A fun and successful evening at the 5th Annual Shelter for Shelter, in benefit of YES to YOUTH, presented by Richmond Realty Group

THE WOODLANDS, TX — “Your participation in this event doesn't just get you a fun night out or promote your business, it provides a home for kids who've lost the hope that they will ever have one,” said Penny Wilson, Chief Operations Officer for YES to YOUTH, at The 5th Annual Shelter for Shelter.

Presented by Richmond Realty Group RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring, the fundraiser took place June 10 at Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands. Since its inception, Shelter for Shelter has raised over 300,000 for YES to YOUTH, a local nonprofit focused on supporting youth and families in Montgomery County.

- View photos from the event -

Wilson went on to say this:
“We were founded originally as Montgomery County Youth Services all the way back in 1979, with a goal to provide support to youth and families in crisis in our community. Today, we've grown to five crisis counseling centers, and of course, our emergency shelter Bridgeway, which we're here celebrating tonight. Our mission for the past 42 years has been to provide quality services to help youth and families cope with life's challenges in a positive way, and no matter what the need is we never ask a client to pay for their services. Maintaining this commitment to providing our services for free could not be done without the enormous generosity and kindness of our donors and volunteers. Five years ago, our Board of Directors decided it was time to upgrade our shelter facilities, so that the kids that come to stay with us feel safe in our home and our program. Our facilities were aging and we needed a better environment for the youth placed with us. See, the youth that come to Bridgeway are there at no fault of their own. They're usually the victims of abuse, neglect, and even human trafficking. They've been told their whole lives, that they don't mean much and they don't deserve much. Our goal when they come to Bridgeway is to change that narrative and give them hope for a future they didn't know was possible. Zach Richmond caught this vision as a member of our board and made a commitment to personally contribute to the fundraising efforts to revitalize our shelter campus. He came up with the idea for Shelter for Shelter … Thank you for believing in this mission and joining us and saving the lives of children. And thank you to Zach Richmond and his team at Richmond Realty for their amazing leadership and commitment to making the dream of this new home a reality.”

Learn more about Bridgeway, a short term shelter program for youth ages 10 to 17.

Richmond Realty Group, Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands, the generous sponsors, attendees, and staff, put their hearts into making this event a success. Their goal was to surpass last year’s fundraising efforts of $44,000. Astoundingly, this year’s Shelter for Shelter raised $82,655, which will help YES to YOUTH continue it’s life-changing work.

“Over the years, we've gained more people and more momentum to the cause to keep kids out of crisis and out of the streets,” Zach Richmond said. “And I'm so thankful to be a part of this organization.”

YES to YOUTH services include:
• Individual, Group & Family Mental Health Counseling?
• Crisis Intervention for Youth and Families?
• Suicide Prevention for Youth & Families?
• BridgeWay Emergency Youth Shelter (Ages 10-17)?
• Street Outreach for Homeless Teens?
• Healthy Supports Program for Pregnant & Parenting Teens?
• Prevention Presentations and Crisis Counseling in Schools?
• Decisions Parenting and Youth Skills Group?
• Camp Watsitumi - A Therapeutic Summer Camp?
• 24-Hour Crisis Hotline 888-756-8682

For further information, visit their website - www.sayyestoyouth.org -

The evening included delicious food and drinks, a DJ, networking, and a ceremony recognizing each sponsor. Attendees had a goal to collectively raise $5,000. The prize for giving back - Zach Richmond would dress up in a full Elsa costume, wig and all, and sing Frozen's 'Let it Go' on stage. The goal was not only met, but surpassed, and Zach, along with his wife, Rachel, who donned an amazing Olaf costume, both performed the classic hit with Broadway-worthy vibrato. They charmed the crowd into laughter for an incredible cause.

Accomplished and altruistic, Richmond Realty Group’s information can be found at richmondrealtytx.com

Photos