News

YES to YOUTH 2024 Pop Art Gala was an all-time success

By: YES to YOUTH

| Published 08/26/2024

Honorees Dr. Hilton and Alison Yee, Texas Senator Brandon Creighton, Bret Strong of Corporate Honoree The Strong Firm, YES to YOUTH board chair William Malone - (Tara Flannery Photography)

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- As predicted, this year’s YES to YOUTH gala did not disappoint! With a unique “Pop Art” theme, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott grand ballroom was transformed to make guests feel like they were stepping into one of Andy Warhol’s parties.

Unique “Pop Art” theme attracted fundraising support to benefit at-risk youth with emergency shelter and counseling programs.

Bold colors and black lights illuminated the ballroom as the ceiling was adorned with whimsical pop art displays and a focal point of dozens of giant colorful slinkies dangling down. The energy was alive as guests adorned in their best “Andy Warhol mixes Marilyn Monroe mixes Modern Art” themed whimsical and glamorous attire.

This year’s gala raised an unprecedented $920,000.

Following an invocation by Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Judge Wayne L. Mack, YES to YOUTH CEO Michele Kooken took the podium to greet and thank the more than 650 guests in attendance. Gala co-chairs Christin Allphin, Laura Everson, and Katrina Savage recognized the generous sponsors and their committee for their hard work in creating such an incredible event.

Kooken and board chair William Malone recognized this year’s gala honorees Dr. Hilton and Alison Yee, as well as Corporate Honoree The Strong Firm P.C. represented by Bret Strong. These honorees contribute their time, treasure, and talent selflessly to make the lives better for children and their families.

The Yees have a long history with YES to YOUTH dating back 20 years when they began supporting Ladies Night Out as sponsors. Over the years, their contributions expanded to provide holiday gifts and goodies for the children living in the Bridgeway Shelter. It’s not uncommon to see Alison volunteering at YES to YOUTH events, and she became a member of the YES to YOUTH board of directors in January of this year. Both she and Hilton enjoy sharing monthly dinners at the shelter with fellow board members and the youth.

The Strong Firm has hosted the opening weekend VIP Party at The Woodlands Ice Rink for the past 15 years, which has raised tens of thousands of dollars for YES to YOUTH. The Strong Firm has been a long-time sponsor of the gala as well as The Maggert Golf Tournament which also benefits YES to YOUTH. Bret Strong, Managing Shareholder of The Strong Firm, has served as the Master of Ceremonies at the gala for several years.

Michele Kooken, YES to YOUTH CEO shared the impact each of the supporters make for at-risk youth with the life-saving services, such as Bridgeway Emergency Youth Shelter; Suicide Prevention and Counseling; 24-Hour Crisis Hotline; Prevention Presentations and Crisis Counseling in Schools; Decisions, Parenting, and Youth Skills Group Programs; Group Counseling and Skills Development; and Individual, Group, And Family Mental Health Counseling. YES to YOUTH serves Montgomery County from five locations in The Woodlands, Conroe, Magnolia, Splendora, and the Bridgeway Emergency Youth Shelter in Conroe.

Auctioneer Pat Tully lit up the room with energy and excitement to promote the live auction’s enticing items such as the favorite Everson Wine Cellar Featuring Dinner by Zanti, the On The Rocks Jewelry Collection custom designed for the gala and donated by John Robichau of Robicheau’s Jewelry, and a new item, an Ultimate Bourbon Experience for eight in the home of Cole and Megan Pate with a bourbon tasting and a multicourse dinner curated by Austin Simmons of TRIS.

Unique to the bid board were two original art pieces:

A unique relief sculpture entitled “NEED-HAVE-HELP” brought to life by artist Patti Rivela with the help of young residents from the YES to YOUTH emergency shelter. The piece captures the heart and soul of the YES to YOUTH mission by featuring casts of three hands, each with the profound meaning of “need”, “have”, and “help”, representing the continuous cycle of need, support, and empowerment. The sculpture was donated by Patti Rivela, YES to YOUTH Shelter Residents, and Frame Craft – Lampros Gallery.
An art piece titled “WAITING…” by artist Patti Rivela is a representation of youth that are always waiting … waiting for case workers, waiting for parents, waiting to heal, and waiting for us to fix the system. The full figurative plaster piece includes a bench. The artists include the YES to YOUTH Shelter youth. It was donated by Patti Rivela and the YES to YOUTH shelter residents.

There was a flurry of ticket sales for the raffle of a luxurious designer Louis Vuitton “Neverfull MM Tote” custom painted by luxury customization artist Tara Martin.

Perhaps the most heartfelt moment at the gala was during a special tribute performance by 15-year-old singer Payton Riley, who sang “Love Heals” and “Happy Place”.

The Presenting Andy Warhol Sponsor this year was Tricia & Jack Futcher, followed by the Bubble Gum Sponsors: Sylvia Caracio, Waste Connections; the Sculpture Sponsors: Dr. Lloyd & Jacque Everson, Woodforest National Bank, Dr. Hilton & Alison Yee; and the Balloon Dog Sponsors – Alloy Coating Supply, Chesmar Foundation, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, The Pate Family Foundation, Richmond Realty Group, and TIPLER.

Major underwriters included: DOCUmation, Kingdom Luxe Travel, Pull It Together Party Co., and Richie’s Specialty Pharmacy.

YES to YOUTH is a community-based youth services nonprofit celebrating its 45th anniversary of serving Montgomery County youth and families. The mission of YES to YOUTH is to strengthen the emotional and mental health development of youth and families by providing crisis intervention, counseling, and suicide prevention services. They provide a safe and nurturing home where abused, battered, sex-trafficked, homeless, and at-risk youth begin healing from the past and become empowered for the future. Their programs include: