Some say, “Forget big hotel ballrooms. If you are chairing a major fundraiser in The Woodlands, book yourself a golf course.” The "Into the Woods" Vampire Ball will benefit the Rotary Club of the Woodlands Foundation from a magical setting on the Palmer Course at Woodlands Country Club.
“We’re super excited to raise money and awareness,” says Patti Rivela, co-chair of the Into the Woods Vampire Ball. “People love this year’s Vampire theme."
Who originated the theme, which includes sponsor levels like Phantom of the Woods. “I’m a big Anne Rice fan,” says Rivela. Her co-chair Evan Berlin, who serves as board chair of Mosaics and Program Chair with Rotary came up with the concept playing off the Halloween theme. In the past we’ve made ghosts and spiderwebs as the decor, this year we have an actual theme. As a vampire ball, individuals can come as a vampire of any era from Egyptian to modern, or any Halloween costume or even as a human in elegant attire.
What’s the biggest challenge? “I find that we must constantly energize and bring new "life blood", staying up with newcomers,” says Rivela. “We must constantly refill the funnel. That’s true for any size organization.”
While it’s hard to argue with the majesty of the tall pines and serene greens, some events mandate the amenities of an inside locale, such as The Walk. “Since 2012, Interfaith of The Woodlands has been using fashion as a vehicle to share our mission of serving and fundraising for our very worthy community programs and services,” says Missy Herndon, President & CEO, Interfaith of The Woodlands. “Our New York style Runway Fashion Show events have featured designs from Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Tootsies and Alice+Olivia. The Walk, an event created by the Interfaith team and event committee, working with Houston fashion show producer Lenny Matuszewski Jr. in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, has continued this tradition, presenting an evening event showcasing the latest trends in contemporary and formal attire as a way to bring people together to support Interfaith’s ongoing efforts to meet community needs for families and seniors.”
Matuszewski produces events and shows for over 40 plus charities and philanthropies annually. “Each of them has a specific mission statement yet they use the fashion show as the entertainment vehicle which raises those very important dollars for a very worthy cause, just like Missy stated,” he says. "Over the years the retailers have changed some, but the “heart” of the show remains the same: fashion with a purpose."
Fundraisers find that donors enjoy more style, and fashionable fun. “The idea of incorporating themes to move away from the black-tie format and create an experiential event was introduced in 2022,” notes Callie Thompson, Development Director for the Montgomery County Food Bank. “This approach has not only increased attendance but also enhanced the overall gala experience for our supporters. Attendees are encouraged to dress on theme or cocktail attire.”
The 2025 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala will take place in February of 2025, marking the Food Bank’s 40th anniversary of service to the community. “The gala has evolved from a traditional black-tie/formal event to an exciting, themed experience,” says Thompson. “This change allows attendees to engage more creatively with the event and look forward to unique, memorable experiences each year. Themes from past galas include "One for the Records" (2022), "One Small Step" (2023), and "On the Boardwalk” (2024).
Last year, The Woodlands Charities expanded to assist nine non-profits, including Rotary as one of largest beneficiaries, taking it to a new level that will also benefit a special project for YES to YOUTH. Now the Rotary Club of the Woodlands, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, has taken the event under its purview. This event replaces the annual Crawfish and Cornhole event, which Rotary After Hours hosted for many years.
“Montgomery County continues to have a wide variety of events – plenty of Clay Shoots, Cornhole tournaments, and Golf Tournaments to support their cause,” says Ann Wolford, President of The Wolford Group. “I believe what you are seeing with the increase in galas is newer organizations in the community starting to have them as fundraisers (in addition to those who are already holding galas).
For YES to YOUTH, we have three signature events each year - Galentine's Luncheon, Gala and The Maggert Golf Tournament,” says Wolford. “Each event has its own unique experience and theme and audience.”
Rotary has long been an important player on the fundraising scene. “Our community is getting more creative, for example, with the Yes to Youth Pop Art Gala,” explains Rivela. “We are stewards of all our Rotary funding and we have so much in kind donated. Many of our décor items. Ann Ecklebright of Sprouts Floral Design is lending us key treasures and advising us on how to do amazing things for less. We’re “all hands-on deck” because we have no staff and no development director. It’s a labor of love.”
“The role that fashion plays is an important playful one,” says Rivela. “So much of life is so serious as are our many of the causes for which we raise money. Some of our Woodlands rotary focuses are. helping families with cancer, helping people needing blood donations, helping seniors, helping our Yes to Youth shelter kids, and the severity of their lives just to name a few. Life is always so serious. Spirited events like this offer joyous opportunity making a difference in a playful fun way which is good for the soul and just darn fun!”
"We anticipate attendees will make a signature mark with their own style and creativity. There is certainly a great canvas for everyone to show their own unique personalities!' Mitzi Pearson.
“The role that fashion plays is an important playful one,” Patti Rivela