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CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC CONTEST winner announced. After reviewing numerous stories on over-flowing closets, never-worn clothing, attics bulging with boxes of Christian Louboutin shoes and other shopaholic tendencies, the submission of Mandi Allsobrook of The Woodlands stood out as the winner of Market Street’s first Confessions of a Shopaholic contest.

To celebrate the movie release of Sophie Kinsella’s Confessions of a Shopaholic, Market Street-The Woodlands hosted a contest where shoppers were asked to describe their craziest shopping confession in 150 words or less.

While the winning confession began with only a $2 bottle of nail polish, it was her quirky tale on how something as simple as coloring her nails and how it influenced an entire outfit, that made her entry stand out among the others.

“My bargain polish resulted in me spending over $300 on the outfit to match,” said Allsobrook. “At least my friends paid me lots of compliments and got a really good laugh when they learned what influenced me to buy the dress! ”

As the winner of the contest, Allsobrook received a $100 Market Street gift card, a reusable Market Street shopping bag and a copy of Sophie Kinsella ’s novel, Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Interfaith Volunteers Help at Shell Houston Open. More than 200 individuals volunteered on behalf of Interfaith of The Woodlands at the 2009 Shell Houston Open.

Interfaith is a core charity of the event and will receive funds from the Houston Golf Association to help support families in need and programs for children.

WOODFOREST NATIONAL BANK CONTRIBUTES $2 MILLION TO THE WOODFOREST CHARITABLE FOUNDATION . Woodforest National Bank provided a $2 million contribution to The Woodforest Charitable Foundation.

“We are very pleased to announce our contribution to The Woodforest Charitable Foundation, ” said Robert E. Marling Jr., chief executive officer of Woodforest National Bank. “Last year was a record year for Woodforest National Bank in terms of strength and profitability. Now, more than ever, nonprofits are facing greater challenges with their efforts to help others who are in need, and we are delighted to channel our support to the foundation and the many deserving charities that it serves. ”

(L-R) Brandon Marling, credit analyst Woodforest National Bank; Michael H. Richmond, vice chairman and chief financial officer of Woodforest National Bank; Robert E. Marling Jr., chief executive officer of Woodforest National Bank; Kim Marling, vice president of The Woodforest Charitable Foundation; and David Gottlieb and Vicki Richmond, The Woodforest Charitable Foundation.

Montgomery county Youth Services Celebrates 30 Years In The Community. Montgomery County Youth Services celebrated its 30th anniversary at the Donor Appreciation Reception at Amerigo ’s Grille in The Woodlands.

With a birthday theme in swing, MCYS employees and donors gathered to celebrate the milestone and successes MCYS has had in reaching the youth of Montgomery County and their families, as well as recognize those who have helped make their efforts possible.

“Without the help and commitment of our donors, we would not be where we are today, ” said John Bracken, executive director of MCYS. “They have stepped up to the plate whenever they’ve seen a need, and it’s made a huge impact on the kids and families who had those needs.”

MCYS Fairway Home resident Lauren shared how she has been impacted by the efforts of the donors and staff of MCYS. She is now pursuing a psychology degree at Lone Star College - Montgomery.

(L-R) John Bracken, executive director of MCYS; Jan Sieving and Maribeth Weakland, with CB &I; and Joan Dunstone, MCYS supporter; enjoy conversation at Montgomery County Youth Services ’ Donor Appreciation Reception. • Taking time for a photo op are: (l-r) Casey Kosh, owner of Amerigo’s Grille in The Woodlands; Walter Cooke, MCYS board member and long-time MCYS supporter; and Nancy Kosh, fellow MCYS board member and owner of Amerigo ’s Grille in The Woodlands.

Galatas Donates $500 to Interfaith. Following a recent reprint of long-time Woodlands resident Roger Galatas’ book The Woodlands: The Inside Story of Creating a Better Hometown, the author donated $500, a portion of the proceeds from book sales, to Interfaith of The Woodlands.

Dr. Ann Snyder, president and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, said, “We are extremely grateful for the donation from Mr. Galatas. Our organization’s history and service to this great community is