In The News

The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala themed “Midnight in the Garden” welcomed over 750 guests at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center Saturday, October 7.

The 18th annual event, co-chaired by Jenny Coyle and Jena McCrann, was dedicated to honoring the 2017 Hometown Heroes and raising essential funds for Interfaith of The Woodlands. This year’s event surpassed all expectations raising $1.3 million for crisis assistance in South Montgomery County.

Upon arrival, guests entered a beautifully lit midnight garden filled with lush green décor and midnight blue and green accents. Jazz music set the tone as attendees enjoyed the silent auction, live entertainment and cocktail reception.

Dr. Debra Sukin, Regional Senior Vice-President and CEO of Houston Methodist, welcomed guests alongside Missy Herndon, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands. Honorary Co-Chairs and Presenting Sponsor, Mrs. Brynn Ballard Huntsman and Mr. Peter Huntsman of Huntsman Corporation, congratulated Missy Herndon and the Interfaith team for their tireless efforts in working to rebuild the community after the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.

Since 1999, Interfaith has been recognizing the 2017 Hometown Heroes. Touching videos filled the screens reflecting their contributions in making a difference in the community and Hometown Heroes were presented with their medals and Congressional Commendations from Congressman Kevin Brady. This year’s recipients were Amy Lecocq, Rob Johnson, Melissa Young, Bob Milner, The Woodlands Christian Academy represented by Julie Ambler, and Cassidy Joined for Hope represented by Judd and Kim Hess.

The event featured a fantastic live and silent auction. The raffle to win a 2018 Audi Q5 donated by Sewell Audi North Houston and Sewell Infiniti North Houston served to be a hot ticket item as well.

It was the video testimonies of the clients served during recent catastrophes that most impacted guests. Their stories of devastating loss, survival, and the role Interfaith of The Woodlands played in getting them back on their feet served as a reminder of the message of the night which was to support Interfaith’s efforts to continue to “Build a more loving and caring community through service.” Interfaith typically serves 1,100 in crisis monthly. Since the floods, the numbers have increased by 278%.

“We live in a community filled with incredible people,” said Herndon. “For 44 years Interfaith has been there to walk alongside those in crisis. Sometimes it is a family hit with medical issues or job loss and other times it is many families affected at once like in the recent floods. No matter the magnitude, we step in to help families rebuild. Being able to offer hope in the midst of devastation is only possible because of the people who give of their time, talents and resources. We are forever grateful to those people.”