Honorees announced for 2015 Building of Hope Gala

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County (HFHMC) proudly announces the three honorees for its 2015 Building Hope Gala, featuring the beauty, charm and elegance of the theme, “An Evening at Downton Abbey”. Set for Saturday, April 18, 2015 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, the evening will also be a time to celebrate the building of HFHMC’s 100th home in Montgomery County.

The special honorees that will be recognized at this year’s Gala include Strike LLC, Corporate Honoree; Ron and Cyndi Brandt, Community Honorees; and St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Faith-Based Honoree.

“Our honorees exemplify the outstanding servant leadership that makes Habitat’s mission in Montgomery County a reality,” said Suzanne Pagel, Gala Co-Chair. “By extending their financial support, volunteer participation and executive involvement, this year’s honorees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our mission to build decent, affordable homes for local hard-working families.”

Strike LLC sponsored and built the company’s first Habitat home in 2013, but it was not the first Habitat home for Strike president and COO, Cole Pate. As a high school senior at The John Cooper School, Pate led the student team that constructed the first school-sponsored Habitat home. He now serves as a member of Habitat’s Board of Directors.

Through Strike’s Campaign for Change company-wide philanthropic initiative, Strike employees are constructing their second home in Habitat’s Cedar Creek neighborhood, which will be the 100th home built in Montgomery County by Habitat for Humanity. In just two years, Strike employees, families and friends have volunteered over 22,000 hours at various organizations through its Campaign for Change.

“This young company and its employees are a blessing not just to Habitat, but also to the communities in which they work and live,” Pagel said. “We are honored to have them build our 100th home in Montgomery County.”

Ron and Cyndi Brandt began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in 2002 with The Woodlands United Methodist Church. They swung hammers and brought lunch for construction volunteers. In 2003, they joined the first group of Dream Builder donors, helping to establish a financial foundation for the organization. Cyndi joined the Board of Directors in 2004 and served two terms as Board Secretary. She also served in leadership positions for a variety of fundraising activities, including the annual Gala. Together, she and Ron took on the important job of co-chairing HFHMC’s Family Selection Committee, a role in which they continue to serve. Their banking backgrounds help Habitat select families who have the desire and ability to become successful homeowners. Ron is currently serving his second term on the Board, and he and Cyndi chair the Steering Committee of the Dream Builder Giving Society.

Faith-based honoree St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church became a house sponsor church in 2008 through the leadership of Dream Builder donors Jean and Tom Gosse. That year, the church team sponsored and built the affiliate’s 50th home. Cardinal DiNardo attended the dedication and blessed the new home. Six-year old Anthony, who struggled with physical disabilities, received a special blessing from the Cardinal. Elizabeth and Leo and their children continue to thrive in their Habitat home, and Elizabeth helps Habitat by serving on the Family Support Committee. St. Anthony of Padua continues to be a faithful Habitat partner, and along with Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church, will complete their 7th home in June.

“In addition to the special recognition of the three honorees, the Gala will feature décor, menu, music and auction items that will reflect the beauty and classic elegance of the romantic era portrayed in the popular “Downton Abbey” TV series,” Pagel said. “Guests are encouraged to wear vintage clothing as well. It should be a thoroughly smashing evening.”

For ticket information and to find out more about Habitat’s mission, visit www.hfhmctx.org. For more information about sponsorship opportunities for the 2015 Building Hope Gala, contact Brenda Mizell at bhmizell@sbcglobal.net.