THE WOODLANDS, TX (Wednesday, January 2, 2018) – Interfaith of The Woodlands elected four new distinguished individuals to serve on the 2019 Interfaith Board of Directors. Rob Johnson, 2018 Board Chairman of Interfaith of The Woodlands, announced the recent appointments of Father Tom Rafferty, Pastor Rodney Mills, Kerrie Guerrero and Jim Parisi to the Board.
“I’m humbled and honored to have these amazing, thoughtful leaders serve on our Board of Directors. These individuals were selected not only based upon their professional backgrounds, but also for their commitment to serving others and our community,” said Missy Herndon, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands.
“The knowledge and vision that each Board Member contributes are invaluable to Interfaith of The Woodlands.I welcome each new member to the Board and thank them for their service,” said Rob Johnson, 2018 Chair of Interfaith of The Woodlands.
Composed of 27 members, the Interfaith Board of Directors paid special thanks to the outgoing Board Members, Dr. Ed Robb, Dr. Stephen Head, Pastor Steve Bradley and Dr. Bruce Webb, for their past service and welcomed 2019 Board Chairman Alex Sutton. “We would also like to thank outgoing Chairman Rob Johnson for his leadership and continued support of Interfaith,” remarked Miss Herndon. “He is an incredible servant leader and been an unbelievable asset to our mission, and it was our pleasure to follow his lead and learn from his example.”
Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and the surrounding area since 1973. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services or to become a volunteer, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230.
(l-r) Pastor Rodney Mills, Kerrie Guerrero, and Jim Parisi, incoming Interfaith Board Incoming Board Members. Not Pictured: Father Tom Raferty
Outgoing Chairman, Rob Johnson, Incoming Chairman, Alex Sutton, President and CEO Missy Herndon
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
