Despite torrential rain outside, NAM supporters turned out for a grand celebration of “Cowboy Up with Boots & Bling” at the 17th Annual Jeans & Jewels Gala to benefit Northwest Assistance Ministries.
The event took place Saturday, October 24, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and raised more than $735,000 for NAM’s programs to help Neighbors in Need.
This year’s gala honored Dr. Joe and Linda Fowler, who have been business owners in the area for more than 45 years, and generous supporters of NAM since the 1980s. With rustic western décor, live music from The Drywater Band, a full dance floor and one-of-a-kind auction items, it was an evening to remember.
“NAM’s donors are the absolute best,” said Carole Little, President & CEO of NAM. “The weather didn’t make it easy to get to Jeans & Jewels this year—but still they came, full of energy, full of passion, ready to give their very best to make it a great night and make a huge difference for Neighbors in Need.”
This year’s Jeans & Jewels gala was attended by more than 450 guests. The event was chaired by Brenda Anderson and Peggy Jo Coker who, along with their volunteer committee, invested nearly a year in planning and creating a wonderful event.
The ballroom was decorated in rustic elegance, with soaring floral centerpieces, flickering candlelight, and projected images of wild horses running through a field.
Major sponsors included CenterPoint Energy, Margie & Rick Crump, Cynthia & Richard Foley, Linda and Joe Fowler, Houston Methodist, Lawrence & Nancy Padfield Foundation, Reneé & Danny Rea, Jackie & Pat Riley, Judy & Glenn Smith, Twin Eagle Resource Management, LLC, Ultra Petroleum Corporation, Valerie & John vonBerg, Annette & Ron Young, and two anonymous donors.
Top-selling auction items included two round-trip, first-class tickets to anywhere United flies, which sold for $14,500; a luxury suite for the Texans vs. New Orleans Saints game which sold for $13,000; a private dinner for 10 prepared by chef Mark Cox of Mark’s Restaurant, which sold for $10,000; and a week-long Colorado getaway in a beautiful 6-bedroom home, which sold for $10,000. Guests were also invited to “Stand up for NAM” and make a cash donation to NAM’s Homeless Services. Those contributions resulted in more than $80,000 for the programs, which offer comprehensive services to help families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless find stable housing and move toward self-sufficiency.
“I really just want to say a huge thank you to everyone in the community who supported Jeans & Jewels,” said Little. “Whether you attended the event, stepped up as a sponsor, donated an item, or volunteered your time, you made a difference for Neighbors in Need. And we are truly grateful for your support.”
Northwest Assistance Ministries is a non-profit, community-based social service agency that strives to meet basic human needs through Neighbors Helping Neighbors. NAM provides assistance in areas such as food, shelter, health, education, safety, and financial education. In fiscal year 2014-2015, NAM touched the lives of more than 127,000 people through its many programs and services.
To learn more about NAM, please visit www.namonline.org or call (281) 885-4555.
For additional photos, visit our Facebook album.