Montgomery County Food Bank Announces Its 2024 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala Honorees

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Montgomery County Food Bank’s annual Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala, presented by Woodforest National Bank, will take place Saturday, February 17, 2024 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. The premier fundraising event’s proceeds will benefit Montgomery County Food Bank and the food insecure children, families and seniors it serves. With the Food Bank’s strong buying and sourcing power, every dollar raised will provide up to four meals for those in need in Montgomery County.

This year’s Gala is themed “On the Boardwalk” encouraging the community to “step right up” and unite in the fight against hunger. At the Gala, Montgomery County Food Bank will present awards to several of its community partners for their support in the fight against hunger. The 2024 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala honorees include:

• Jim Blair (1941-2023), 2024 Legacy Award – The Legacy Award acknowledges the significant contributions of an individual to the Food Bank and community, honoring their lasting impact. Jim Blair is most widely known for his God-given gifts of big thinking, huge heart and overwhelming generosity, traits unmistakably evidenced by his success in all endeavors, and his spur-of-the-moment willingness to offer his resources for any cause in need. During Mr. Blair’s time on the Montgomery County Food Bank Board of Directors, he revitalized the Backpack Food Program which now serves up to 1,800 children facing hunger each week. Mr. Blair always challenged the Food Bank to aim high while generously contributing his time, talent, and resources to its mission of uniting the community to fight hunger. The Food Bank will carry Mr. Blair’s incredible legacy with it as it continues to fight hunger and feed hope throughout Montgomery County.
  
• Entergy Texas, 2024 Community Partner Award – This award honors an organization’s strong partnership with Montgomery County Food Bank and its impact in the community. Entergy Texas is a longstanding supporter of the Food Bank. They have consistently aligned their community support and engagement efforts with the mission of the Food Bank. Demonstrating extraordinary generosity, Entergy Texas is a Gold-Level Hunger Hero annual sponsor. Their commitment includes fully funding six mobile food distributions, serving up to 200 families in need at each distribution. Entergy Texas’ willingness to “step right up” guaranteed that the Food Bank could serve a record number of individuals seeking food assistance. Additionally, the Food Bank welcomed 218 Entergy Texas volunteers in 2023 who graciously served over 2,700 hours of service. Entergy Texas is a true community leader in the fight to end hunger.
  
• Sacred Heart Saint Vincent de Paul Society Food Pantry, 2024 Partner Agency of the Year – The Food Bank has a network of over 80 partner agencies throughout Montgomery County. This award honors a partner agency for its unwavering and great work in the fight against hunger. Renowned for its compassion for individuals combined with efficiency, Sacred Heart SVDP Food Pantry, located in Conroe, serves upwards of 1,500 households in need each month, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to fighting hunger in the community. They also serve the unhoused population five days a week, providing crucial support to those facing homelessness. The impact of their dedication was very evident during their "Share Your Holidays" food distribution, where they provided food and joy to over 400 households in need. They have even built a carport structure for the pantry, ensuring that they can continue serving clients in inclement weather. Sacred Heart SVDP Food Pantry is a beacon of hope for those in need.
  
• Joe Czopek, 2024 Volunteer of the Year - This award honors a volunteer for their outstanding volunteer service with Montgomery County Food Bank. Montgomery County Food Bank is pleased to honor Joe Czopek as its Volunteer of the Year. For many years, Joe has been a steady presence at the Food Bank, especially through the growth and strengthening of its mission to unite the community to fight hunger. As a beacon of selflessness and expertise, Joe has not only demonstrated unwavering commitment but has also significantly enhanced the organization's impact through his contributions to the Finance Committee. Joe consistently embodies the spirit of a true team player. Regardless of the challenge, Joe has stepped up to the plate, showcasing versatility and a willingness to contribute wherever needed.

“The Food Bank’s great work in the community wouldn’t be possible without the support and invaluable contributions of each of our 2024 honorees,” said Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank. “We look forward to highlighting their remarkable impact and celebrating their collective dedication at our 2024 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala on February 17.”

To learn more about the Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala and to purchase tickets or tables, please visit mcfoodbank.org/gala. If you are interested in Gala sponsorship opportunities, please contact development@mcfoodbank.org or 936.271.8822.

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