Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County Announces 2025 Building Hope Gala Honorees

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The 12th annual Building Hope Gala, presented by LGI Homes and Laura and David Piccione, will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. Serving as Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, Texas’ (Habitat MCTX) premier fundraising event, the gala offers a meaningful opportunity to help local families and individuals achieve their dream of homeownership. The Kentucky Derby-themed celebration, “All Bets On You,” invites the community to unite in support of Habitat MCTX’s mission to build homes, communities, and hope.

The evening will also honor individuals whose contributions have been instrumental to Habitat MCTX’s success. Deborah and Wayne Austin are the 2025 Building Hope Gala Honorees, recognized for their unwavering dedication to building safe, affordable homes for those in need. The Austin’s lives have been shaped by a deep appreciation for home, cultivated through years of international moves—first during Deborah’s childhood in The Netherlands, Lebanon, and England, and later in their married life in Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Led by her parents’ example, they always made each dwelling into a home and passed that value on to their children. Recognizing God’s sovereign hand in every place they had lived, The Austins felt called to join Habitat MCTX in 2008 to help others achieve their dream of homeownership. They began their journey as volunteers working on houses through their church and have since contributed to the Habitat MCTX in many capacities, including Deborah’s service on various committees and Wayne’s leadership as a past Board President and current member of the Advisory Council.

Tina Rivera, Owner of arc lighting + electric, and Kim Soderberg, Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene - The Woodlands, are Co-Chairs of the Gala Committee, spearheading efforts to reach the event’s ambitious goal of raising one million dollars. The gala’s success is made possible through the generous support of top sponsors including:

• The Crown Presenting Sponsors - LGI Homes and Laura & David Piccione
• Winner's Circle - Larry & Connie Abston and Michael & Allison Wortley
• Superfecta - Kathleen & David Stover

“We are proud to support this incredible event and the mission of Habitat,” said Charles Merdian, Chief Financial Officer of LGI Homes and President of the Habitat MCTX Board of Directors. “At LGI Homes, we believe in the power of community, and we’re honored to be a part of helping families build a brighter future through homeownership.”

“We are thrilled to contribute to an evening that brings our community together to support such an important cause,” said Laura and David Piccione, Gala Presenting Sponsors. “Homeownership is the foundation of a strong community, and we are grateful to help make this dream a reality for so many families.”

“The Building Hope Gala is a beautiful testament to the generosity and heart of our community,” said Vicki Johnson, Executive Director of Habitat MCTX. “It’s a night where we come together, not only to celebrate, but to make a lasting impact. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, and volunteers whose support helps us build more than just homes—it helps build hope, stability, and a future for families in need.”

The planning and execution of the gala are managed by J Low Events. To learn more and get involved in the 2025 Building Hope Gala, visit http://bidpal.net/2025buildinghopegala. For sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, please contact development@habitatmctx.org.

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