The 12th Annual Women Empowering Women Luncheon raised nearly $170,000

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The 12th Annual Women Empowering Women Luncheon, benefiting Interfaith Community Clinic, Presented by Waste Connections and The Huntsman Family Foundation was held on Thursday, April 9th at The Peach Orchard. Chaired by Dr. Adrienne Blessing, the event raised nearly $170,000 to support the Clinic’s life-changing work serving uninsured and underinsured residents of Montgomery County. The luncheon also marked the kickoff of the Clinic’s 30th anniversary, to be celebrated this Fall.

The highlight of the event was the Women’s Health & Wellness Panel, moderated by Dr. Blessing. Panelists included Dr. Anita Gill, MD, FAAD (The Gill Center for Plastic Surgery and Dermatology), Dr. Loren Rourke, MD, MHCM, FACS (Woodlands Breast Care), Dr. Cassandra K. Schakett, MD (Houston Methodist Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates), and Lauren Lococo, Nutritionist and Personal Trainer. The discussion covered a range of important topics including GLP-1s and peptides, perimenopause and menopause, hormone replacement therapy, cancer screenings, debunking common health myths, and stress and anxiety management.

Guests enjoyed a fantastic lunch provided by Truluck’s, followed by an impactful program highlighting the mission of Interfaith Community Clinic and sharing powerful patient stories.

“As we begin celebrating 30 years of service through Interfaith Community Clinic, we are reminded that it is the compassion of our community that makes this work possible,” said Missy Herndon, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands. “Together, we are changing lives and building a healthier future for our neighbors.”

The program concluded with the presentation of the annual “Women Who Care” Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose service and leadership help ensure patients receive quality healthcare.

The Junior League of The Woodlands was recognized as “Our Partner Who Cares” for their dedicated support of the Healthy Kids Festival through volunteers and resources to help parents and children in our community.

The “Volunteer Who Cares” award was presented to Mrs. Ed Kleist, who has served as a compassionate volunteer receptionist for more than 10 years. Often the first point of contact for patients, her warmth and bilingual abilities help ensure every individual feels welcomed and supported.

The “Woman Who Cares” award was presented to Dr. Emily Liska, DDS who has volunteered with the Clinic for nearly nine years providing dental care to children in need. She also served as Women Empowering Women Co-Chair in 2024 and 2025, helping expand the event through her leadership and dedication.

More than 300 guests attended the luncheon, which also featured the return of the Philanthropy Market, showcasing women-owned local businesses. Participating vendors generously donated 15% of their proceeds back to the Clinic. Guests also enjoyed a champagne cart, photo booth, silent auction, raffle opportunities, and on-site mammogram sign-ups provided by local healthcare partners.

All proceeds from the event benefit Interfaith Community Clinic, the only charitable clinic serving all of Montgomery County. Since opening its doors in 1996, the Clinic has provided quality medical care, counseling, and patient services at no cost to those in need, supported by dedicated volunteers and generous community partners.

For more information, visit www.interfaithcommunityclinic.org or call 281-364-7889.

Photos