As expected, this year’s YES to YOUTH gala did not disappoint! With a unique “Pop Art” theme, the Grand Ballroom of the Woodlands Waterway Marriott was transformed to make guests feel like they were at one of Andy Warhol’s parties.
Bold colors and black lights illuminated the ballroom, while the ceiling was decorated with whimsical pop art displays and dozens of giant colorful slinkies dangled. The energy was alive as guests wore their best quirky and glamorous outfits in the style of “Andy Warhol mixes Marilyn Monroe mixes modern art.”
This year’s gala raised an unprecedented $920,000.
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Following an invocation by Justice of the Peace Wayne L. Mack, Precinct 1, YES to YOUTH CEO Michele Kooken took the podium to greet and thank the over 650 guests in attendance. Gala Co-Chairs Christin Allphin, Laura Everson and Katrina Savage thanked the generous sponsors and their committee for their hard work in organizing this incredible event.
Kooken and Chairman William Malone recognized this year’s gala honorees Dr. Hilton and Alison Yee, as well as Corporate Honoree The Strong Firm PC, represented by Bret Strong. These honorees selflessly give of their time, money and talent to improve the lives of children and their families.
The Yees have been involved with YES to YOUTH for 20 years, when they began sponsoring Ladies Night Out. Over the years, their contributions have expanded to donate Christmas gifts and treats to the children at the Bridgeway Shelter. It’s not uncommon to see Alison volunteering at YES to YOUTH events, and in January of this year, she joined the YES to YOUTH board of directors. Both she and Hilton enjoy having monthly dinners with other board members and the youth at the shelter.
The Strong Firm has hosted the opening weekend VIP party at the Woodlands Ice Rink for 15 years, raising tens of thousands of dollars for YES to YOUTH. The Strong Firm is a long-time sponsor of the gala as well as the Maggert Golf Tournament, whose proceeds also benefit YES to YOUTH. Bret Strong, Managing Partner of The Strong Firm, has served as Master of Ceremonies for the gala for several years.
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YES to YOUTH CEO Michele Kooken shared the impact each of the supporters has on at-risk youth with the life-saving services such as the Bridgeway Emergency Youth Shelter, suicide prevention and counseling, a 24-hour crisis hotline, prevention presentations and crisis counseling in schools, group programs on decision-making, parenting and youth skills, group counseling and skills development, and mental health counseling for individuals, groups and families. 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 filled the room with energy and enthusiasm to promote the enticing items in the live auction, including the popular Everson Wine Cellar Featuring Dinner by Zanti, the On The Rocks Jewelry Collection designed specifically for the gala and donated by John Robichau of Robicheau’s Jewelry, and a new item, an Ultimate Bourbon Experience for eight at the home of Cole and Megan Pate featuring a bourbon tasting and multi-course dinner curated by Austin Simmons of TRIS.
Unique to the tender board were two original works of art:
- A unique relief sculpture titled “NEED-HAVE-HELP” brought to life by artist Patti Rivela with the help of young residents of the YES to YOUTH emergency shelter. The piece captures the heart and soul of the YES to YOUTH mission by featuring imprints of three hands, each of which has the deep meaning of “need,” “have,” and “help,” representing the continuous cycle of need, support, and empowerment. The sculpture was donated by Patti Rivela, residents of the YES to YOUTH emergency shelter, and Frame Craft – Lampros Gallery.
- A piece of art titled “WAITING…” by artist Patti Rivela depicts youth who are always waiting… for social workers, for parents, for healing, and for us to fix the system. The full-figure plaster piece includes a bench. The artists include the youth of the YES to YOUTH Shelter. It was donated by Patti Rivela and the residents of the YES to YOUTH Shelter.
There was brisk ticket sales for the raffle of a luxurious designer tote “Neverfull MM Tote” by Louis Vuitton, individually painted by the luxury customization artist Tara Martin.
Perhaps the most emotional moment of the gala was a special tribute performance by 15-year-old singer Payton Riley, who sang “Love Heals” and “Happy Place.”
This year’s presenting Andy Warhol sponsors were Tricia & Jack Futcher, followed by Bubble Gum sponsors: Sylvia Caracio, Waste Connections; Sculpture sponsors: Dr. Lloyd & Jacque Everson, Woodforest National Bank, Dr. Hilton & Alison Yee; and 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 insurers included: DOCUmation, Kingdom Luxe Travel, Pull It Together Party Co. and Richie’s Specialty Pharmacy.
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YES to YOUTH is a nonprofit youth service organization celebrating its 45th anniversary of serving the youth and families of Montgomery County. YES to YOUTH’s mission is to strengthen the emotional and mental health development of youth and families through crisis intervention, counseling, and suicide prevention. They provide a safe and nurturing home where abused, battered, sex trafficking victims, homeless, and at-risk youth process their past and become empowered for the future. Their programs include:
- Mental health counseling for individuals, groups and families
- Crisis intervention for young people and families
- Suicide prevention for young people and families
- BridgeWay Emergency Shelter for Youth (ages 10-17)
- Prevention lectures and crisis counseling at schools
- Competence groups for parents and young people
- 24-hour crisis hotline 888-756-8682
For more information about YES to YOUTH, visit www.sayyestoyouth.org.
Source: YES to YOUTH
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