Montgomery County Food Bank Raises Funds for Almost 2,000,000 Meals for Neighbors Facing Hunger at the 2024 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Montgomery County Food Bank’s annual Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala, presented by Woodforest National Bank, was held 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 thousands of children, families and seniors it serves. The event was a tremendous success in uniting the community to address the needs of those facing hunger. Proceeds from the gala will provide almost 2 million meals to be distributed from the Food Bank’s network of 80+ partner agencies and more than 60 schools across all 6 school districts within the county.

The themed Gala was titled “On the Boardwalk,” encouraging the community to “Step Right Up” to fight hunger and feed hope together. The boardwalk theme allowed guests to dress in formal wear or spice up their night’s attire with a nautical flair. It was a big hit among the crowd - presenting a fun, celebratory atmosphere while also raising money for an especially worthy cause.

Guests were invited to take a stroll along the Montgomery County Food Bank Boardwalk, where they could bid on silent auction items, play carnival games, take a photo in the 360 photobooth, and more. The boardwalk entrance, complete with string lights, palm trees scattered throughout, and a traditional stilt walker helped bring to life the theme of the night.

Montgomery County Food Bank also presented awards to its 2024 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala honorees. Each of the award recipients played a significant role in the Food Bank’s impact in 2023. The honorees include:

• Legacy Award, In memory of Jim Blair

• Community Partner Award, Entergy Texas

• Partner Agency of the Year, Sacred Heart Saint Vincent de Paul Society Food Pantry • Volunteer Service Award, Joe Czopek

The 2024 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope gala was facilitated by an outstanding team of community supporters. Jay and Karol Dreibelbis were the Gala’s Honorary Chairs. Jay is the President and CEO of Woodforest National Bank. Jo Anne Johnson, of Jo Anne Johnson Real Estate Group supported the event as the Gala Chair and Katie Stone, President of The Cleverley Stone Foundation & Houston Restaurant Weeks, served as the Gala’s Emcee.

“Because of the community's generous support, the 2024 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala, exceeded our expectations! This collective spirit of giving and encouragement will help provide much needed and critical food assistance for the many children, families, and seniors facing hunger throughout Montgomery County,” said Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank. “The Food Bank is blessed and humbled by the county’s generosity and giving spirit. Together, we are stronger in the fight against hunger.”

The event’s top sponsors included Presenting Sponsor, Woodforest National Bank; Diamond Sponsors, H-E-B, Huntsman Corporation, and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages; Platinum Sponsors, Howard Hughes, and Waste Connections. The event also featured a lively Support-A Need paddle call that Quality Home Products of Texas generously matched.

To learn more about Montgomery County Food Bank and how you can help fight hunger, visit mcfoodbank.org.

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