Montgomery County, TX, February 12, 2025 – Montgomery County Food Bank’s annual Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala, presented by Huntsman Corporation, was held Saturday, February 8, 2025, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. The premier fundraising event’s proceeds will benefit Montgomery County Food Bank and the thousands of children, families, and seniors it serves. The event was a resounding success in uniting the community to address the needs of those facing hunger. Proceeds from the gala will provide more than 2 million meals to be distributed from the Food Bank’s network of 90+ partner agencies throughout Montgomery County.
The themed Gala was titled “A Ruby Celebration,” drawing inspiration from the ruby – in commemoration of its 40th anniversary – to celebrate Montgomery County Food Bank’s inspiring four-decade journey. Guests fully embraced the vibrant theme, adorning stunning ruby-red attire that led to a dazzling atmosphere within the Marriott’s Town Center Ballroom.
Dr. Stephen Popp, Head of School at The John Cooper School and Montgomery County Food Bank Board Member (far left), and his wife Amy enjoy the gala alongside Jim Carman, President of the Houston Region for Howard Hughes and Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Food Bank Board of Directors (second from right), and his wife Leigh Ann.
Guests were invited to engage with interactive displays designed to showcase the vital work of Montgomery County Food Bank. From its humble beginnings – distributing food from the trunk of founder Betty Hardy’s car – to the exciting 18,000-square foot “Build Today, Feed Tomorrow” expansion project, the evening was infused with a spirit of excitement and generosity. Attendees also enjoyed bidding on exclusive silent auction items, capturing memories at the Mirror photobooth, an energetic live auction and connecting with fellow community members who share a passion for fighting hunger in Montgomery County.
Interactive displays at the Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala provided insightful glimpses into the profound impact and history of Montgomery County Food Bank.
Montgomery County Food Bank also presented awards to its 2025 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala honorees. Each of the award recipients played a significant role in the Food Bank’s impact in 2024. The honorees include:
- Brighter Future Award, Conroe Independent School District
- Building Hope Award, Howard Hughes
- Partner Agency of the Year, Mission Northeast
- Volunteer of the Year, Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Legacy Award to founder Betty Hardy, whose vision and dedication 40 years ago laid the foundation for the millions of meals now distributed across Montgomery County every year.
The 2025 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala was facilitated by an outstanding team of community supporters. Justin Kendrick is the Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center & Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital and served as the Gala’s Honorary Chair. Angela Storseth-Cooper is the Senior Director of Government Relations with the US Oncology Network-McKesson and supported the event as the Gala Chair.
Attendees also heard from Reverend Mark Sorensen, Senior Pastor of The Woodlands Methodist Church and Montgomery County Food Bank Board Director, who provided the welcome and invocation for the evening, as well as remarks by Jim Wolf, Montgomery County Food Bank Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Kristine Marlow, President & CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank.
(Left) Reverend Mark Sorensen welcomes guests to the 2025 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala
(Top Right) Angela Storseth-Cooper and Justin Kendrick are recognized by Kristine Marlow for their exemplary work as Gala Chair and Gala Honorary Chair
(Bottom Right) Members of the Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum celebrate their 2025 Volunteer of the Year award with President Amy Terry (front row, second from the left).
Owner of Quality Home Products of Texas and Montgomery County Food Bank Advisory Council Member, Bill McGraw (far right), poses with his family at the 2025 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala.
“The 2025 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala was a remarkable evening—bringing our community together to celebrate the rich history and lasting legacy of Montgomery County Food Bank,” said Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank. “Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our supporters, this year’s Gala raised a record-breaking amount, ensuring we can continue providing critical food assistance to children, families, and seniors facing hunger across Montgomery County. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Montgomery County where no one faces hunger alone.”
Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank, expresses her heartfelt gratitude and excitement following an extraordinary outpouring of generosity during the Support-A-Need paddle call.
The event’s top sponsors included Presenting Sponsor, Huntsman Corporation, and Platinum Sponsors, ExxonMobil, H-E-B, and Howard Hughes. The event also featured a lively Support-A-Need paddle call that Quality Home Products of Texas and a group of anonymous supporters generously matched.
To learn more about Montgomery County Food Bank and how you can help fight hunger, visit mcfoodbank.org.
ABOUT MONTGOMERY COUNTY FOOD BANK
Montgomery County Food Bank is a nonprofit hunger relief organization dedicated to uniting the community to fight hunger. Montgomery County Food Bank provides meals to families, seniors and children who lack access to wholesome nourishing food through a network of 90+ partner agencies, local school districts and community partners. Through partnerships with local retailers and wholesalers, Montgomery County Food Bank receives and purposefully distributes donated and surplus food. True to its mission, Montgomery County Food Bank works alongside volunteers, corporate and community partners, and nonprofit agencies to build a community where everyone has access to sufficient, nutritious food.
Montgomery County Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, affiliate of Houston Food Bank, and member of Feeding Texas and Feeding America.
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