ENCHANTED FOREST GALA
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Benefiting The Village Centers
​
Houston CityPlace Marriott at Springwoods Village
1200 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring, TX 77389
​
Honoring Pat and Ray Guard
​
Co-Chairs:
Kim & Greg Fazzino, Joan & Ralph Imperato, and Layna & Mike Netek
Relive the magic of the Enchanted Forest Gala
The Village Centers Enchanted Forest Gala, presented by The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation, unfolded like a scene from a fairy tale on Saturday, October 7th at the Houston CityPlace Marriott at Springwoods Village.
​
The event opened with a captivating cocktail hour that featured a scenic view and the opportunity to bid on an impressive array of silent auction items. Inside the ballroom, tables adorned with moss-covered centerpieces, blooming flowers, and sparkling candlelight surrounded guests as they enjoyed a delicious 3-course dinner that concluded with decadent chocolate mousse cups and Dulce de Leche cheesecakes for dessert. The true “enchantment” of the evening was the lively gathering of so many people committed to supporting the mission of The Village Centers and helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This year’s gala honored local community and business leaders Pat & Ray Guard, loyal supporters of The Village Centers who have been instrumental in the growth of the Kingwood community. In light of the Guard's recent health challenges, the Village continued to honor the Guard’s devotion to serving the Lake Houston community. The organization’s goal for the Enchanted Forest Gala was to fill the room with members of the community who have been positively impacted by Pat and Ray's kindness. The Guards were honored with a touching tribute video featuring testimonials and personal stories from close friends and members of the Kingwood community.
Honoring Pat and Ray Guard
Emcee for the event was President & CEO of the Greater East Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Mark Linabury. Mark is a passionate advocate for supporting local businesses and non-profit organizations and made for the perfect emcee for the evening, dazzling attendees with his charm and quick-witted personality. The gala guests also enjoyed cowboy auctioneer Nick Hinze and his “Wrangler” assistants who guided the Live Auction and Fund-a-Need. Following the program, attendees danced the night away to the bewitching melodies of Flight of the Keys, the 5-piece live band for the evening.
​
Contributions made during the gala combined with sponsorship and ticket sales raised more than $150,000 to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The evening would not have been possible without the support and dedication of the 2023 Gala Co-Chairs: Kim & Greg Fazzino, Joan & Ralph Imperato, and Layna & Mike Netek and the 2023 Gala Committee: Jeanette Brown, Danielle Deleon, Roxanne Deleon, Kathie Gentry, Marie Halvatzis, Arlene Martinez, Kelly Paull, Michelle Sorrentino, Lisa Turner, and Michelle Zuniga.
​
The Village Centers would like to thank event sponsors, volunteers, staff, and everyone who played an integral role in making the Enchanted Forest Gala a success!
​
For more information the Village annual gala and other Special Events, contact Claire Brown, Development Manager, at cbrown@villagelac.org or 281-358-6172.
.png)