Million Dollar-Plus Night Kicks Off The Woodlands Social Season With a Bang — YES to Youth Lets Kids Shine Bright

YES to YOUTH’s annual gala kicked off Montgomery County’s social season in a big way, raising more than a million dollars. That seven-figure raise will help provide shelter, counseling, crisis intervention and other critical services for children and youth facing difficult circumstances in the greater Woodlands area.

This year’s gala, themed “Every Child Deserves an Ever After,” reflects YES to YOUTH’s belief that no matter a child’s past, their future can still be filled with hope and possibility. The theme underscored the organization’s mission to help kids heal, grow and envision a brighter future with the support of caring adults and a safe community. The event was chaired by Amber Scheer, Evan Berlin, Rachel Ray and Lauren Fox.

Master of Ceremonies Brad Bailey kicked off the program, and Montgomery County Pct. 3 Commissioner Rich Wheeler led an invocation.

“Every story begins with a single page,” YES to Youth CEO CEO Michele Kooken says. “Some stories begin with joy. Some begin with hope. Others begin with heartbreak. And some begin with circumstances no child should ever have to face. Tonight we gather because we believe no child’s story should ever be defined by its first chapter.”

The funds raised at the gala are critical, but represent only about 20 percent of YES to YOUTH’s annual needs.

“We are incredibly grateful for a community that consistently shows up for children and families when they need us most,” Kooken says. “As the funding landscape changes and demand for our services continues to grow, raising more than $1 million comes at a critical time.

“These funds will provide vital support for YES to YOUTH’s $4.5 million annual operating budget, helping us continue providing much-needed counseling, shelter and critical resources to children and families in crisis.”

A Jewel Of a Boost

Kooken and board chair Lauren Janssen recognized Robichau’s Jewelry, and Sylvia Caracio and Jacque Everson at the gala. Robichau’s is this year’s Community Partner Honoree.

“For more than 40 years, Robichau’s Jewelry has helped generations of families celebrate like meaningful milestones as they celebrate their own remarkable 40th anniversary this year,” Kooken says. “We are honored to celebrate them and the legacy they’ve created in our community. For more than a decade, Robichau’s has helped write the story for YES to YOUTH.

“Each year, they design a beautiful piece of jewelry for us to auction off. And through the years, they’ve helped us raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to help and support the youth and families in our community.”

Caracio and Everson were recipients of the inaugural Lifetime Legacy Award for their longstanding commitment to supporting the organization and its mission.

“Together, they have devoted more than 50 years of volunteer service,” Kooken says. “I told you in the beginning of the night we’re only 47 years old, so these ladies have been the backbone of our volunteers. Their contributions aren’t measured in hours. They’re measured in months perhaps even years, spent planning events, much like this, making donor asks, collecting auction items, preserving our history, mentoring volunteers and always finding a way to make the impossible possible.

“And the reason they do it is for the love that they have in their heart for all children.”