Home for the Holidays 2025

A Night of Compassion, Community, and Second Chances

Harmony House’s 6th Annual Home for the Holidays Gala

Harmony House welcomed supporters, partners, and community leaders to the 6th Annual Home for the Holidays Gala—a celebration of compassion, resilience, and the power of community to change lives.

Guests gathered for a lively cocktail hour, reconnecting with friends, and exploring silent auction items before the evening’s program began.

The program opened with a heartfelt invocation by Dr. Rudy Rasmus, grounding the evening in gratitude and purpose. Guests then enjoyed dinner while being welcomed by Preston Witt, CEO of Harmony House, who thanked donors, sponsors, and community partners whose generosity makes the organization’s mission possible. He reminded attendees that every contribution—whether through the silent auction, centerpiece donations, or direct giving—directly supports individuals rebuilding their lives at Harmony House.

A highlight of the evening was the keynote address by The Honorable Annise Parker, former Mayor of Houston. Her remarks underscored the importance of compassion in leadership, community-driven solutions, and continued advocacy for Houston’s most vulnerable neighbors.

The evening continued with the presentation of Harmony House’s 2025 Compassion Awards, honoring individuals and organizations whose service embodies the heart of the mission:

• Gwendolyn Jackson, recipient of the Compassion in Our Community Award, was recognized for transforming her own journey as a Stage 4B cervical cancer thriver into a life of service and advocacy—and for her many years of compassionate work with Harmony House.
• Council Member Twila Carter received the Compassion in Government Award for her steadfast leadership, commitment to public service, and long-standing support of Harmony House and underserved communities.
• H-E-B was honored with the Corporate Compassion Award, accepted by Lisa Helfman, recognizing the company’s enduring commitment to strengthening Texas communities and standing with neighbors in need.
• The evening concluded with a surprise Harmony House Hero Award presented to Paul Thompson, honoring his dedication and impact as a member of the Harmony House team.

We are so thankful to the generous sponsors who made the evening possible, including:

Special thanks to Copy.Com, our Print Sponsor, for beautifully producing event materials, and to USI Insurance Agency, our Bar Sponsor, for helping create a warm and welcoming evening for guests.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, and guests, the Home for the Holidays Gala was not only a celebration, but a powerful affirmation of what’s possible when a community comes together. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made the evening unforgettable—and look forward to continuing this shared work of compassion in the year ahead.