Montgomery County Food Bank’s 2025 Gala Unites Community in the Fight Against Hunger

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Montgomery County Food Bank’s annual Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala, presented by Huntsman Corporation, was held Saturday, February 8, 2025, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. The premier fundraising event’s proceeds will benefit Montgomery County Food Bank and the thousands of children, families, and seniors it serves. The event was a resounding success in uniting the community to address the needs of those facing hunger. Proceeds from the gala will provide more than 2 million meals to be distributed from the Food Bank’s network of 90+ partner agencies throughout Montgomery County.

The themed Gala was titled “A Ruby Celebration,” drawing inspiration from the ruby – in commemoration of its 40th anniversary – to celebrate Montgomery County Food Bank’s inspiring four-decade journey. Guests fully embraced the vibrant theme, adorning stunning ruby-red attire that led to a dazzling atmosphere within the Marriott’s Town Center Ballroom.

Guests were invited to engage with interactive displays designed to showcase the vital work of Montgomery County Food Bank. From its humble beginnings - distributing food from the trunk of founder Betty Hardy’s car - to the exciting 18,000-square foot “Build Today, Feed Tomorrow” expansion project, the evening was infused with a spirit of excitement and generosity.
Attendees also enjoyed bidding on exclusive silent auction items, capturing memories at the Mirror photobooth, an energetic live auction and connecting with fellow community members who share a passion for fighting hunger in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County Food Bank also presented awards to its 2025 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala honorees. Each of the award recipients played a significant role in the Food Bank’s impact in 2024. The honorees include:

• Brighter Future Award, Conroe Independent School District
• Building Hope Award, Howard Hughes
• Partner Agency of the Year, Mission Northeast
• Volunteer of the Year, Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Legacy Award to founder Betty Hardy, whose vision and dedication 40 years ago laid the foundation for the millions of meals now distributed across Montgomery County every year.

The 2025 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala was facilitated by an outstanding team of community supporters. Justin Kendrick is the Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center & Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital and served as the Gala’s Honorary Chair. Angela Storseth-Cooper is the Senior Director of Government Relations with the US Oncology Network-McKesson and supported the event as the Gala Chair.

Attendees also heard from Reverend Mark Sorensen, Senior Pastor of The Woodlands Methodist Church and Montgomery County Food Bank Board Director, who provided the welcome and invocation for the evening, as well as remarks by Jim Wolf, Montgomery County Food Bank Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Kristine Marlow, President & CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank.

“The 2025 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala was a remarkable evening—bringing our community together to celebrate the rich history and lasting legacy of Montgomery County Food Bank,” said Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank. “Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our supporters, this year’s Gala raised a record breaking amount, ensuring we can continue providing critical food assistance to children, families, and seniors facing hunger across Montgomery County. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Montgomery County where no one faces hunger alone.”

The event’s top sponsors included Presenting Sponsor, Huntsman Corporation, and Platinum Sponsors, ExxonMobil, H-E-B, and Howard Hughes. The event also featured a lively Support-A Need paddle call that Quality Home Products of Texas and a group of anonymous supporters generously matched.

To learn more about Montgomery County Food Bank and how you can help fight hunger, visit mcfoodbank.org.