Interfaith of The Woodlands Honors Hometown Heroes and Presents Mitchell Award at the 2023 Celebration of Excellence Gala
THE WOODLANDS, TX (Tuesday, April 4, 2023) — Interfaith of The Woodlands hosted their annual Celebration of Excellence Gala on Friday, March 31 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, with over 750 guests in attendance. The Gala, presented by Huntsman Corporation, raised nearly $600,000 benefiting those in South Montgomery County facing a personal crisis by providing food items, clothing vouchers, rent/mortgage, utility assistance and through programming for our Senior neighbors.
Long-time volunteers, Nicole and Will Murphy were celebrated as Honorary Chairs, at the gala themed, “An Evening in Versailles,” where six new Hometown Heroes were honored, and the highly distinguished George Mitchell Award was presented for only the fourth time in its history. The event launched a year of celebration as the organization will be celebrating 50 years on October 5, 2023.
Upon arrival, guests entered the pre-function area that emulated the Gardens of Versailles in France. Guests enjoyed a reception and were entertained with classical covers and a performance from The Players Theatre Company. During this time, attendees were able to place bids at the bid board that showcased incredible items and participate in a Wine Tasting.
Mary Anne Whitney, Chairman of Interfaith Board of Directors, and Missy Herndon, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, welcomed guests and thanked sponsors. A rotating group of individuals who already received the coveted honor assisted in the emceeing of the event, as well as escorted the 2023 Hometown Hero class onto the stage and helped present their medallions.
With over 150 Hometown Heroes honored since 1999, the 2023 recipients included distinguished individuals, and organizations including: Shirelle Chimenti, Sheriff Rand Henderson, Angie and Danny Signorelli, Theresa Wagaman, Ann Wolford, Conroe Independent School District represented by Dr. Curtis Null, Superintendent and Cypress – Woodlands Junior Forum represented by Kathy Huse, President. For the fourth time since the inception of the award, The Mitchell Award was presented by Jim Carman, President of The Houston Region – Howard Hughes Corporation and Mary Anne Whitney, Chairman of The Board for Interfaith of The Woodlands, to The Honorable Kevin Brady who served as the U.S. Representative for Texas’s 8th Congressional District from 1997 to 2023.
The Live Auction segment of the evening was led by Will Murphy, past Interfaith Chairman of The Board of Directors, and included unique items such as: an exclusive Amrina At-Home Celebration for 12, an 18-karat, yellow gold 150 carat gemstone necklace by Mark Pharo, a Breitling Superocean Automatic Watch donated by Breitling The Woodlands, a six night Paris getaway for two, club level seats for the entire Houston Texans’ 2023 Season, and “Sewell For All Seasons,” an opportunity to drive four different vehicles, compliments of Sewell Automotive Companies for a one-year period.
“As Interfaith prepares to celebrate 50 years of service to our neighbors, it is inspirational to be a witness to the steadfast dedication and love from the incredible people in our community,” said Missy Herndon, President & CEO Interfaith of The Woodlands, “Since our organization’s inception, our beautiful community has never faltered in their commitment to helping neighbors who are experiencing a crisis. We are grateful for or visionaries, Mr. George P. Mitchell and Rev. Don Gebert, who created an organization with a mission to bring people together and serve our neighbors in need.”
Immediately following the program, the celebration continued at the Acqua Lounge and Bar inside The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. All proceeds of the evening will support the community programs of Interfaith of The Woodlands.
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.