YES to YOUTH shoots to raise a million dollars with ‘BridgeWay to a Brighter Future’ gala

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Recently, YES to YOUTH held its annual gala at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. The blue-themed ‘A Million Different Reasons’ event, co-chaired by Amber Scheer, Evan Berlin, and Shannon Regan leading a committee of more than two dozen volunteers, was designed to raise funds for the organization’s BridgeWay Youth Shelter, along with YES to YOUTH’s services that include mental health counseling, group counseling and skills development, group programs, crisis counseling schools, and suicide prevention.

Honored at the event was William D. Malone, Jr. and the Rotary Club of The Woodlands for, in the words of YES to YOUTH’S chief executive officer Michele Kooken, “their steadfast passion, heart, and commitment to our mission. Both are champions of uplifting youth and families for future success.”

Brad Bailey, chairman of the board of The Woodlands Township, served as master of ceremonies. Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Wayne Mack gave a heartfelt invocation, inserting his own personal and professional history with the organization.

The audience also partook in the ‘Million Reasons to Give’ part of the night, where donations from $10,000 – signifying six months of food for the youth shelter – down to $100 were solicited.

After the recognitions and full-course meals, Pat Tully took over auctioneering duties to coax, cajole, and inspire attendees to open their wallets and purses to the tune of thousands of dollars at a time during the live auction, which included packages donated by Marc Israel, Gullo Dealerships, Hotel Granduca, Zanti Cucina Italiana, Post Oak Motors, Bonnie & Chuck Schuetz, Donna’s Home Furnishings, Robichau’s Jewelry, Jacque & Lloyd Everson, Truluck’s - The Woodlands, and more.

YES to YOUTH - Montgomery County Youth Services, strengthens the emotional and mental health development of youth and families by providing crisis intervention, counseling, and suicide prevention services. The organization provides 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. The organization offers its services free of charge to children and families in need, bringing hope and healing to those who need it most.

“On behalf of our staff, board of directors, and – most importantly – the youth whose lives are forever changed because of you, thank you. Your presence tonight is more than generosity – it is a promise that hope lives here.”

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