A small group of car enthusiasts who founded The Woodlands Car Club in 2001 has grown into one of Montgomery County's most consistent charitable engines, donating more than $175,000 to more than 100 nonprofits across the region in 25 years.
The club is celebrating that milestone with a season of anniversary events in fall 2026, culminating in a free Cars & Coffee for a Cause gathering on Sunday, Dec. 6, at Market Street, according to Hello Woodlands.
"Looking back at the early days, our goal was to create a place where people could enjoy their passion for cars while giving something meaningful to the community," said Dana Pritchard, president of The Woodlands Car Club and one of its founding members, in the club's anniversary announcement. "Seeing how the club has grown over 25 years is something I am truly proud of."
Pritchard helped establish the club in March 2001. By 2009, the group had launched The Woodlands Cars & Coffee for a Cause, a monthly charity car display held the first Sunday of each month at Market Street. Participants begin arriving at 6:30 a.m. in front of Starbucks for check-in on a first-come, first-served basis. Contributions from the car event combine with donations from Market Street's 68 parking meters through the Change for Charity program to fund quarterly gifts to selected nonprofits.
Spotlight charity supports families after suicide loss
The club's 2026 spotlight charity is The Loved Ones Left Behind, a Magnolia-based 501(c)(3) that provides emotional and financial support to families who have lost a parent to suicide. The organization works on suicide prevention and awareness while helping surviving family members rebuild.
Anniversary season events
The fall celebration includes three gatherings for longtime supporters, community partners and past recipient charities. The first is a private tour of the Gullo Family Classic Car Museum in Magnolia, which houses more than 100 American classics including movie cars from the Gullo family's private collection. Attendees will be invited to contribute to the Gullo Christmas for Kids Charitable Foundation, which has treated 50 to 55 families to a holiday party with food, prizes and gift cards each year since 1992.
Dates for the first two events have not been announced. The season wraps Dec. 6 with charitable check presentations to nonprofits supported in 2026 and an annual toy drive. The event is free.
Updates on anniversary events will be posted on the club's Facebook page at facebook.com/TheWoodlandsCarClub.
How to get involved
The club funds its giving through donations from local auto enthusiasts, event participants and sponsorships. Donations and sponsorship inquiries go through the club's Facebook page.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
