Photo by Rod PradoEvents
The Woodlands Chamber’s C.A.R.E.S. Committee says ‘Mahalo’ to Nonprofit Volunteers at Annual Appreciation Luncheon
On Thursday, April 16, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was hosted by the Chamber’s C.A.R.E.S. Committee and recognized nonprofit organization members for their amazing contributions and impact in our community. The event was held in Wesley Hall at The Woodlands Methodist Church with the theme of “Mahalo for all you do!”
The 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon program included:
- Welcome by Justin Kendrick, Chamber of the Board and Senior Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital
- Invocation by Rev. Shawn Gray, Harvest Worship Community of The Woodlands Methodist Church
- Recognition of C.A.R.E.S. Committee and Sponsors: Aaron Cox, President & CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce
- Acknowledgement of Nonprofit Organization Members: Jennifer Myers, C.A.R.E.S. Team Leader and Mosaics
The Keynote Speaker of the 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was Damon West.
Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice, is a college professor, internationally known keynote speaker, 4x Bestselling author and former crime boss in Dallas, who was sentenced to Life in prison for Organized Crime. After training to be a stockbroker for United Bank of Switzerland, he was introduced to methamphetamines; he became instantly hooked – and the lives of so many innocent people would forever be changed by the choices he made in order to feed his insatiable meth habit. After a fateful discussion during his incarceration with a seasoned convict, Damon had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, a renewed faith, and a miraculous second chance at life, Damon emerged from over seven years of prison a changed man. On parole in Texas until 2073, his story is one of hope, redemption, grit and the resilience of the Human spirit.
View moments from the luncheon on the Hello Woodlands Instagram page:
The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce’s C.A.R.E.S. Committee embraces and promotes the value of teamwork, community service and stewardship. The team completes monthly community service projects or donation drives to serve nonprofit Chamber members. Every year, the team produces the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in April during National Volunteer Appreciation Week. Learn more how to get involved at www.woodlandschamber.org/chambercommitteesandcouncils.
