YES to YOUTH Announces 2025 Gala and Co-Chairs

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Save the date! The 2025 YES to YOUTH fundraising gala extravaganza will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center.

Stepping into the roles of co-chairs for this year’s must-attend event are Evan Berlin, Shannon Regan, and Amber Scheer. Themed “Bridgeway to a Brighter Future”, the goal of raising $1 million will be devoted to supporting the growing needs of YES to YOUTH’s BridgeWay Emergency Youth Shelter, serving youth who are in crisis.

The mission of YES to YOUTH is to strengthen the emotional and mental health development of youth and families by providing crisis intervention, mental health counseling, and suicide prevention services. Through the BridgeWay Emergency Youth Shelter, youth (ages 10-17) are provided 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. Also included are prevention presentations and crisis counseling in schools, parenting and youth skills groups, and a 24-hour crisis hotline at 888-756-8682.

YES to YOUTH is a community-based youth services nonprofit that has provided more than 45 years of service to youth and families of Montgomery County. The beloved organization is proudly among the prestigious 2025 list of Hometown Heros, as recognized by Interfaith of The Woodlands.

As the three co-chairs embark on their roles this year, each shared a few words about the “why” behind their desire to lead the gala this year:

Evan Berlin shared, “My family has a history of substance use and mental health issues, and I have seen first-hand what that can do to individuals and family units.”

Shannon Regan shared, “I’ve witnessed loved ones face abuse, addiction, and the heartbreak of losing family connections. Those experiences shaped my passion for helping others, especially teenagers.”

Amber Scheer shared, “Watching youth from unimaginable backgrounds be able to enjoy being kids and having fun in a safe environment made me realize I had to do more to support them. I became involved and never looked back.”

YES to YOUTH’s CEO Michele Kooken noted, “We are so excited to have community leaders Evan, Shannon, and Amber leading our gala this year. Our amazing chairs have set an ambitious goal of $1 million which will make a profound impact on YES to YOUTH, especially the youth we serve at the BridgeWay Emergency Youth Shelter.”

For more information about YES to YOUTH, visit www.sayyestoyouth.org.

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