Vote now in the IW Marks Jewelers Love Mom Charity Challenge

Deborah Duncan

Santa Maria Hostel

Deborah Duncan is a whirl of energy and positivity every where she goes. As the host of Great Day Houston on KHOU Channel 11, she introduces each new day to Houstonians with a smile and a deeper look at the important, fun and charitable events happening in the community. In fact, community service is part of Duncan’s spiritual DNA and she regularly emcees events across the city that raise funds and awareness for important causes. She’s also a hands-on mom to son Duncan, and is instilling in him the same value of caring for the others in the community.

Duncan is an avid supporter of Santa Maria Hostel, Texas’ largest multi-site residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment center. It’s also one of a very few centers that provides comprehensive continuum for pregnant and parenting women and their children.

DeAndre Hopkins

S.M.O.O.T.H., Inc.

Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins excels at going the distance. The first round draft pick is accustomed to doing what it takes to be successful off and on the field, including the philanthropic work he and his mother Sabrina Greenlee accomplish together. Hopkins credits her for his success and works hard with her on S.M.O.O.T.H., Inc., an organization dedicated to educating and empowering women and children affected by domestic violence. SMOOTH (Speaking Mentally, Outwardly Opening Opportunities Toward Healing) is active in Clemson, the South Carolina city where Hopkins grew up and does many things including the Back to School Book Bag Giveaway for kids from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Lance McCullers

Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation

Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers is a champion on the baseball field, but he’s a champion of stray animals, their health and the no-kill shelters that help animals in need. McCullers' charity of choice is his namesake Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation, an organization that partners with local rescue groups to raise awareness of Houston’s stray animal population, empty shelters, and promote no-kill policies.

“It's just something that is really important to me. I hope we can find them all homes. That's the goal,” McCullers says.

The star pitcher and his wife Kara are avid advocates for four-legged friends throughout Houston and together, they take great joy in rescuing and loving animals in forever homes. In fact, working for the betterment of animals is the ultimate family affair, with his mother Stacie and father Lance McCullers Sr., supporting his efforts too.

Chris Shepherd

Southern Smoke Foundation

James Beard Award Winner Chris Shepherd is a constant on the Houston food landscape, defining new directions and embracing the legacy of local cuisine and the people behind it. His Montrose restaurant Underbelly is critically acclaimed and One Fifth, a five-year restaurant project that changes concepts every year, has captured the palates and imaginations of those who love creative food and honest ingredients. Shepherd’s passion for food and connecting with others dates back to his childhood, when he began cooking for his parents at the ripe old age of four-years-old.

Shepherd chose his Southern Smoke Foundation for the IW Marks Charity Challenge. Southern Smoke is Houston’s largest food and wine event and through the latest event, the foundation was able to donate more than $500,000 for Hurricane Harvey relief to workers, business owners and suppliers in the Houston food and beverage community who suffered losses during the storm.

“This is why we created Southern Smoke. To take care of our own,” Shepherd said.