“Shelter for Shelter” raises over $58,000 for YES to YOUTH – Montgomery County Youth Services

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- “Shelter for Shelter” was an amazing success again this year. The popular event raised over $58,000 to benefit YES to YOUTH – Montgomery County Youth Services, a nonprofit organization that serves at-risk youth.

Presented by the Richmond Realty Group for the seventh year on May 2, 2024, this year’s event was hosted in the beautiful lobby of the corporate office headquarters of Howard Hughes in The Woodlands. Dozens of guests enjoyed a fantastic Cinco De Mayo themed evening of hors d’oeuvres, desserts, spirits, and DJ entertainment while networking. Juan Carlos Martinez served as emcee leading up to a unique twist in which guests could win a raffle and choose the name of Zach and Rachel Richmond’s expectant second child after a festive pinata color gender reveal. And … it’s a boy! To be named Micha as chosen by lucky winner Courtney Schweitzer.

“It was a perfect night, and we are so thankful to all the sponsors and attendees and for Howard Hughes graciously lending their lobby,” said Zach Richmond, who created the fundraiser in 2017 along with this business partner (and mother-in-law) Marlys Mulkey, both of Richmond Realty Group. “We are so honored to host this event that supports the important work that YES to YOUTH does to help at-risk kids in our community who have endured so much. This is an incredible nonprofit that does amazing work that makes a true difference in the lives of kids who are in need and experiencing crisis. We are proud of the amount raised, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of those who supported Shelter for Shelter this year.”

YES to YOUTH (Montgomery County Youth Services) is a community-based youth services nonprofit celebrating its 45th anniversary of serving Montgomery County youth and families. The mission of YES to YOUTH is to strengthen the emotional and mental health development of youth and families by providing crisis intervention, counseling, and suicide prevention services. They provide a safe and nurturing home where abused, battered, sex-trafficked, homeless, and at-risk youth begin healing from the past and become empowered for the future. Their programs, which are offered at no cost to youth and their families, include:

· Individual, Group, and Family Mental Health Counseling

· Crisis Intervention for Youth and Families

· Suicide Prevention for Youth and Families

· BridgeWay Emergency Youth Shelter (Ages 10-17)

· Prevention Presentations and Crisis Counseling in Schools

· Parenting and Youth Skills Groups

· 24-Hour Crisis Hotline 888-756-8682

Funds raised by ticket sales and sponsorships support YES to YOUTH’s mental health and homeless services as well as the daily and operational expenses of its recently expanded emergency shelter.

Michele Kooken, CEO of YES to YOUTH, added, “Through no fault of their own, these youth experience unforeseen or unfortunate circumstances. With the help of a village of supporters, they have a helpful, if not lifesaving, resource to turn to at YES to YOUTH. Investing in our community’s youth is truly investing in the future. We thank our supporters for helping us make a difference in a child’s life!”

This year’s sponsors included Aloha Pools, America’s ER, Boss Music, Baidy Racine – British Swim School, Budget Blinds, Citizens Grille, Conroe Empire Electric, Constable Ryan Gable, Del Frisco’s Grille, Derrick Bryant Photography, DOCUmation, Dynamic Entertainment, Events by Jen, GP Solutions, Haynie & Company, JRC Home Solutions, Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse, Haynie & Company, Howard Hughes, I Promote You, Image 360 Houston Spring, IRCODE, JCR Home Solutions of Texas, Judge Echo Hudson, Judge Matt Beasley, Keystone Construction, Kimball Insurance, Kirby’s, Liz Grimm Public Relations, Loan People, McKenzie’s Barbeque & Burgers, Multiversal, North Italia, Pat Clements - Old Republic Title, Post Oak Motors, Premiere Events, Repeat, Richmond Family, Richmond Realty Group, Rivela Plastic Surgery, Sheriff Rand Henderson, Sprout Fine Floral Concepts, St. Luke’s Health The Woodlands Hospital,

Starfox Financial Services, Stull Inspections, SVN | J. Beard Real Estate, Texas Center for Cosmetic Dentistry – Dr. Lewis, Tommy Bahama, Tough Law Firm, Truluck’s, Western Midstream, The Wolford Group, Woodforest National Bank, and WorkLodge.

For information about sponsoring next year’s Shelter for Shelter event, please contact Ann Wolford at (832) 715-5163 or awoldford@thewolfordgroup.com or Pamela Bunn at 832-418-5736 or pbunn@thewolfordgroup.com.

To learn more about YES to YOUTH - Montgomery County Youth Services visit www.sayyestoyouth.org, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sayyestoyouth/, or call 281.292.6471 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. YES to YOUTH also offers a 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 1.888.756.8682.

To learn more about Richmond Realty Group, visit www.RichmondRealtyTX.org.