Interfaith of The Woodlands receives largest single donations to date in support of Hurricane Harvey relief

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- As our community rebuilds from the devastation that Hurricane Harvey has left behind, Interfaith of The Woodlands would like to extend their deepest appreciation of two donors.

On Monday, September 4th, Interfaith received two separate donations of $250,000 from Woodforest Charitable Foundation and then subsequently from Huntsman Corporation & the Huntsman family. These are the largest single donations ever received by Interfaith of The Woodlands to date.

A longtime supporter of the community, Woodforest Charitable Foundation generously donated $250,000 to Interfaith of The Woodlands in support of their ongoing mission to help neighbors in South Montgomery County affected by the recent floods. A committed community partner for more the 37 years, Woodforest National Bank founded the Woodforest Charitable Foundation in 2005 for the purpose of enriching communities through partnerships with charitable organizations.

Robert Marling, President of Woodforest Charitable Foundation, along with his wife Kim, Executive Vice President, visited the Montgomery County Distribution Center, facilitated by Interfaith of The Woodlands. They were amazed by the sheer magnitude of the facility with the amount of volunteers and the incredible amount of donations from those in Montgomery County. The Montgomery County Distribution Center has served nearly 8,000 families and individuals in the first few days since opening to the public, with many more still needing to come through for items. Seeing the vast need in the community and the efforts that Interfaith has already established, the Marling’s chose to partner with Interfaith of The Woodlands by making a substantial contribution to assist in the recovery and relief efforts in South Montgomery County. “Kim and I have witnessed first-hand the difference Interfaith and its leadership have made over many, many years, so when hurricane Harvey hit our community, we knew exactly where to invest, Interfaith," shared Robert Marling.

“Robert and Kim Marling and the Woodforest Charitable Foundation have long played a key role in providing funding for important causes and nonprofits here in Montgomery County. With their latest major gift to Interfaith for flood relief efforts, the Marlings and the Woodforest Charitable Foundation have demonstrated the depth of their love for this community and for the needy. I want to thank them for their amazing generosity and their big hearts for this great county,” said Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal.

The Huntsmans are also very active in the community, both currently serve in leadership positions for Interfaith of The Woodlands with Peter Huntsman serving as the Chair of The Board of Advisors and Brynn Ballard Huntsman serving on the Board of Directors. The Huntsmans were inspired to give $250,000 after hearing about the donation from Woodforest Charitable Foundation and decided to use their charitable donation as The Huntsman Hometown Hero Challenge, a challenge to the community with a promise to match dollar for dollar raised between now and The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala, on October 7, which benefits Interfaith of The Woodlands. Brynn Ballard Huntsman and Peter Huntsman, the Honorary Chairs for The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala, along with Presenting Sponsor Huntsman Corporation, challenged the community to join them in the ongoing efforts to support neighbors here in South Montgomery County affected by Hurricane Harvey. Between now and the Gala on October 7th, the Huntsmans will match dollar for dollar raised, up to $250,000. In a recorded video announcing the donation, Mr. Huntsman stated, “We would challenge you to be able to give what you can. Interfaith of The Woodlands is experiencing unprecedented demand on all of their services across the board, so I would ask you, your families, your associates, your business to please consider making a generous donation now in this time of need.”

“Our work here at Interfaith is just getting started,” shared Missy Herndon, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, “The community’s generosity and in-kind donations have met the basic needs of food, water and supplies. Interfaith plans to use this money to focus on transitioning families out of shelters and friends’ homes and into long-term housing solutions while they work to rebuild their lives.”

Interfaith Disaster Relief assistance continues to be ongoing to assist those in need for the weeks and months to come. In addition to meeting the immediate needs of those in crisis with food, water, clothing and basic supplies, Interfaith will continue to serve as a vital lifeline for many needing continued assistance with emergency transitional shelter, deposits, rent, mortgage, and utilities to help families transition back into permanent housing.

To make a donation, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or text GIVE to 832-925-3144. The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala sponsorships, tickets and raffle purchases are also eligible for the Huntsman Hometown Hero Challenge. Interfaith of The Woodlands is a non-profit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and the 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.