Over 500 guests gather to support Children’s Safe Harbor’s Capital Campaign Luncheon honoring Kim and Robert Marling

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- A heartwarming afternoon of philanthropy and community spirit unfolded on March 28th as more than 500 guests gathered for a capital campaign fundraising luncheon that raised over $600,000 to benefit Children’s Safe Harbor, a beacon of hope for children impacted by abuse and trauma.

The luncheon proudly honored Kim and Robert Marling, founders of the Woodforest Charitable Foundation, whose unwavering commitment to children’s welfare and years of generous support have made a lasting impact in the community. In 2022, the Foundation committed a $2.5 million donation toward the naming rights of Children’s Safe Harbor’s new building, currently under construction in Conroe. The new 45,000-square-foot facility, set to open in the fall of 2025, will nearly double the size of the children’s advocacy center’s existing space.

“Kim and Robert exemplify what it means to give back,” said Victoria Constance, PhD, Executive Director of Children’s Safe Harbor. “Their legacy of giving through the Woodforest Charitable Foundation has helped Children’s Safe Harbor elevate our mission of achieving justice, healing, and hope for children who need it most.”

Held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, the event brought together civic leaders, philanthropists, and community members for a powerful cause — supporting the critical work of Children's Safe Harbor in providing advocacy, counseling, and protection services for young victims and their families.

The Presenting Sponsors ($25,000) included Joe & Jeanne Gillen and Rocky Del Papa; Park Ten Capital/Mike & Cindy Gatewood; QCI Solutions; Robert & Kim Marling; George & Amy Sowers; Sutton Ventures; Diamondbacks Foundation/Ken Kendrick; Senator Ted & Heidi Cruz; Chesmar Homes/Don & Janet Klein; CAZ Investments; Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands; and The Astros Foundation.

Harbor Hero Sponsors ($15,000-$20,000) included Bourque/Chimenti/Glenn/Petrauskas Families; and CORIENT & Langston/Oliver Families.

Gateway Sponsors ($10,000) included Barnwell/Coles/Jones/Pace/Paur Families; M.R. Bunch Charitable Fund; Jerry & Julie Mayrant; Ralph & Shirley Alexander; Parker McCollum; Civitas Resources; Redstone Payment Solutions; Waste Connections; The Woodlands Reformed Church; and Insperity Invitational.

Judge Wayne Mack, Justice of the Peace Pct. 1, began the luncheon with an invocation and his powerful belief in Children’s Safe Harbor’s impact on the community.

The audience saw a premiere showing of “A Beacon in the Storm: Guiding Families Through Crisis.” CSH board member Elan Crane created the video to illustrate Children’s Safe Harbor’s services. Moving testimonies were shared by Kim and Scott Perry, whose family has benefited from the organization’s work.

Through video, Senator Ted Cruz introduced Kim and Robert Marling, who took the stage and shared heartfelt, personal comments and celebrated their longstanding support of the mission and vision of Children’s Safe Harbor.

Following the Marlings, Houston City Council Member Twila Carter read a proclamation by Houston Mayor John Whitmire officially proclaiming the date of March 28, 2025 as “Children’s Safe Harbor Day” throughout the city of Houston, in recognition of the non-profit’s outstanding work toward fostering a community where children can thrive free from abuse.

Houston City Council Member Mary Nan Huffman, JD, shared an inspirational, if not harrowing, account of the maze of re-traumatizing experiences that child victims had to endure in the past, before the co-located, centralized facility of Children’s Safe Harbor was established in 1998.

A “Call to Action: Defy the Darkness” speech by Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon was read aloud by Donna Hansen, JD, Felony Division Chief, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.

Closing remarks were made by Dr. Constance, who thanked the generous sponsors and presented an outline of the status of the new facility. To learn more about Children’s Safe Harbor’s capital campaign and Naming Donor Opportunities, visit www.ChildrensSafeHarbor.org.

Photos