Photo Credit: Habitat MCTXNews
Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County announces 2026 Building Hope Gala Honorees
Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, Texas (Habitat MCTX) will recognize Stephen and Barbara Crain alongside the Marble Creek Planning and Diligence Committees as honorees at the 2026 Building Hope Gala. The event will take place Saturday, April 25, 2026, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. Presented by BMW of The Woodlands, the annual gala is Habitat MCTX’s signature fundraising event, bringing the community together to advance its mission to build homes, communities, and hope.
Stephen and Barbara Crain are being honored for decades of faithful service and leadership that have strengthened Habitat MCTX’s mission across Montgomery County. Stephen’s involvement began more than 20 years ago through St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and grew into board leadership, including service as Board President. Stephen now serves on Habitat MCTX’s Advisory Council and Marble Creek Planning and Diligence Committees. His contributions have helped guide major milestones, including the construction of the Habitat MCTX ReStore, Cedar Creek infrastructure, and the advancement of Marble Creek, Habitat MCTX’s future neighborhood in Magnolia that will provide homes for more than 200 families.
Barbara serves on Habitat MCTX’s Gratitude Committee, where she handwrites thank-you notes to donors and values the role each contribution plays in expanding opportunity for local families. Shaped by years of helping her family create a sense of home in communities across the country, she believes Habitat offers more than a house, creating neighborhoods where families find support, connection, and a shared vision for the future. Together, they embody the spirit of building hope.
The Marble Creek Planning and Diligence Committees are being honored for their pivotal role in shaping Marble Creek. The vision for Marble Creek first took shape in 2021 with an 81-acre land donation from Dr. Brian and Mrs. Shirelle Chimenti and family; since then, these individuals have been the driving force behind bringing this community to life. Through countless hours of planning, coordination, and leadership, they have guided every detail of this project. Their dedication ensures that Marble Creek will provide homes, stability, and hope for generations to come.
Marble Creek Planning and Diligence Committee Honorees
- Larry Abston, Retired, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
- Wayne Austin, Retired, Shell Energy
- Chuck Birt, Development Consultant
- Stephen Crain,Retired, CB&I
- Todd Drake, Development Counsel
- William Dean, Real Estate Project Manager, Amoco Corporation
- Ross Folkenroth, VP Community Development, Woodforest National Bank
- BJ Hebert, Retired, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
- Jeremy Horton, SVP, Business Banking, Woodforest National Bank
- Brent Krueger, Partner, CPA, KPMG Audit Services LLP
- Gary Lach, Retired, Chevron Corporation
- Charles Merdian, CFO, LGI Homes
- Michael Preiss, Chief Operating Officer, Texas Region, Pape-Dawson Engineers
- Michael Wortley, Former CFO, Cheniere Energy, Inc.
- Andrew Wurdak, Vice President of Securities & Governance, Sysco
The Building Hope Gala plays a critical role in funding Habitat MCTX’s programs, including affordable homeownership opportunities, critical home repairs, and initiatives like Homes for Heroes that support first responders, veterans, and school employees. Through this support, more neighbors across Montgomery County can have a safe and stable place to call home.
Community members and businesses are invited to support the 2026 Building Hope Gala through sponsorships and underwriting opportunities. To learn more or get involved, visit habitatmctx.org/gala or contact buildinghope@habitatmctx.org or 936.441.4663.
Since 1989, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, Texas (Habitat MCTX) has worked with the loving hands of volunteers and donors to improve the lives of families and individuals through affordable homeownership. With a hammer in hand, Habitat MCTX volunteers build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable shelter. Help build foundations for life by volunteering your time or your resources to Habitat MCTX at habitatmctx.org.
