How 230+ Hope Warriors Raised Over $100,000 and Showed the World That No Family Faces Toxic Mold Alone

A Community Gathers

Picture this: The Four Seasons Austin ballroom on December 6, 2025, filled with 230+ hope warriors. Survivors who've walked through the fire. Medical professionals who understand the science. Industry experts committed to doing it right. Legal advocates fighting for families' rights. Donors who believe no one should suffer alone.

All gathered for one purpose: to ensure families devastated by toxic mold have the resources, support, and community they need to heal.

This wasn't our first Hope Warrior Gala. But it was our most powerful yet.

Three years ago, 27 brave souls gathered for the inaugural event. Saturday night? Over 230 people filled that ballroom. That's not just growth—that's a movement.

The Problem We're Solving

Imagine discovering that your home—your sanctuary, the place where you should feel safest—is making you, or worse your kids, sick.

The medical bills pile up. Doctors dismiss your symptoms. Insurance denies your claims. Remediation costs are overwhelming. Your relationships strain under the pressure. You feel isolated, scared, and completely alone.

You wonder: Will we ever be healthy again? Where can we turn? Will anyone believe us? Mold is everywhere. This is hopeless.

This is the reality thousands of families face every year. And until recently, far too many faced it alone.

Enter Malachi's Message Foundation

Malachi's Message Foundation (MMF) exists because we've been there. Our founders and board members have walked this devastating path. We know the fear, the isolation, the financial devastation, the medical gaslighting. We’ve experienced firsthand how toxic mold doesn't just damage homes—it shatters lives.

And the founders of MMF decided: No family should ever face this alone.

Since 2020, Malachi's Message Foundation has been providing what families in crisis desperately need:

Financial assistance grants when costs are overwhelming
Emotional support services when isolation feels unbearable
Educational resources when information is hard to find
Community connections when you need people who understand

Saturday night's Hope Warrior Gala was more than a fundraiser. It was proof that this approach works. It was validation that community matters. It was a celebration of lives changed and hope restored.

An Unforgettable Evening

The Numbers Tell a Story

Let's pause and really absorb what this community accomplished:

230+ attendees gathered (up from 27 at our first gala in 2022)
Over $100,000 raised in a single evening
4 comprehensive educational courses taught by leading experts
Countless connections made between survivors, advocates, and professionals
1 world premiere trailer that will change the conversation
Infinite hope generated for families who thought they were alone

But numbers only tell part of the story. The real magic was in the moments.

Shemane Nugent: A Story of Survival and Transformation

Our keynote speaker, Shemane Nugent, held the room spellbound as she shared her journey from near-death to fierce advocacy. As a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning television host, and wellness warrior, Shemane nearly lost everything to hidden toxic mold in her MTV Cribs-featured dream home.

What should have been her sanctuary became a silent killer.

But Shemane fought back using natural remedies and functional medicine, transforming her greatest health crisis into a bold mission to help others. Her story resonated deeply with survivors in the audience who saw their own struggles reflected in her words—and found hope in her healing.

The evening's highlight? The exclusive world premiere trailer for "Killer House," the upcoming TV series created by Shemane and her son, Rocco Nugent. This groundbreaking series will transform how the world views the residential building industry and indoor air quality. The audience erupted in applause. This series is going to be a game-changer for mold awareness.

Abby Lovins: Courage Has No Age Limit

One of the most moving moments came from Abby Lovins, a courageous 17-year-old advocate who is currently writing her story of healing and restoring health after being impacted by toxic mold.

Abby's presence on that stage represented something profound: the next generation of hope warriors who refuse to let mold toxicity define their future. Her willingness to share her journey—at such a young age—inspired everyone in the room and reminded us that mold illness doesn't discriminate by age.

Her story of resilience, recovery, and determination to help others gave hope to families currently in the trenches of their own battles. We cannot wait to read Abby's story when it's published. Her voice matters, and her advocacy is already making waves.

Michael Rubino: Hope Warrior Advocate Award

The Hope Warrior Advocate Award was presented to Michael Rubino, founder of HomeCleanse and Chair of Change the Air Foundation—and no one deserved it more.

Michael has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between home health and wellness. As an air quality expert, he's helped over 1,000 families heal from toxic mold exposure, working with over 100 doctors globally to provide solutions that correctly identify and remove the pollutants causing illness.

His work extends far beyond individual remediation projects. Through Change the Air Foundation, Michael is tackling the hidden epidemic of poor indoor air quality through education, policy reform, and research. He's a council-certified Mold Remediator by IICRC and ACAC, a contributing member and speaker for the Indoor Air Quality Association, and has been featured on platforms ranging from Gwyneth Paltrow's goop Podcast to NBC, ABC, Fox, Forbes, and USA Today.

Michael's tireless advocacy, his commitment to science-backed solutions, and his genuine compassion for families suffering from mold illness embody everything the Hope Warrior Advocate Award represents.

The Hidden Costs of Mold: Educational Seminar

The day began with our comprehensive educational seminar, "The Hidden Costs of Mold," which ran from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This powerful program featured four expert-led courses, networking sessions, and vendor booths—all designed to equip attendees with practical, science-backed knowledge.

Dr. Ann Shippy shared powerful clinical insights into how mold exposure impacts reproductive health and can affect generations to come. As a physician, engineer, author, and mother who specializes in complex, chronic, and unexplained symptoms, Dr. Shippy brought a unique combination of scientific rigor and compassionate understanding that attendees desperately needed.

Erin Caldwell guided attendees through the often-overlooked emotional and relational impacts of mold exposure. Drawing from her work with trauma, family systems, and resilience, Erin helped families understand that their struggles with fractured relationships and emotional strain are not personal failures—they are predictable impacts of an extraordinary stressor. Her session was transformational.

Judy Cho, a functional medicine practitioner and board-certified holistic nutritionist, provided attendees with practical, actionable tools through her presentation on supporting root cause healing with a carnivore elimination diet. As host of "Nutrition with Judy" podcast and author of bestselling books including Carnivore Cure, Judy brought cutting-edge knowledge about using dietary intervention to address gut health, autoimmune illness, and mold-related health issues.

Brian Wright of Crossway Mechanical equipped attendees with critical knowledge about proper HVAC practices for mold prevention. As someone who has dedicated his career to helping Texas families affected by mold contamination due to HVAC installation deficiencies, Brian understands that proper mechanical systems are the first line of defense against moisture problems that lead to mold growth.

The seminar drew practitioners, survivors, homeowners, attorneys, and HVAC professionals—all hungry for accurate, research-based information they could apply immediately.

Tom Riles: Making Fundraising FUN

Our emcee and auctioneer, Tom Riles, brought exactly what the evening needed—energy, humor, heart, and an uncanny ability to make fundraising FUN. For over sixteen years, Tom warmed up audiences for The Ellen DeGeneres Show, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, and countless other Hollywood shows.

Tom's engaging style and genuine passion for nonprofit work helped us break fundraising records. His live auction was electric, his paddle raise was inspiring, and his warmth made every person in that ballroom feel like they were part of something bigger than themselves.

Tom didn't just conduct an auction—he created an experience that connected attendees to the mission in a profound way.

The Perfect Ending: Post-Gala Breakfast

Kristina Baehr and Just Well Law hosted a beautiful post-gala breakfast on Sunday morning, providing the perfect opportunity for continued fellowship, networking, and community-building. After an incredible evening, gathering over breakfast allowed conversations to continue, new connections to form, and attendees to reflect on the impact made together.

Kristina's commitment to the mold community—both as a Platinum sponsor and as an attorney fighting for families in crisis—exemplifies true advocacy.

Flawless Execution: Wendy Parker Events

Behind every magical moment was Wendy Parker Events, whose exceptional coordination, meticulous attention to detail, and flawless execution made the evening seamless and spectacular. From the VIP champagne reception to the cocktail hour, from the seated dinner to the live auction, from the program flow to the dancing—every single detail came together beautifully.

Wendy and her team didn't just coordinate an event—they created an experience that honored mold survivors, celebrated advocates, and built community.

The Champions: Our Incredible Sponsors

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. These businesses and individuals don't just write checks—they stand with us, believe in our mission, and make healing possible for families in crisis.

$10,000 Platinum Sponsors

Texas Mold Inspectors - As professionals on the front lines of mold detection, Texas Mold Inspectors understands firsthand the devastation families face when they discover hidden mold in their homes. Their Platinum sponsorship demonstrates that they don't just inspect homes—they care about the people living in them.

Restore and Renew - The company name says it all. When families face toxic mold exposure, they need more than just remediation; they need restoration of their health, their homes, their hope, and their lives. Restore and Renew's generous support helps us provide exactly that kind of comprehensive restoration.

Crossway Mechanical - As HVAC professionals, Crossway Mechanical knows that proper mechanical systems are the first line of defense against moisture problems that lead to mold growth. Their sponsorship shows they don't just stop at prevention—they actively support families who are already in crisis.

Just Well Law - Kristina Baehr and Just Well Law went above and beyond with both their Platinum sponsorship and hosting the post-gala breakfast. As an attorney fighting for families' rights in mold-related cases, Kristina's commitment to this cause is evident in everything she does.

$5,000 Gold Sponsors

Gold Eagle - Gold Eagle's commitment demonstrates that they don't just provide products and services—they invest in the wellbeing of communities and families.

Pure Maintenance - As professionals in the mold remediation and prevention industry who witness daily the impact mold can have on families, Pure Maintenance's sponsorship shows their commitment to supporting the people behind the problem.

Karen Ferris Law - As an attorney who understands the legal complexities families face when dealing with toxic mold exposure, Karen Ferris Law's sponsorship carries special significance. They care about more than just legal outcomes—they care about the whole person and the whole family.

$3,000 Silver Sponsors

Resilient Health Austin - The name "Resilient Health" perfectly captures what we're working toward with every family we serve. Recovering from toxic mold exposure requires resilience—physical, emotional, and mental.

Lovins Law - Lovins Law's sponsorship has special significance, especially as we celebrated the courage of young advocate Abby Lovins during the gala. Their firm stands behind families facing these battles at every stage of life.

Extreme Microbial Technologies - As experts in microbial technologies who bring cutting-edge science and innovation to the fight against mold contamination, Extreme Microbial Technologies demonstrates that they care about the families who are suffering and need comprehensive support to heal.

Patriot Construction - As construction professionals who understand that building homes is about more than walls and roofs—it's about creating safe, healthy spaces where families can thrive—Patriot Construction's sponsorship demonstrates commitment to supporting families even when their homes become unsafe.

$1,500 Sponsors

Conscious Healthy Home - Founded by Cristina Greenfield, our Vice President, Conscious Healthy Home's sponsorship represents someone who has walked the path of mold illness personally and has dedicated her career to helping others avoid the same devastation.

Henry Valles, Broker Associate, Realtor - As a real estate professional who understands that discovering mold means facing difficult decisions about selling, relocating, or fighting to make a home safe again, Henry's sponsorship shows he cares about families behind every real estate decision.

Lonestar Pro - Lonestar Pro's sponsorship demonstrates understanding of the importance of supporting families in crisis and investing in organizations that make a real difference in people's lives.

The Success: Lives Changed, Hope Restored

From 27 to 230+ attendees. From our first gala to our most successful yet. From uncertainty to momentum.

But the real success isn't measured in numbers alone. It's measured in:

Families who will receive financial assistance grants to help with overwhelming remediation and medical costs
Survivors who found community and realized they're not alone
Professionals who gained critical knowledge they can use to better serve their clients
Connections made between survivors, advocates, attorneys, doctors, and remediation experts
Hope generated for families who thought no one cared or understood
Awareness raised about the devastating impact of toxic mold
Momentum built for expanding our programs and serving more families

Every dollar raised represents a family who will get help during their darkest hour. Every connection made represents a survivor who found someone who understands. Every educational session represents knowledge that could prevent future crises or help current ones.

This is what happens when community refuses to let families suffer alone.

Avoiding Failure: Why This Matters

Without organizations like Malachi's Message Foundation, families facing toxic mold face:

❌ Financial devastation with nowhere to turn for help

❌ Complete isolation with no one who understands

❌ Medical gaslighting with no validation or support

❌ Fractured relationships with no resources for healing

❌ Hopelessness with no community to lean on

But with Malachi's Message, families find:

✅ Financial assistance when costs are overwhelming

✅ Community that shatters isolation

✅ Validation from people who've been there

✅ Resources for healing relationships

✅ Hope that restoration is possible

The difference between facing toxic mold alone and facing it with support is the difference between despair and hope, between devastation and recovery, between isolation and community.

That's why this work matters. That's why your support matters. That's why we can't stop now.

This is Just the Beginning

Saturday night proved something powerful: this community is ready to rally around families affected by toxic mold. The momentum we've built is real, and the potential for impact is enormous.

But one gala, no matter how successful, isn't enough. The families reaching out for help haven't stopped. The need for education, advocacy, and support continues to grow.

This success is not a finish line. It's a launching pad for what comes next:

More families served through financial assistance grants
Expanded emotional support programs to reach more people
Increased educational offerings and resources
Greater awareness and advocacy efforts nationwide
Deeper partnerships with professionals and organizations
A growing community of hope warriors who refuse to let anyone face this alone

We have proven what's possible when we come together. The 2025 Hope Warrior Gala showed the world that:

Survivors don't have to face this alone
Community makes all the difference
Hope is real and healing is possible
Together, we are stronger

Now, let's keep that energy and momentum alive.

Thank You, Hope Warriors

To every person who attended, donated, sponsored, volunteered, spoke, taught, or supported this event in any way—you are the reason this mission continues to grow.

To the survivors in the room who summoned the courage to share your stories—you give hope to families just beginning their journey.

To the professionals who dedicate your careers to solving this problem—you are saving lives.

To the donors who believe in this mission—you are making tangible differences in real people's lives.

To Shemane Nugent, Rocco Nugent, Abby Lovins, Michael Rubino, Dr. Ann Shippy, Erin Rodgers, Judy Cho, and Brian Wright—thank you for lending your voices, expertise, and time to this cause.

To our sponsors (Texas Mold Inspectors, Restore and Renew, Crossway Mechanical, Just Well Law, Gold Eagle, Pure Maintenance, Karen Ferris Law, Resilient Health Austin, Lovins Law, Extreme Microbial Technologies, Patriot Construction, Conscious Healthy Home, Henry Valles, and Lonestar Pro)—your generosity reflects true partnership in this mission.

To Kristina Baehr and Just Well Law—thank you for extending the celebration and fellowship.

To Tom Riles—thank you for making fundraising an absolute joy.

To Wendy Parker Events—you made magic happen.

And to the team at Malachi's Message Foundation—your tireless work, vision, and heart make all of this possible.

Join the Movement

If You're Facing Toxic Mold

You don't have to face this alone. Malachi's Message Foundation is here to help.

We provide:

Assistance grants
Emotional support services
Educational resources
Mold-aware practitioner directory
Community connections

Resources available at: www.malachismessage.org

If you or someone you know is struggling with toxic mold exposure, please reach out. You are not alone.

If You Want to Be Part of 2026

The success of the 2025 Hope Warrior Gala has us energized and already planning for next year.

If you loved this year's gala, you'll LOVE 2026. We're riding this wave of excitement and making plans to make next year even MORE impactful.

🎯 Sponsors: Want to secure your spot for next year? Email Emily@malachismessage.org to reserve your sponsorship level now.

🎯 Attendees: Missed this year? Don't miss out on 2026. Join the movement. Be part of something bigger. Help us continue changing lives.

The momentum is building. The community is growing. The impact is expanding.

Don't miss your opportunity to be part of it.

The Journey Continues

The 2025 Hope Warrior Gala is over, but the work continues.

Every day, families are discovering mold in their homes. Every day, people are connecting mysterious symptoms to their indoor environments. Every day, someone needs the hope, resources, and community that Malachi's Message provides.

We are hope warriors. We are advocates. We are survivors. We are believers in healing. We are proof that no one is alone in this fight.

We are stronger together. 🦁💙

And this is just the beginning.

For more information about Malachi's Message Foundation, our assistance programs, educational resources, or upcoming events, please visit www.malachismessage.org

If you or someone you know is struggling with toxic mold exposure, please reach out to us at info@malachismessage.org. You are not alone.

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2025 Hope Warrior Gala: A Night That Proved Community Changes Everything