Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) is proud to announce that tickets and tables are now on sale for its 2010 Jeans and Jewels Gala. The gala will feature dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions, live longhorn cows, and entertainment by country-western star Mark Chestnutt. The Gala will be held Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.

Gala Honorees

For their extensive efforts to help their Neighbors in Need and their tireless commitment to improving our community, NAM has chosen to celebrate Sandra and Eddie Harrell as the 2010 Jeans and Jewels Gala Honorees.

"Sandra and Eddie are a wonderful couple who give generously of their time and resources to NAM,” said Carole Little, NAM President and CEO. “They believe in making our community a better place and in helping those less fortunate. They are truly altruistic and they have a heart for NAM's mission. Honoring them at this year's gala is just a small way of recognizing their long-time support."

The Harrells have lived in the 1960 area for more than 40 years and have been active members of John Wesley United Methodist Church, one of NAM’s covenant congregations, for more than 30 years. The couple became involved with NAM when Eddie agreed to serve on the NAM Endowment Board. Six years later, Eddie still serves on the Board because he says he has seen firsthand the “excellent results achieved by outstanding management, targeted programs and the extensive volunteer organization at NAM.”

Eddie also co-chairs NAM’s ongoing major giving campaign with Harlan Martens from the NAM Executive Board. The three-fold campaign—Neighbors Helping Neighbors…Today, Tomorrow and for Future Generations—consists of an Annual Fund to raise general operating funds for NAM, an Emergency Preparedness Fund to create a cash reserve for NAM, and planned giving options through the NAM Endowment Legacy Society. The Harrells made a very generous donation to jumpstart the campaign.

In addition to donating time and funds personally, the Harrells also believe in the importance of corporate giving. Eddie founded Citation Oil and Gas 29 years ago, and the company now employs about 200 people in its headquarters on Cutten Road. The company is a NAM business Community Partner and a major supporter of NAM.

Gala Co-Chairs

Carol Cobb and Linda Fowler are the co-chairs for this year’s Gala.

Linda is a long-time supporter of the Pearl Fincher Museum and helps with the Museum’s Gala each year. She and her husband, Dr. Joe R. Fowler, actively contribute to the community as members of the Alexis DeToqueville Society of the United Way, and the couple provide scholarships for inner city youth through Impact Church of Christ as well as endowed scholarships to Texas A&M University.

Linda and her sister Jeanne co-own Jeanne's Monogramming & Gifts, located in Vintage Park Shopping Center. She has been in the retail business in this area since 1976. Linda became involved with NAM in the early 1990s, when she and her daughter were members of the Cypress Creek chapter of the National Charity League.

She says she is looking forward to co-chairing the event because as NAM’s largest income generating fundraiser, it’s not only a fun event, it’s an important one. “Everyone wants to support NAM because it is located in our area, most of us know someone that NAM has helped or supported in some way over the years, and most of all, an incredible 90 cents of each dollar given goes directly to NAM’s programs,” Linda said.

Carol has lived in Houston since 1975 and started her interior decorating business, Design Patch, in 1976. Like Linda, Carol also got involved with NAM in the early 1990s by volunteering with her two daughters in Junior Guild and National Charity League.

Carol is active in the Cypress United Methodist Church, where she serves on the Board of Trustees and is involved in Disciple Bible Study. She and her husband, Dr. Calvin Cobb, are active volunteers with the Pearl Fincher Museum. Dr. Cobb is Chairman of the Board of the Museum. Carol has served on the Museum Gala committee for the past three years, is a member of the Guild of volunteers, and works with local school children visiting the Museum. The Cobbs also participate with Cypress Assistance Ministries, especially during the holidays.

Carol decided to co-chair the event because she strongly supports NAM’s mission. “I have seen firsthand the many programs benefiting from this event, and I love that we can help support our Neighbors,” she said.

Tickets to the gala are $175. Tables start at $1,750. For more information, please contact Tanecia at 281-885-4608 or at tsnid@namonline.org.