The Walk 2025: Interfaith of The Woodlands’ Yearly Gala

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- You wouldn’t think that there was a cause for need in The Woodlands or southern Montgomery County, but you’d be surprised. There is need everywhere, whether it be senior citizens, young children needing school supplies, meals, medical care, and then there are families; whether they are needing assistance after the loss of a job, injury, or whatever. When George Mitchell birthed The Woodlands, he had the forethought to think of such an organization, Interfaith of The Woodlands, and thank God for it. This past Saturday, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel hosted ‘The Walk,’ Interfaith’s 2025 edition of sharp-dressed men, wonderfully attired ladies, and was an atmosphere that was dripping with donations to refill the organization’s coffers, allowing for Interfaith of The Woodlands to continue its mission for another year. It’s the most prestigious gala Montgomery County has to offer, and to be in the room was an honor.

It was an evening full of glitz and glamour, top-quality chow, big spenders vying for primo auction items, and local models that looked yanked from the runways of New York City’s Fashion Week. It was also a little emotional, in seeing the suffering that is evident in the area, sights that would humble even the most seasoned of combat veterans. No one likes suffering, but it's there, and it’s Interfaith of The Woodlands’ mission to be there and lessen the pain. To be a presence in a lonely senior citizen’s life. To help a veteran who has seen more than enough for several lifetimes. To be that hand-up-help to proud families looking to rebound from conditions beyond their control. Each client is different, and the mission is constantly changing.

The evening’s dinner was worthy of its own Food and Drink column, and especially for those that starved themselves for the day; the sweet and tart Field Green Salad, tangy and sweet Short Ribs and Chicken Saltimbocca with potato mash, the creamily delicious Citrus Cheesecake, and the English Biscuits were worthy of an afternoon tea. All made for the perfect dinner, and many thanks go to Allied Wealth for sponsoring the delicious menu.

The announcement of the Best Dressed Winner, amongst a ballroom full of Cinderellas and Prince Charmings, was a hard choice. Everyone had exfoliated and scrubbed up for the evening, looking their best, and presentable for the multitudes in the ballroom.

It was followed by a Call to Action, or giving moment; where the Interfaith of The Woodlands app played a huge part in real-time on-screen donating, where audience members jockeyed for position to be the one to spring the money transfer session to over $100K, virtually raised in minutes, and was quite a sight to see. The final tally was approximately $117K. The Woodlands is such a generous community, giving where it’s needed, for real healing in the surrounding area, thus providing a proven service that has been working for five decades helping those in need find a purpose to life, by dishing out whatever is necessary to accomplish their mission of service.

The Live Auction was another sight to see with quick-witted and sharp-tongued Will Murphy, confidently urging for higher and higher bids to some very nice donated auction items. From a 26KW Briggs & Stratton Stand-By Generator that will have you selling excess power to your neighbors during the next big storm, to Texans Opening Day VIP Experiences, a trio of Harlan Estate Vertical Wines 2011–2013 which was very enticing, along with a trip to NYC for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, and a Hearts on Fire Aerial Dewdrop Line Bracelet that was shining, to a ladies’ OMEGA Constellation Quartz watch; hands were up all around the ballroom.

The Fashion Show by Pell 1990 & BOSS was an exceptional display for wonderfully dressed male and female models with technology playing its part in purchase of the outfits and jewelry worn. The ladies wore fine displays of day, dinner, and evening wear, while the men wore outfits fitting for the campus, galas, and office.

The final part of the schedule of the evening was the Runway Walk of the 2025 Community Champions, which is a special part of the evening’s festivities. Each year Interfaith of The Woodlands chooses individuals who take time out of their busy schedules and careers to support Interfaith, and other community organizations, that make a difference in The Woodlands and Montgomery County. This year’s Champions are Dr. Adrienne Blessing, Catie Fuller, Alison Henderson, Barry Blanton, Jason Higham, and Jim Parisi.

Interfaith of The Woodlands, just in the first half of 2025, has provided nearly 80,000 meals, 10,000 requests for crisis assistance, 1,600 rides for seniors, 16,000 seniors served in programs, and other categories.

For Information or to donate: woodlandsinterfaith.org