Photo Credit: RKM PhotographyNews
Introducing the Woodlands Mahjong Society: Give Back, Build Friendships, and Play Mahjong
Meet The Woodlands locals, Alex Lumpee and Shea Richter, who founded the Woodlands Mahjong Society, a social club with a mission to give back, build friendships, and of course – play Mahjong!
But what is Mahjong? Local Mahjong expert, Courtney of Mahjong Rodeo, shares on her website that “Mahjong is a vintage Chinese game with a rich history. While its exact origins remain a mystery, we do know that it made its way to the USA in the 1920’s, where it quickly captivated players and grew in popularity. Over time, it was standardized by the National Mahjong League (NMJL), which set the rules and guidelines we follow today.”
Woodlands Mahjong Society co-founder Alex Lumpee shared that Mahjong has been popular among Dallas socialites for the past few years and now the Mahjong craze has come to The Woodlands – at local pops, churches, and community centers. Alex and Shea learned how to play from local experts and fell in love with the game. So they asked themselves, “why not create more reasons to play Mahjong and play for a cause?” Thus, the Woodlands Mahjong Society was created. Alex shared, “It’s a fun social thing – to socialize and give back. The Woodlands Mahjong Society creates a community to belong to and opportunities to give back.”
Locals will have their chance to join in on the fun on the Woodlands Mahjong Society’s first event on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Black Walnut Cafe in The Woodlands. The event will benefit The Boys and Girls Country, with all proceeds of each $65 per person ticket going straight to the organization as a donation.
At the event, participants will hear from The Boys & Girls Country to learn about their organization and then it’s time to play! All skill levels welcome – no matter if you’ve never played a game or are a master of Majhong. Courtney with Mahjong Rodeo has generously donated her time and expertise to be on site to help all newbies and anyone else that wants to learn. This means that you do not need to know how to play to sign up and participate! Appetizers will also be served, participate in the raffle for a chance to win prizes, and a cash bar will be available.
The first “Mahjong for a Cause” is sponsored by LOMA Health & Wellness in Tomball. Owners Christina and her husband, Adam, have volunteered with Boys and Girls Country for a few years and are excited to share their stories during the event.
On March 6, participants will also have an opportunity to submit a nonprofit into the nomination bucket for a chance for their favorite nonprofit to be selected for the next event.
Register for the March 6, 2025 “Mahjong for a Cause” event here.
Woodlands Mahjong Society co-founders Alex Lumpee and Shea Richter look forward to the 501c7 social club’s first event, with hopes of hosting bi-monthly or quarterly events in the near future.
Learn more about the Woodlands Mahjong Society and upcoming “Mahjong for a Cause” event on Instagram at instagram.com/woodlandsmahjongsociety.
