Montgomery County, TX, February 23, 2023 – Montgomery County Food Bank’s annual Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala, presented by Woodforest National Bank, was held Saturday, February 11, 2023 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. The premier fundraising event’s proceeds benefit Montgomery County Food Bank and the food insecure children, families and seniors it serves. With the Food Bank’s strong buying and sourcing power, every dollar raised will provide up to four meals for those in need in Montgomery County. With over $585,000 raised, the Gala will help provide up to 2.3 million meals.
The space-themed Gala was titled “One Small Step,” encouraging the community that even one small step of action could make a giant leap in the fight to end hunger. The space theme allowed guests to dress in formal wear or spice up their night’s attire with galactic flair. It was a big hit among the crowd – presenting a fun, celebratory atmosphere while also raising money for a very important cause.
Gala guests pose in their space-themed attireThe Food Bank took its guests on a journey throughout the entire evening. Upon arrival, guests checked in with “mission control” volunteers. Then, entered the “launch pad” where guests could bid on silent auction items, purchase raffle and wine pull tickets, take a photo in the 360 photobooth, and more. The launch pad also featured a NASA experience trailer where guests could touch a real moon rock. Guests then entered “space” through a light tunnel where they enjoyed dinner and the event program. Finally, guests ended the night by “landing on mars” for the after party.
NASA experience trailerPatti Smith, Vice President of Communications for the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority, served as the Gala’s Emcee. Jim and Leigh Ann Carman were the Gala’s Honorary Chairs. Jim is the President of the Houston Region at The Howard Hughes Corporation and member of the Food Bank’s Board of Directors. Leigh Ann is a high school math and science teacher at Connections Academy.
Pictured left to right: Kristine Marlow, Montgomery County Food Bank President & CEO, Leigh Ann Carman, teacher at Connections Academy, and Jim Carman, President of the Houston Region at The Howard Hughes Corporation and member of the Food Bank’s Board of DirectorsThe Food Bank also presented awards to its 2023 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala honorees. Each of the award recipients played a significant role in the Food Bank’s impact in 2022. The honorees include:
- Compassion United, Partner Agency of the Year
- H-E-B, Community Partner Award
- Western Midstream, Volunteer Service Award
Kristine Marlow, Montgomery County Food Bank President & CEO, John McCarthy, Field Representative for Congressman Dan Crenshaw’s Office, and Kelly Holmes, President & CFO of Woodforest National Bank and Chairman of the Montgomery County Food Bank Board of Directors pose with members of the Western Midstream team“Currently, more than 73,000 individuals are facing hunger on a regular basis in Montgomery County, and we are serving more than one million meals each month,” said Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank. “Proceeds from the 2023 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala, will help provide up to 2.3 million meals for our many neighbors in need. An impact not possible without the community’s support. The Food Bank is blessed and humbled by the county’s generosity and giving spirit. Together, we are stronger in the fight against hunger.”
Kristine Marlow, Montgomery County Food Bank President & CEOThe event’s top sponsors included Presenting Sponsor, Woodforest National Bank; Diamond Sponsors, H-E-B, Huntsman Corporation, Southwestern Energy, and Western Midstream; and Platinum Sponsor, The Howard Hughes Corporation.
Pictured left to right: James “Jay” and Karol Dreibelbis – Jay is the President & CEO of Woodforest National Bank and Kristine Marlow, Montgomery County Food Bank President & CEOTo learn more about Montgomery County Food Bank and how you can help fight hunger, visit mcfoodbank.org.
