As we close out 2010, it is fitting that this month’s “Scene” highlights a couple of the largest charitable events held all year. The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala benefiting Interfaith of The Woodlands and In The Pink of Health’s Luncheon drew record crowds again this year. The ballroom at Marriott never looks as beautiful as when it is packed full of philanthropic people wanting to give back to organizations that have done so much for the families in this community.

You too can join in the effort of supporting the families of the community this holiday season by adopting a family or child, donating to the local food bank or by pulling an extra sweater out of your closet to keep someone else warm. You will find that helping someone, in even the smallest way, will keep your heart feeling pretty warm too! Just a thought, if everyone in the community donated a canned good to Interfaith’s food pantry, imagine the additional mouths they could feed with such a donation? Don’t just walk by a toy drive box, donate a toy for a child in need. One simple gesture can change the whole holiday season for someone, and you too will truly make a difference in their lives. Remember the reason for the season this Christmas!

Speaking of the holidays, I have to mention the beautiful holiday traditions of The Woodlands… The Ice Rink, the Lighting of the Doves and the beautiful Christmas Tree in Market Street! Enjoy these activities with your friends and family well into the New Year. As always, it has been a pleasure writing this column every month and taking photos of the great people of this area. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and have a blessed New Year. See you in 2011!

Attending, sponsoring or organizing an upcoming event? Drop me a line with the details, missyherndon@yahoo.com.

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In the Pink of Health Luncheon

It was a sea of beautiful pink at one of the area’s most inspirational events, Memorial Hermann’s 10th Annual In the Pink of Health Luncheon, held at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott. More than 1,000 “pink” supporters joined Scott McClelland, emcee and president of H-E-B Houston Division, and guest speaker Laura Ingraham, radio host and breast cancer survivor. The luncheon was a huge success before the ballroom doors even opened, raising $350,000 before counting funds from auction items, donation cards and raffle tickets. Guests enjoyed touch-ups by Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, a champagne reception, shopping, silent auction and raffle. The event benefits The Breast and Bone Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, and 100 percent of the funds raised focus on education, technology and community outreach.

1. Scott McClelland, event emcee and president of Houston Division H-E-B, with his wife, Soraya

2. (L-R) Rebecca Jones, Jenna Everson, Maurra Frances, M.D., with Kathy and Steve Sanders, CEO Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital

3. (L-R) Sandy Flynn, Marcella Bradley, Karen Olson, Donna Kopecky, Ann Marie Ricci, Anne Tesch and Beverly Poltorak

4. Luncheon speaker Laura Ingraham (right) and Ellen Asherman

5. In the Pink Health Luncheon co-chairs Andrea Raiford and Pat Bertotti

6. (L-R) Amy Thedinger, Amy Wetherington and Honey Tucker

7. (L-R) Dr. Ayse Dural, Bella Eni and Theresa Meyers-Roemer

8. Tracey O’Neal and Alison Henderson, past In The Pink Luncheon chairs

9. Shannon and Jay Wendell

10. Jacque Everson (center, right) with her daughters, Kara Everson Schaefer, Jenna Everson and Maurra Frances, M.D.

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Celebration of Excellence Gala

It was a Texas-sized party for the “Texas Proud”-themed Celebration of Excellence Gala benefiting Interfaith of The Woodlands . More than 730 individuals joined honorary chairs Sen. Tommy and Marsha Williams at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott to honor five Hometown Heroes for their ongoing dedication to this community. Honored this year for their many contributions were Barry Blanton, Linda and Greg Freede, George Lindahl, Karen West and Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. Robert Heineman, the recipient of the George Mitchell Award, was also honored at the elegant affair featuring a raffle for a $15,000 gift certificate to Donoho’s Jewellers, bid boards and a live and silent auction. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund the many programs and services of Interfaith.

11. Honorary chairs Marsha and Sen. Tommy Williams

12. Diana and Bruce Tough

13. (L-R) Kimberly Buettger, Johanna Edone and Melissa Stanosheck

14. Patti and Art Rascon, emcee of the evening

15. Sharon and Alex Sutton

16. 2010 Hometown Hero George Lindahl (center, left) with his family (l-r) Dianne Dakota and Kim and Andy Remy

17. Adam and Christina Frome with Whitney and Derek McCoy

18. (L-R) Sandra Winter, Soly Lacterman and Kathy Croom

19. Dr. Ann Snyder (center, right), president and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, with (l-r) Sandy Cox, T.J. Snyder and Debbie Sukin

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Junior League’s Holiday Market VIP Reception

The rooftop of Crush Wine Lounge, overlooking the very scenic Waterway, was a picture perfect venue for the Junior League of North Harris and South Montgomery Counties Inc.’s Holiday Market VIP Reception. Holiday Market sponsors and friends of the League gathered on a crisp fall evening to celebrate the 2010 Holiday Market. Check back next month for photos from the annual Preview Party and Holiday Market Shopping Extravaganza!

20. (L-R) Paul and Carol McHorse, Rob and Angela Banzhaf with JLNHSMC president Jenni Skipper and husband, Kendrick

21. (L-R) Past JLNHSMC president Audra   Hogemeyer and husband, Kyle, and Jennifer Bulovas

22. (L-R) Vicki Richmond, Vicki and Don Norrell, and Peg and Lloyd Matthews

23. Amy and Keith Odom

24. Jeff Harder, Kyle Watson and Jenni Skipper

25. Amanda and Anthony Mason

26. Trey and Paige Halberdier

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Penny Preville Trunk Show

Donoho’s Jewellers hosted a private trunk show for jewelry designer Penny Preville in the luxurious Presidential Suite at AVIA Hotel in Market Street. Shoppers sipped champagne and enjoyed all the comforts of the beautiful hosting suite while surrounded by Preville’s gorgeous custom pieces.

27. Jewelry Designer Penny Preville and Richard Van der Dys

28. Natalia Topchieva and Marina Davidson

29. (L-R) Richard Van der Dys, Donoho’s store director, with Marcy Debson, Brenda and Brad Sylvester, and Penny Preville, guest jewelry designer

30. Gail Howard and Mary Mathis

31. Greg Aguilar and Kim Melkus