IM Houston 2026 Tapestry Gala: Timeless Threads
IM Houston (IM) will celebrate dialogue, collaboration and service at its annual Tapestry Gala on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Americas – Houston.
The theme of this year's event "Timeless Threads" honors the enduring connections woven through more than 60 years of IM Houston’s service to the community. It reflects the relationships forged across faiths and cultures, the work that continues today, and the lasting legacy carried forward for future generations.
KTRK ABC13 Anchor Gina Gaston will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, which will recognize Linh and Fred G. Marshall with the 2026 Tapestry Award—the organization’s highest philanthropic honor. For more than a decade, the Marshalls have championed IM Houston’s mission through their generosity, volunteer leadership, and steadfast belief that civic engagement is essential to building a thriving community. Their dedication exemplifies the spirit and values at the heart of IM Houston’s work.
The evening will also honor the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity (WALIPP) with the 2026 Spirit of Respect Award. The late Reverend William A. Lawson, founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, was one of Houston’s original “Three Amigos,” the informal name given to the trio of faith leaders who stood together for decades in pursuit of civil rights, social justice, and human dignity.
The Three Amigos—Reverend Lawson, Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza, and Rabbi Samuel Karff—were not only pillars of Houston’s civic life, but also foundational partners in the vision that became IM Houston. The Spirit of Respect Award honors individuals and organizations whose lives embody those enduring values. In recognizing WALIPP and the Lawson family, IM Houston pays tribute to the very foundation upon which the organization was built.
The award will be accepted on behalf of WALIPP by Reverend Lawson’s daughters: Melanie Lawson, Cheryl Lawson, and Roxanne Lawson.
Longtime IM Houston supporters and board members Shirin and Saied Alavi will serve as Event Chairs, joining IM President and CEO Sheroo Mukhtiar and Board Chair Henry Florsheim in welcoming guests to an inspiring evening celebrating the organization’s mission and impact.
Shell USA, Inc. serves as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Tapestry Gala.
Together, guests will celebrate the threads of understanding and service that continue to strengthen the fabric of Houston.
For more than 60 years, IM has united people of diverse backgrounds to serve the Greater Houston area and manifests the strength of shared beliefs through five areas of service to the greater Houston community: Meals on Wheels/Animeals; Refugee Services; Interfaith Relations; and Volunteer Houston.
For more information about the 2026 Tapestry Gala and how to become a sponsor or purchase tickets visit Tapestry Gala - IM Houston. Contact Chris Johnson at [email protected] or call 281-733-9743 for more information.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3712812-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3712812-2
