Interfaith of The Woodlands Celebrates 50th Anniversary and 25 Years of Hometown Heroes

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Interfaith of The Woodlands celebrated their 50th Anniversary and 25 years of Hometown Heroes at the Celebration of Excellence Gala on Saturday, April 20th at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, with 675 guests in attendance. The Gala, presented by Woodforest National Bank, raised nearly $660,000 for Interfaith of The Woodlands which serves neighbors in need in South Montgomery County. These essential funds will be used to assist individuals and families in crisis by offering aid such as food, shelter, clothing vouchers, rent and mortgage assistance, utility assistance, gas cards, job placements, and much more.

The beautifully designed Enchanted Forested themed event was co-chaired by Julie and Scott Lile. This milestone anniversary gala honored the past and celebrated the present by commemorating eight new Hometown Heroes.

The 50th Anniversary celebration began with an exclusive Hometown Hero Reception. The affair served as the official induction into the prestigious society of Hometown Hero Alumni for the 2024 Class of Hometown Heroes. The affair also featured a proclamation that paid tribute to Interfaith’s 50 Years of Caring, presented and read by Senator Brandon Creighton.

Upon arrival, guests stepped into the pre-function area, which had been magnificently transformed into a lush forest adorned with touches of crystals and greenery crafted by the amazing team at Piney Rose Florals. Attendees had the opportunity to bid on an array of incredible items at the bid board, participate in a gift card pull and shop The Woodlands Style items!

The tradition of honoring Hometown Heroes began in 1999, celebrating 25 years of Hometown Heroes this year, the 2024 recipients included distinguished individuals, and organizations including: Roxanne Davis, Justin Kendrick, Nicole & Will Murphy, Dr. Mark Murrell, Ray Sanders, The John Cooper School and Rotary of The Woodlands. These Heroes will officially join 162 other distinguished individuals, businesses and organizations as Hometown Heroes recognized for their many contributions to the community, these honorees have each demonstrated exemplary leadership and a dedication to preserving Mr. George P. Mitchell’s vision for The Woodlands community.

For the fifth time since the inception of the award, The Mitchell Award was presented by Jim Carman, President of The Houston Region - Howard Hughes Corporation to The Woodlands Fire Department, represented by Chief Palmer Buck.

The Live Auction was led by Hometown Hero Will Murphy, ex-officio of The Board of Directors, and included unique items experiences such as a , a week-long stay at a stunning beach house in Watercolor, Florida, a lavish private dining experience and steak board class for 10 guests at TRIS, courtesy of Chef Austin Simmons, an exclusive VIP experience to the Chevron Championship in 2025, including a foursome to be played with two pros, curated by Post Oak Motors, a Breitling Men’s Superocean watch donated by Breitling Boutique in Market Street, owned by Lewis Jewelers.

“The Celebration of Excellence Gala is rooted in celebrating our hometown, as well as our neighbors, who go above and beyond in service to others. This milestone anniversary year, we celebrated 25 Years of Hometown Heroes, while remembering those who have come before us, whose contributions have created this very special place we call home,” shared Missy Herndon, President & CEO Interfaith of The Woodlands.

Immediately following the program, the celebration continued at the afterparty kicked off with entertainment by The Spazmatics Band. All proceeds from the evening will support the community programs of Interfaith of The Woodlands.

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