Montgomery County Food Bank’s 2026 Gala Unites Community in the Fight Against Hunger

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Montgomery County Food Bank’s annual Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala, presented by Waste Connections, was held Saturday, February 7, 2026, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. This premier fundraising event united community leaders around a shared goal: ensuring Montgomery County Food Bank can continue providing reliable food assistance for thousands of neighbors across Montgomery County.

The event was a resounding success in uniting the community to address the needs of those facing hunger. Proceeds from the gala will provide more than 2 million meals to be distributed from the Food Bank’s network of 90+ partner agencies throughout Montgomery County.

The 2026 gala theme, “Through the Looking Glass” invited guests into a whimsical, Wonderland inspired experience—complete with flamingo croquet, a Cheshire Cat aerialist, a Queen of Hearts–themed roaming champagne server, interactive characters performed by The Woodlands High School theater students, and incredible centerpieces designed by students in the Willis Independent School District Advanced Floral Program.

Attendees also enjoyed bidding on exclusive silent auction items, participating in an energetic live auction, and connecting with fellow community members who share a passion for fighting hunger in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County Food Bank also presented awards to its 2026 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala honorees. Each of the award recipients played a significant role in the Food Bank’s growth and impact in 2025. The honorees included:

• ExxonMobil: Community Partner of the Year Award
• Fortifi Food Processing Solutions: Volunteer of the Year Award
• St. Anthony's Bread Food Pantry: Partner Agency of the Year Award
• Dr. Ann Snyder: Legacy Award

The 2026 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala was brought to life by an outstanding team of community supporters. Heather Ramsey, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the San Jacinto River Authority, served as Gala Chair and guided a dedicated committee of volunteers who helped make the evening a success.

Gala goers were inspired by remarks from Jim Carman, President, Texas Region for Howard Hughes and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Montgomery County Food Bank, and Kristine Marlow, President & CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank, who spoke to the Food Bank’s mission of uniting the community to fight hunger and the growing reach of that impact across Montgomery County. The evening was emceed by Reverend Mark Sorensen, Senior Pastor of The Woodlands Methodist Church and a Montgomery County Food Bank Board Director.

“After an incredible 2025 marked by expanded impact and record-breaking need across Montgomery County, the 2026 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala was a powerful reminder of what this community makes possible when we come together,” said Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank. “As we peer Through the Looking Glass into 2026, the generosity behind this night doesn’t just reflect on how far we’ve come—it helps us see what more is possible, fueling the momentum to provide more than 2 million meals and strengthen the network of support our neighbors will count on in the year ahead.”

The event’s top sponsors included Presenting Sponsor, Waste Connections, Diamond Sponsor, ExxonMobil, and Platinum Sponsors, H-E-B, and Howard Hughes. The event also featured a lively Support-A-Need paddle call that Quality Home Products of Texas, Carol and Peter Jensen, and a group of anonymous supporters generously matched.

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