Celebrating a year in which it distributed 9.6 million nutritious meals and served an average of 55,800 individuals each month, the Montgomery County Food Bank held its "Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope" gala on April 2 at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center. The event, which included auctions and raffles, is also a fundraiser for the food bank's programs.

The event, for which Dr. Ann Snyder was the honorary chair alongside gala chair Amy Hollie, honored several individuals in the community.

The Sam Houston State University School of Nursing received the Volunteer Service Award; the Walmart Distribution Center in New Caney received the Community Partner Award; Abundant Harvest Kitchen at St. Isidore Episcopal Church received the Partner Agency of the Year; and Dan Cunningham received the Berry Hardy Award, awarded to a volunteer.

The gala this year was "One for the Records," with a rock 'n' roll theme.

In addition to the gala, the MCFB announced a new appointment April 5 with the hiring of Kathy Rifaat at its new director of development, overseeing such departments as donor relations, fundraising, community outreach, marketing and communications, according to a news release.

Rifaat previously served in a similar role for the Community Assistance Center, a social service organization in Montgomery County.

For more information about the Montgomery County Food Bank, visit www.mcfoodbank.org.