Gala Benefits MCWC and Community Clinic

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Two worthwhile local charities got a delicious taste of humanitarianism when Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in The Woodlands hosted a Black Tie Dinner and Auction Fundraiser on Nov. 8 to benefit The Montgomery County Women's Center and The Community Clinic.

Committee organizers created a Community Outreach Fund to benefit the two important non-profit organizations, whose services often go hand-in-hand, and were delighted when the event quickly became well sponsored and sold out.
Dozens of guests filled the elegant restaurant to help raise $215,000 through a delicious steak and seafood dinner paired with fine wines along with a live and silent auction and a raffle, according to Shelli Moran, Operating Partner of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.

The Community Clinic is a non-profit health care center that provides free medical, dental, mental health and social services to those who are uninsured and on a limited income. Established in 1996 by Dr. Joel Kerschenbaum, it is donation-funded and staffed by licensed physicians, nurses, dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, social workers as well as translators and support people, all who volunteer their time and services to run the Clinic, located in Oak Ridge North.

The Montgomery County Women's Center is a nonprofit organization serving victims of family violence and/or sexual assault or abuse with several locations in Montgomery and surrounding counties, including The Woodlands. All services are free of charge, and include safe shelter, counseling, legal assistance, educational programming, educational scholarships and other supportive services.

"Simply, this level of involvement shows our clients that there are people who care and people who want to make a difference," said Rebecca C. Jones, Executive Director of The Community Clinic. "Our clients are very often the unnoticed populace of our community and these types of events give them a sense of hope and a feeling of satisfaction to know that so many people care about them. As always we could not do this without the folks at Fleming's, especially Shelli Moran, but also her staff who were so willing to help and do whatever needs to be done to make this event a true success. And we thank those who participated in the event, planned the event, and to the many companies, wineries, jewelers and others that were involved in making this event such as success."

Sarah Raleigh, Executive Director for the Montgomery County Women's Center, added, "We sincerely thank everyone who helped make this evening possible. The generosity and support of our sponsors, contributors, volunteers, and donors is greatly appreciated. This wonderful event helps to ensure that women have the resources to become emotionally and financially independent, so that the cycle of domestic violence can be eradicated for them and also for their children."

This year's gala was chaired by Gerald and Candice Glenn.

Sponsors for the gala included: Diamond Level - George & Catherine Lindahl; Platinum Level - Gerald & Candace Glenn and US Oncology; Gold Level - Joe & Jude Compofelice, Houston Fertility Institute, and Lloyd & Jacque Everson; Silver Level - Patti & Carl Merzi and Steve & Stacey Bourque, Brian & Shirelle Chimenti and Steve & Kena Cope, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, and Slay Industries; Bronze Level - Woodforest National Bank, Brian & Lorri Petrauskas and Matthew & Sandra Novak, St. Luke's Episcopal Health System - The Woodlands, Bob & Suzanne Porter, Bill & Nancy Jordan, and Ron & Betty Pugh.

For more information about The Community Clinic or Montgomery County Women's Center please visit the links below.