everything you need to know about the furniture magnate 1 / 18 Back to GalleryThe years arent rolling back back back back back for Jim Mattress Mack McIngvale, but youd never know that looking at him. See all the things you need to know about Jim Mattress Mack McIngvale in the gallery above.
chron.com'I am now in tremendous pain': Mattress Mack bouncing back after neck surgery
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Mattress Mack is grateful for all the well wishes.The Gallery Furniture owner underwent painful treatments six days ago for neck pain. "Once I leave here, I'm going partying," Mack said. "Mack posted a video of his comments on his Facebook page. "I am now in tremendous pain," Mack said, "The only way to alleviate that pain is for y'all to go buy some furniture. "He's had serious neck pain that started suddenly on Oct. 30.
abc13.comMattress Mack keeps his humor despite recovery from neck procedure
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Mattress Mack is grateful for all the well wishes.The Gallery Furniture owner underwent painful treatments six days ago for neck pain. The Houston icon kept his humor before and during the process. "Mack posted a video of his comments on his Facebook page. "I am now in tremendous pain," Mack said, "The only way to alleviate that pain is for y'all to go buy some furniture. "He's had serious neck pain that started suddenly on Oct. 30.
abc13.comMattress Mack recovering from neck procedure, posts video from hospital bed
Mattress Mack, the owner of Gallery Furniture, is recovering after undergoing a neck procedure. On his Facebook page, McIngvale posted a video of himself before and after the medical procedure. “I’ve had a pain in the neck right up to the World Series, hopefully, this will elevate it,” McIngvale said. In the video, doctors at the Spinal Diagnostic and Treatment Center said the procedure went perfectly. The best way to get better is to buy some furniture today and the pain the neck will go away,” McIngvale said from his bed.
With $3.5 million on the line, Mattress Mack still optimistic Astros will win it all
HOUSTON - Jim Mattress Mack McIngvale is still optimistic the Astros will win Game 5 and advance to the American League Championship Series. The Gallery Furniture owner recently placed a $3.5 million bet in the DraftKings Sportsbook at the Scarlet Pearl Casino in Mississippi that the Astros would win it all. KPRC 2 was the only Houston news station to travel to the state and witness McIngvale make history by placing the largest bet ever in Mississippi's sportsbook history. On Wednesday, Mack told KPRC he is feeling just fine after Tuesday's loss against the Rays. If the Astros win Thursday, they will play the Yankees in the American League Championship Series.
Houston's own "Mattress Mack" shares his secret to success
Fast forward, nearly 40 years later and Gallery Furniture is still providing quality, made in America, furniture and mattresses to Houston-area customers with the promise to "save you money." For owner, Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale, the ability to work and serve other motivates him to come to work each day. He credits much of his success to having a supportive wife and family, wonderful employees and wonderful customers. Remember, buy it today, and Gallery Furniture will deliver it tonight! This article is sponsored by Gallery Furniture.
Houston's own "Mattress Mack" shares his secret to success
It all began with a dream and $5,000. Fast forward, nearly 40 years later and Gallery Furniture is still providing quality, made in America, furniture and mattresses to Houston-area customers with the... Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.
Robbers hold-up bank inside Gallery Furniture, suspects caught after police chase
Robbers hold-up bank inside Gallery Furniture, suspects caught after police chaseThree robbery suspects in masks held up the Woodforest Bank inside Gallery Furniture, but were eventually caught by officers of the Houston Police Department (per reports). Three robbery suspects in masks held up the Woodforest Bank inside Gallery Furniture, but were eventually caught by officers of the Houston Police Department (per reports). Photo: Google Maps Screenshot Photo: Google Maps Screenshot Image 1 of / 39 Caption Close Robbers hold-up bank inside Gallery Furniture, suspects caught after police chase 1 / 39 Back to GalleryThe robbers came inside to check things out at the Gallery Furniture along the North Freeway on Wednesday evening, according to owner Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale. Thirty minutes later they attempted to hold-up the Woodforest Bank inside the store, McIngvale told Chron.com. When he called the Houston Police Department, officers were already almost to the scene.
chron.comGallery Furniture and Astros Foundation teaming up to provide shoes for orphans
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Gallery Furniture and the Astros Foundation need your help collecting new shoes for orphans.The massive shoe drive benefits kids associated with Buckner International.They're expecting to collect thousands of pairs of new athletic shoes through August.Each pair donated will score you a ticket voucher for an Astros game. "The Astros do things in a big way, Buckner does things in a big way, so we're going to, hopefully at Gallery Furniture, collect thousands of pairs of shoes to help kids here in Houston, kids in Texas and kids all over the world," James "Mattress Mack" McIngvale said.People donating shoes and purchasing furniture will also be entered for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to throw out the first pitch at the Astros game on September 6.The shoe drive runs through August 24. They can be dropped off at any Gallery Furniture location.
abc13.comGallery Furniture and Astros Foundation teaming up to provide shoes for orphans
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Gallery Furniture and the Astros Foundation need your help collecting new shoes for orphans.The massive shoe drive benefits kids associated with Buckner International.They're expecting to collect thousands of pairs of new athletic shoes through August.Each pair donated will score you a ticket voucher for an Astros game. "The Astros do things in a big way, Buckner does things in a big way, so we're going to, hopefully at Gallery Furniture, collect thousands of pairs of shoes to help kids here in Houston, kids in Texas and kids all over the world," James "Mattress Mack" McIngvale said.People donating shoes and purchasing furniture will also be entered for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to throw out the first pitch at the Astros game on September 6.The shoe drive runs through August 24. They can be dropped off at any Gallery Furniture location.
abc13.comGallery Furniture and Astros Foundation teaming up to provide shoes for orphans
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Gallery Furniture and the Astros Foundation need your help collecting new shoes for orphans.The massive shoe drive benefits kids associated with Buckner International.They're expecting to collect thousands of pairs of new athletic shoes through August.Each pair donated will score you a ticket voucher for an Astros game. "The Astros do things in a big way, Buckner does things in a big way, so we're going to, hopefully at Gallery Furniture, collect thousands of pairs of shoes to help kids here in Houston, kids in Texas and kids all over the world," James "Mattress Mack" McIngvale said.People donating shoes and purchasing furniture will also be entered for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to throw out the first pitch at the Astros game on September 6.The shoe drive runs through August 24. They can be dropped off at any Gallery Furniture location.
abc13.com'Mattress Mack' love: See heartwarming messages Houston shared after furniture icon's health scare
Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale in the hospital on June 25, 2019, after a stroke scare. HOUSTON - Jim Mattress Mack McIngvale, owner of Gallery Furniture, admitted himself to a hospital this week after experiencing symptoms of a ministroke or heart attack. Houston and beyond shared an outpouring of support for the furniture icon known for his commercials and philanthropic efforts on social media. Posted by Jim Mcingvale on Tuesday, June 25, 2019Send Jim Mcingvale messages of support at 281-844-1963! Houston loves you, Jim McIngvale.
From hospital, Mattress Mack says he had 'stroke scare'
EMBED >More News Videos For the second year in a row hundreds of kids filled Gallery Furniture's flagship location off the North Freeway, ready to dance the evening away. EMBED >More News Videos Mattress Mack will be reuniting with Harvey victims who used his store as shelter. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston philanthropist and the iconic owner of Gallery Furniture, "Mattress Mack" Jim McIngvale , says he is being kept overnight at the hospital after a stroke scare.McIngvale revealed the health scare Tuesday afternoon through a Facebook Live stream on his official page, filmed inside an exam room at St. Luke's Hospital.The business owner explained that he had tingling in his arm, leg and face, but, in true Mack style, his voice felt normal.Over the 23-minute stream, Mack took questions and well-wishes from Facebook users. Mack asked for prayers over the treatment, while also talking about the current specials at Gallery.Mack mentioned his past contributions to stroke health, including financing a mobile stroke unit housed at UTHealth in the Texas Medical Center.McIngvale is 68 years old, already celebrated as a fixture for good in the Houston community.His flagship store in north Houston again hosted the annual Autism Prom.Mack also received a great deal of credit in the wake of the Hurricane Harvey disaster. His showrooms housed families stranded by the storm.
abc13.comJim 'Mattress Mack' McIngvale reportedly has 'ministroke'
Jim 'Mattress Mack' McIngvale reportedly has 'ministroke'"Please watch with the sound on! Please watch with the sound, please pray for Mack and anyone else in need of healing and leave your comments of support below!" Please watch with the sound, please ... more Photo: Jim McIngvale/Facebook Photo: Jim McIngvale/Facebook Image 1 of / 23 Caption Close Jim 'Mattress Mack' McIngvale reportedly has 'ministroke' 1 / 23 Back to GalleryA beloved Houston entrepreneur and philanthropist is in the hospital for a possible transient ischemic attack, also known as a ministroke. Jim 'Mattress Mack' McIngvale, the owner of Gallery Furniture, took to social media Tuesday to report on his health via a Facebook Live stream from an exam room at CHI St. Luke's Hospital at Texas Medical Center. See above for more on Jim 'Mattress Mack' McIngvale.
chron.comKPRC2 builds again: Work to begin on sixth Habitat for Humanity Houston home
KPRC 2 about to start putting up the walls for a new Houston Habitat for Humanity home. (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1version=v3.2'; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));OUR 6th HOME! We're building another house with Houston Habitat for Humanity beginning Tuesday! Be sure to watch as your... Posted by KPRC2 / Click2Houston on Monday, January 7, 2019The build started bright and early at 6 a.m. Tuesday. For more information about how to volunteer with Houston Habitat for Humanity or apply, go to houstonhabitat.org.