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GIVING GOES GLAM ANNOUNCES 2021 EVENT

THE WOODLANDS, TX (July 29, 2021) — Interfaith of The Woodlands and Junior League of The Woodlands are thrilled to announce the return of Giving Goes Glam, a Fashion Show and Luncheon, on Friday, August 27, 2021. Presenting Sponsor St. Luke’s Health and Exclusive Automotive Sponsor, SEWELL Automotive Companies, are joined by dozens of other generous businesses and individuals who make this event possible year after year. Guests to the event will enjoy a New York–style runway show highlighting the latest fashion trends by Saks Fifth Avenue, styled by renowned Houston fashion event producer, Lenny Matuszewski and Senior Fashion Stylist, Tamara Klosz Bonar.

 

Special highlights of the show are the 12 community models, each celebrated for their exemplary volunteerism and service on behalf of Interfaith and Junior League. Jennifer Bulovas, Carol Durkee, Alison Judge, Michelle Little, Chad Miller, Kathryne Pruitt, Katie Schonert, Brooke Schmitt, Mike Seder, Lonny Soza, Rikki Speck and Blake Wilcox will be honored for their long-standing commitment to various philanthropic activities throughout the region.

Along with their planning committee, event co-chairs, Erin Doré and Brianna Masterson, are looking forward to bringing the community back together after an especially challenging 18 months. The perfect combination of fashion and philanthropy, Giving Goes Glam proceeds benefit the missions of both organizations, providing programs and services for the North Harris and South Montgomery County communities.

“In a year when everything felt different, the strength and dedication of Junior League of The Woodlands remained constant to motivate, inspire, and going all in with recruiting, engagement, and raising vital funds to assist our community partners. The League is so grateful for the support of both our Members and community and look forward to recognizing those who have done so much to bring our Mission to life,” adds Jennifer Sheehan, Junior League of The Woodlands Immediate Past President.

Missy Herndon, President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands shares, “Giving Goes Glam has been a marquee event in The Woodlands since 2012, and like most all social events, was not held in 2020. This year’s event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate with gratitude the incredible community spirit that surrounds Interfaith as we continue to feed our neighbors and keep families in their homes. We are tremendously grateful for the support from our generous volunteers, friends and neighbors and the impact this event continues to have on our neighbors in need.”

For sponsorship opportunities, guest tickets or more event details, please visit givinggoesglam.org or contact Carolyn Donovan, Interfaith of The Woodlands’ Director of Development, at development@woodlandsinterfaith.org or 832-615-8225.

The Woodlands “hometown” social service organization, Interfaith of The Woodlands, continues its tradition of helping our neighbors in need through extensive programs, services, and projects directly developed out of community need. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services or to become a volunteer, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

Junior League of The Woodlands is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For information on Junior League of The Woodlands, please visit jlthewoodlands.org or call 281-376-5754.

WASTE CONNECTIONS GOLF CLASSIC FOR KIDS DONATES $100,000 TO HELP FUND PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN

THE WOODLANDS, TX – (June 9, 2021) Interfaith of The Woodlands is a grateful beneficiary of the 13th
annual Waste Connections Golf Classic for Kids, receiving $100,000 to fund basic needs assistance
services for children and families in South Montgomery County. The gift comes to Interfaith of The Woodlands during a time of expected high community need, as families continue to rebuild after the winter storm, recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and enter the summer months.

“Summer is a challenge as many families with children struggle to provide daily meals, snacks and
supervised care when students are not in school. This generous gift from Waste Connections will help
feed food-insecure families and keep them in their homes with rent/mortgage and utility payment
assistance. These funds will also support the Kits 4 Kidz School Supplies Assistance Program providing
supplies and backpacks for the new school year and support Interfaith’s weekend nutrition program for
students when they return to the classroom. We are deeply grateful for Waste Connections’ continued
support of our goal to support families in need in our community,” shared Missy Herndon, President &
CEO, Interfaith of The Woodlands.

Interfaith’s Kits 4 Kidz School Supplies Assistance Program recently kicked off its community drives,
collecting supplies and backpacks to prepare to support more than 2,000 students as they return to
school in August. The Interfaith Food Pantry Program continues to support over 500 local families each
month with groceries to make 4-6 meals, toiletries, paper goods, cleaning products, baby care items
and produce from the Veggie Villages.

“For the past 13 years, our vendors, employees and volunteers have united together in support of this
event, raising critical funds for dozens of worthwhile organizations. We are truly grateful for their
continued generosity and humbled by the positive impact on the lives of so many children and families
throughout Montgomery County because of this Tournament,” shared Michelle Little, Executive
Director with Waste Connections.

About Waste Connections:
Waste Connections is an integrated solid waste services company that provides non-hazardous waste
collection, transfer and disposal services, along with resource recovery primarily through recycling
and renewable fuels generation. The Company serves more than seven million residential,
commercial and industrial customers in mostly exclusive and secondary markets across 43 states in
the U.S. and six provinces in Canada. Waste Connections also provides non-hazardous oilfield waste
treatment, recovery and disposal services in several basins across the U.S., as well as intermodal
services for the movement of cargo and solid waste containers in the Pacific Northwest. For more
information, visit Waste Connections at www.wasteconnections.com.

About Interfaith of The Woodlands:
Interfaith of The Woodlands is a non-profit social service agency providing numerous programs and
services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and surrounding area. For more information on
Interfaith’s programs and services, or to become a volunteer, please visit: woodlandsinterfaith.org or
call 281-367-1230.

THE WOODLANDS CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE GALA IS SET FOR OCTOBER AND NOW ACCEPTING HOMETOWN HERO NOMINATIONS

THE WOODLANDS, TX (Thursday, April 29, 2021) – The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala will be held on Saturday, October 2nd at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. After a difficult year, the Gala returns to honor our Hometown Heroes and recognize the contribution by so many that has made The Woodlands the vibrant community it is today. The event was created in 1999 in conjunction with The Woodlands’ 25th Anniversary where Mr. George P. Mitchell inducted the first class of Hometown Heroes. Since that time, 139 individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations have received the honor. “The Woodlands has been blessed with dynamic visionaries who have not only contributed to its economic development, but who have also given much of their time in service to others,” remarked Missy Herndon, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands. “The past twelve months have created numerous challenges for so many; and as result, Interfaith has served a record numbers of individuals and families who are facing unemployment for the first time in their lives. Through the generosity of this community, each client has received the help they needed and the encouragement to begin a new journey. Through all of the difficulties, we have witnessed acts of kindness each and every day, making this year’s Gala a fitting tribute to our tight knit community.” Together with Interfaith’s Board of Directors, led by Chair William H. Murphy, Gala Co-Chairs DeAnn Guidry and Nicole Murphy are planning a heartfelt evening, celebrating the newest Hometown Heroes, and honoring the compassion the South Montgomery County has shown to its neighbors throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

Hometown Hero nominations are open through 5:00 pm on Monday, May 31st. The nomination form, along with The Celebration of Excellence Gala details, can be found at hometownheroesgala.org.  Nominations can be submitted online, digitally to nominations@woodlandsinterfaith.org or mailed to Hometown Hero Selection Committee, c/o Interfaith of The Woodlands, 4242 Interfaith Way, The Woodlands, TX  77381. Questions on nominations or the Gala can be directed to Carolyn Donovan, Director of Development, at development@woodlandsinterfaith.org or 832-615-8225.


Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and surrounding area. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services or to become a volunteer, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

WINTER STORM RECOVERY EFFORTS

 

As we look to open our doors tomorrow morning, we know that many of our neighbors are rebuilding after last week’s Arctic Blast.

This is a devastating situation for anyone, but even more so for our neighbors who live paycheck to paycheck. In addition to their usual first of the month expenses, affected individuals and families are facing their insurance deductible and mounting costs to replace damaged items. With your help, Interfaith will be able to bridge the gap by offering:

Financial Assistance for Rent, Mortgage or Utility Payments
Food Pantry Distribution
Grocery Store and Gasoline Gift Cards
Vouchers to our Hand Me Up Shop for Clothing and Housewares

Interfaith of The Woodlands is also working with United Way of Greater Houston, who has activated MCCARES, the Montgomery County long-term recovery group, providing additional resources to those in need. Additionally, the Interfaith team has continued their weekly wellness calls and grocery delivery for Senior Adults, ensuring they have everything they need during this time. Many in this group are still homebound, awaiting a complete COVID-19 vaccination.

For nearly 50 years, Interfaith of The Woodlands has served the South Montgomery County community through times of personal crisis, natural disasters, and economic downturns, because of the generosity of local businesses and residents. Thank you for always answering our call for help, preventing your neighbors from facing food insecurity or homelessness.

You can continue this legacy of service by using the link  to make a financial donation, or bringing a donation for the Food Pantry during 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Click here for the list of Food Pantry items needed.

If you, or someone you know, is struggling from the storm’s impact, please contact Interfaith at fs@woodlandsinterfaith.org or 281-367-1230.

As your Hometown Non-Profit for nearly 50 years, we stand ready to serve.

With much gratitude,

Missy Herndon
President & CEO, Interfaith of The Woodlands

INTERFAITH OF THE WOODLANDS LAUNCHES RECOVERY RESPONSE TO WINTER STORM DISASTER

THE WOODLANDS, TX (February 19, 2021) – Interfaith of The Woodlands, The Woodlands Hometown nonprofit, launched its disaster response to assist neighbors affected by the record-breaking winter storm that polarized Montgomery County this past week.

Interfaith opened its doors yesterday to assist neighbors with food, grocery gift cards and gas cards. Families will continue to be served Monday – Friday, 9am to 4pm by curbside and by drive through Food Distribution Wednesdays from 9am – 1pm at 4242 Interfaith Way.

Families and individuals suffering loss through the storm may apply for crisis assistance, including rent/mortgage and utility assistance, gas cards, clothing vouchers and prescription assistance by emailing fs@woodlandsinterfaith.org or by calling 281-367-1230 during office hours, Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm.

Missy Herndon, President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, shared, “As we approach the end of the month, we anticipate a high volume of residents that will seek assistance not only for basic needs, but for rent, mortgage and utilities as they face the mounting insurance deductibles and replacing items lost to water or fire damage. For the past 47 years, our goal has been to help neighbors in crisis and we will continue our efforts to meet the needs of those experiencing difficulties during this challenging time.”

Interfaith’s Senior Services team continues to make wellness calls to check on senior neighbors affected by power outages. Additionally, Senior Grocery Delivery is ongoing as needed for vulnerable neighbors.

Interfaith is in need of non-perishable food and monetary donations. Food donations can be delivered to Interfaith at 4242 Interfaith Way beginning Monday, February 22, during regular office hours. Monetary donations can be made online: Woodlandsinterfaith.org.

Herndon shared, “I am always amazed by our community. From hurricanes, floods, fires, the COVID-19 pandemic and now a historic Arctic storm; we come together to help fellow neighbors and help Interfaith continue our very worthy mission of building a more loving and caring community through service.”

About Interfaith of The Woodlands: Interfaith of The Woodlands is a non-profit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and surrounding area. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services, or to become a volunteer, please visit: https://woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

Interfaith of The Woodlands Announces New Board of Directors

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Interfaith of The Woodlands announces new Board of Directors, Board Chair and Interfaith Young Professionals Board. William H. Murphy is serving as Interfaith of The Woodlands Board Chair for 2021-2022 and recently appointed Jim Carman, Justin Kendrick, and Tony Torres to the Interfaith Board at the annual board retreat in January.

“We are so fortunate to have an incredible Board of Directors for both Interfaith of The Woodlands and Interfaith Young Professionals that support Interfaith in every way by actively supporting Interfaith with their service, leadership and guidance,” said Missy Herndon, President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands.

Ian Ramirez, President of Interfaith Young Professional’s Board of Directors is serving along with Will Warren – Vice President, Brittany Brewer – Secretary, Terri Arora – Membership Chair, Ciana Cortez –  Events Chair and Ashley Byers, Immediate Past President.

Outgoing board members were recognized for their past service with appreciation to Josh Urban, 2020 Interfaith Board Chairman and Ashley Byers, 2020 Interfaith Young Professionals President. “We are grateful for Josh Urban’s guidance and leadership this past year on Interfaith’s Board of Directors that contributed to Interfaith’s success,” said William H. Murphy, 2021 Chairman, Interfaith of The Woodlands Board of Directors. Herndon shared, “Ashley Byers was also thanked for her dedication to Interfaith Young Professionals and leading the group in 2020.”

“Interfaith of The Woodlands has been the heart of this community for more than 47 years. We have outstanding leadership and look forward to continuing to strengthen relations between our member congregations, corporations and civic groups and further Interfaith’s mission of building a more loving and caring community through service,” shared Murphy.

About Interfaith of The Woodlands:
Interfaith of The Woodlands is a non-profit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and surrounding area since 1973. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services, or to become a volunteer, please visit: https://woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

About Interfaith Young Professionals:

Interfaith Young Professonals (IYP) is a membership-based group created to educate, motivate and cultivate the next generation of volunteers. It is a professional organization focused on service with opportunities for leadership, social events, seminars and more. For more information or to join Interfaith Young Professionals, please email iyp@woodlandsinterfaith.org.

INTERFAITH ANNOUNCES INCREASED NEED FOR FOOD, TOYS AND GIFT CARDS TO HELP NEIGHBORS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

THE WOODLANDS (November 19, 2020) – Interfaith of The Woodlands, serving the human needs of South Montgomery County since 1973, has seen record increases in food distribution since the global pandemic hit our county in mid-March. Since that time, Interfaith has seen a 100% increase in all programs including food pantry programs and crisis assistance. The organization began Holiday GIVING program registrations for both families and Seniors, and anticipates serving over 7,000 individuals including children and senior adults in the coming weeks.

Year-to-date, Interfaith has served 23.114 individuals, over 115,570 meals by weekly curbside distribution and provided financial assistance to 17,961 individuals. Additionally, Interfaith has delivered groceries and provided weekly wellness calls to 2,965 local Seniors.

Interfaith’s annual Holiday GIVING program will include Food Assistance, Holiday Toy Drive and Gifts for Seniors to provide families, children and Seniors with gifts and food to make their Holiday season special.

“The needs are great every year, but this year, we continue to see more families lacking the basic needs of food, shelter and clothing as the global pandemic continues to provide financial uncertainty for so many of our neighbors who were already struggling,” said Missy Herndon, President and CEO, Interfaith of The Woodlands. “With the continued help and support of our community, we can maintain our core value of never saying no and helping bring holiday cheer to every person who requests help this holiday season.”

Interfaith Family Services provides holiday gifts to families through their Holiday Toy Drive and Distribution, a program in which the community comes together to donate new toys and gift cards for children and teens. Families requesting assistance in Interfaith’s service area will be able to choose gifts for their children from a variety of donated toys. This year, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, gifts will be collected and distributed by appointment at the South County Community Center, December 7 – 18. This is a wonderful opportunity for families in need to ensure their children will receive gifts this holiday season. Businesses or organizations interested in holding a toy or gift card drive, contact Sarah Thomas, sthomas@woodlandsinterfaith.org, for help facilitating the collection and drop off of these items. Gifts and gift cards are due to Interfaith by 12:00 pm on Friday, December 4th. Another option this year is to shop the Interfaith Amazon Wish List, an easy way to donate: bit.ly/InterfaithHolidayToyDrive and gifts are shipped directly to Interfaith.

Interfaith Senior Services provides holiday gifts for senior adults, 62 and older though the Gifts for Seniors Program. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gifts for Seniors holiday gift cards will be mailed to ensure safety for our senior neighbors. Senior holiday parties and festivities will be mobile and drive-thru this holiday season. To provide a gift for a local senior neighbor this holiday season, please contact Holly Mayer, hmayer@woodlandsinterfaith.org and a list of suggested gift ideas will be provided. Gifts are due to Interfaith by 12:00 pm Tuesday, December 1st.

Each family receiving Holiday assistance is also given food pantry staples and holiday foods to prepare a traditional Holiday Meal with Food Pantry Assistance. Organize a food drive and collect non-perishable items to fill Interfaith’s pantry shelves. This is a wonderful time to collect holiday food items. Please contact Ana Hardy, ahardy@woodlandsinterfaith.org for assistance with setting up a holiday food drive.

About Interfaith of The Woodlands:

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a non-profit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and surrounding area. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services, or to become a volunteer, please visit: https://woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281- 367-1230.

About Interfaith Holiday GIVING: To submit a request for assistance, email: holiday@woodlandsinterfaith.org. Please include the following in your email: Your name, current address and phone number. Visit https://woodlandsinterfaith.org/holidaygiving/ to learn more about Interfaith Holiday GIVING and if you would like to donate to support these Holiday GIVING Programs, please visit: bit.ly/InterfaithHoliday

 

 

INTERFAITH OF THE WOODLANDS PRESENTS 2020 COMMUNITY HERO AWARDS TO LOCAL HOSPITALS IN SOUTH MONTGOMERY COUNTY

THE WOODLANDS, TX (November 16, 2020) – As our county continues the ongoing battle against the global pandemic of Coronavirus, Interfaith of The Woodlands shifted its annual Hometown Hero Awards to focus on our local Community Heroes for 2020, honoring healthcare workers and administration from Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, St. Luke’s Health, Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center The Woodlands for their bravery, sacrifice and service to keeping our community healthy and safe.

The 2020 Community Hero Awards were presented by Josh Urban, Interfaith of The Woodlands Board Chair, Congressman Kevin Brady and Missy Herndon, Interfaith President and CEO. Congressman Kevin Brady shared with each hospital his gratitude for everything they do each day to care for our community by selflessly giving to others, caring for the sick, welcoming new life into the world and supporting families during difficult times. Brady said he was proud of their efforts in responding to COVID-19 and as a token of his appreciation, each organization’s leadership was presented an official U.S. House of Representatives Commendation and a Community Hero Medallion.

It was a unanimous decision by the Hometown Hero selection committee this year to honor area hospitals instead of individuals, businesses and organizations. This annual tradition of honoring Hometown Heroes began in 1999 as part of The Woodlands
25th Anniversary Celebration and has continued ever since. Typically, Hometown Heroes are honored at The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence, but the event was canceled due to the widespread pandemic.

“How beautiful it is that nearly 50 years ago while planning out what was to become The Woodlands, Mr. George Mitchell knew that above all else, this community would need to be built with heart. Together with Founding Executive Director, Rev. Don Gebert, they created Interfaith of The Woodlands to serve the human needs of those who called this new neighborhood home,” shared Missy Herndon, President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, “Today, in the midst of many challenges, the South Montgomery County area has pulled together to take care of those in need like never before. All of these hospitals are a beautiful example of the heart of our community and we are forever thankful to every single healthcare worker in our community who shows up in the name of service and caring.”

Interfaith of The Woodlands is grateful for the healthcare workers that continue to exhibit bravery and strength while serving on the frontlines of this health crisis, keeping patients safe and comfortable in their care. Congratulations to the 2020 Community Heroes!

About Interfaith of The Woodlands:

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a non-profit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and surrounding area. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services, or to become a volunteer, please visit: https://woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

 

 

Interfaith Honors Hometown Heroes and Celebrates 45 Years of Caring

THE WOODLANDS, TX (Monday, October 8, 2018) — The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala, themed “45 Years of Caring,” welcomed 750 guests at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center Saturday, October 6.

The 19th annual event, co-chaired by Shirelle Chimenti and Elvira Graham, was dedicated to honoring the 2018 Hometown Heroes and celebrating Interfaith of The Woodlands’ 45th Anniversary. This year’s event raised $750,000 for crisis assistance in South Montgomery County.

Upon arrival, guests entered a beautifully lit ballroom filled with photos depicting Interfaith’s legacy of caring since it began in 1973. 11-year old harpist Elizabeth Howard entertained the guests with beautiful music while they enjoyed the silent auction and cocktail reception.

Rob Johnson, President of Interfaith’s Board of Directors, welcomed guests alongside Missy Herndon, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands and celebrated Honorary Co-Chairs, Ann and Jerry Snyder.

During the evening’s program, Rev. Don Gebert, Founding Executive Director of Interfaith of The Woodlands, received The Mitchell Award in honor of his more than 40 years of service to The Woodlands Community. Alex Sutton, Co-President of The Woodlands Township, bestowed the honor on Gebert on behalf of The Mitchell Family. Gebert remarked, “We belong to each other! The bottom line of life is not strife, but love! That vision caused residents of every faith under the sun to rise up & reach out in service through Interfaith.”

Since 1999, Interfaith has recognized local heroes in the community by presenting them with the title of Hometown Hero. Touching videos played on the screens, reflecting their contributions in making a difference in the community. Congressman Kevin Brady presented each hero with a medallion and a Congressional Commendation. This year’s recipients were Dr. Joel Reed, Robert Heineman, Patti Rivela, Steve Leakey, Mrs. Brynn Ballard Huntsman and Mr. Peter Riley Huntsman, Entergy Texas Inc. and Junior League of The Woodlands.

The event offered fantastic live and silent auctions, featuring numerous excursions and unique items. Mark Pharo Extraordinary Jewels provided a 24 karat gold necklace featuring 16 multi-colored gemstones that one lucky winner claimed.

Interfaith typically serves 1,100 clients in crisis monthly, with those numbers expected to increase as the Holiday Season approaches. Gala guests were among the first to view a video testimony from a client who fell on hard times and utilized the many programs and services at Interfaith to help her and her family get back on their feet. The impact of this storytelling was felt throughout the room as attendees were asked to lend their support. As each guest made a donation, they were handed a candle that was raised in homage to the thousands of clients Interfaith has assisted since opening its doors in 1973.

“We live in a community filled with incredible people,” says Herndon. “For 45 years Interfaith has walked alongside our neighbors in crisis. Sometimes it is a family dealing with a devastating medical diagnosis, a single parent coping with an unexpected job loss, or hundreds of our neighbors struggling after a natural disaster. No matter the magnitude, we step in to help families rebuild. Being able to offer hope in the midst of devastation is only possible through the generous donations we are blessed to receive. We are forever grateful to our donors.”

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and the surrounding area. Interfaith provides basic needs assistance and special programs to families experiencing a financial crisis, and supportive service through care and wellness programs to senior adults 62 and over, in addition to many community programs dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in need. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services or to become a volunteer, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.

Alex Sutton, Co-President of The Woodlands Development Company, presenting the Mitchell Award to Reverend Don Gebert, Executive Founder of Interfaith of The Woodlands.

Congressman Kevin Brady, Interfaith President and CEO, Missy Herndon, Interfaith Board Chairman Rob Johnson with 2018 Hometown Heroes.

Over 750 guests gathered at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention center

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