Building hope

Jody Merritt, Samantha Kennedy, Saula Valente, Christine Johnson, Gary Becker, Sherri Zucker, Maria Moncada Alaoui, Laura Ward, Rania Mankarious, and Rachelle Rowe gathered with more than 400 other supporters of the Mission of Yahweh for the second annual Leaders and Legends gala. The Building Hope for a Future-themed event in the River Oaks Country Club ballroom raised more than $600,000 to help shelter and improve the lives of homeless women and children. This year’s gala honored Brigitte and Bashar Kalai, Lori and Todd King, Larry Martin, Janelle and Greg Reid, and Laura and Dave Ward, and funds raised from the evening will support a new dormitory to house an additional 40 residents. Gala co-chairs Christine Johnson and Jody Merritt welcomed guests who mingled with “Marilyn Monroe” and “Frank Sinatra,” and enjoyed a musical ensemble led by Dr. Guillermo Hernandez-Ching, maestro and music director of the Strake Jesuit College Preparatory and St. Agnes Academy Orchestra.

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