2026 Yes to Youth gala aims for a new chapter with saving at-risk youth

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Yes to Youth, a locally based nonprofit organization that strengthens the emotional and mental health development of youth and families by providing crisis intervention, counseling, and suicide prevention services, recently held its annual fundraising gala. “Every Child Deserves an Ever After” brought hundreds of community members and leaders to The Woodlands Waterway Marriott for a storybook-themed extravaganza.

Presenting sponsors Tricia and Jack Futcher helped lead the charge in raising funds and awareness for the thousands of at-risk youths in the Montgomery County area. “We are forever grateful to the dedicated team for the life-changing difference they make for children and their families,” they said. “Whether providing a safe haven at the BridgeWay Youth Shelter or compassionate mental health counseling, they create new chapters of hope and healing every day.”

Township Board President Brad Bailey served as master of ceremonies for the event, which included silent and live auctions, live entertainment, a raffle, and an elegant sit-down dinner. After the invocation and blessing provided by Precinct 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler, Yes to Youth’s CEO Michele Kooken took the podium.

“For more than 47 years, Yes to Youth has been a place where fear is met with safety, uncertainty with hope, and crisis with compassion,” she said. “Every day, children and families in our community return to us for emergency shelter, counseling, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and the unwavering belief that healing is possible.”

Local community icon Will Murphy donated his services as auctioneer, and was instrumental in coaxing – as far as can be determined at this time – close to one million dollars from the pocketbooks of philanthropists present at the gala. By the evening’s end, Murphy had managed a near-100 percent donation rate by offering various donor levels beyond the raffle and auctions.

“On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and the thousands of youth and families whose lives have been forever changed because of compassionate friends like you, thank you; your generosity does more than support our mission; it helps write an ‘Ever After’ filled with hope, healing, and the promise that every child deserves,” said Kooken.

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