Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County announces 2026 Building Hope gala honorees

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, Texas (Habitat MCTX) will recognize the Marble Creek Planning and Diligence Committees as honorees at the 2026 Building Hope Gala, taking place Saturday, April 25, 2026, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. Presented by BMW of The Woodlands, the annual gala is Habitat MCTX’s signature fundraising event, bringing the community together to advance its mission to build homes, communities, and hope.

The Marble Creek Planning and Diligence Committees are being honored for their pivotal role in shaping Marble Creek, a future Habitat MCTX neighborhood in Magnolia that will provide homes for more than 200 families. These individuals have been instrumental in turning the vision for Marble Creek into reality, where their work began back in 2021. Through countless hours of planning, coordination, and leadership, they have guided every detail of this project. Their dedication ensures that Marble Creek will provide homes, stability, and hope for generations to come.

Marble Creek Planning Committee Honorees
Larry Abston, Retired, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
Wayne Austin, Retired, Shell Energy
Chuck Birt, Development Consultant
Stephen Crain, Retired, CB&I
Todd Drake, Development Counsel
William Dean, Real Estate Project Manager, Amoco Corporation
Ross Folkenroth, VP Community Development, Woodforest National Bank
Brent Krueger, Partner, CPA, KPMG Audit Services LLP
Gary Lach, Retired, Chevron Corporation
Charles Merdian, CFO, LGI Homes
Michael Wortley, Former CFO, Cheniere Energy, Inc.

Marble Creek Diligence Committee Honorees
Larry Abston, Retired, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
Stephen Crain, Retired, CB&I
BJ Hebert, Retired, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
Jeremy Horton, SVP, Business Banking, Woodforest National Bank
Charles Merdian, CFO, LGI Homes
Michael Preiss, Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region, Pape-Dawson Engineers
Andrew Wurdak, Vice President of Securities & Governance, Sysco

The Building Hope Gala plays a critical role in funding Habitat MCTX’s programs, including affordable homeownership opportunities, critical home repairs, and initiatives like Homes for Heroes that support first responders, veterans, and school employees. Through this support, more neighbors across Montgomery County can have a safe and stable place to call home.

Community members and businesses are invited to support the 2026 Building Hope Gala through sponsorships and underwriting opportunities. To learn more or get involved, visit habitatmctx.org/gala or contact buildinghope@habitatmctx.org or 936.441.4663.

ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS
Since 1989, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, Texas (Habitat MCTX) has worked with the loving hands of volunteers and donors to improve the lives of families and individuals through affordable homeownership. With a hammer in hand, Habitat MCTX volunteers build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable shelter. Help build foundations for life by volunteering your time or your resources to Habitat MCTX at habitatmctx.org.