Houston SPCA Howl-O-Ween Celebrates Festive Centennial

Annual Gala Supports Organization’s 100^th Anniversary At Record-Breaking Fundraiser

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by CatchLight Group

THE SCENE: The Houston SPCA Equine Arena was the recent setting for one of the city’s (and Texas’) most anticipated annual Halloween soirées. Nearly 500 of the city’s most prominent animal lovers, community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the organization’s annual Howl-O-Ween Ball. The night also celebrated the 100^th anniversary of this storied organization, with the result being a record-breaking night for this iconic Houston event.

THE VIBE: The “Cocktail with a Twist” attire meant that one could see everything from traditional cocktail fare to elaborate Halloween costumes. The result was an incredibly welcoming environment for all who attended. The night began with a lively cocktail hour where members of TUTS Theater Company served up magicians, fortune tellers, and dancers who offered a special, experiential element for guests. Patrons also had the opportunity to mingle with four-legged animals, such as horses, where donors had the opportunity to see first-hand the positive effects of the organization’s Equine Rehabilitation Program.

As revelers headed to their seats for the evening’s main program, they were treated to a fun surprise that kept the energy high for the rest of the night. A flash mob performance of the iconic Black Eyed Peas song I Gotta Feeling signaled that the night was indeed going to be a good night.

Once in their seats, Emcee Deborah Duncan of KHOU kept the festivities flowing at a fun, brisk pace throughout the program. As revelers dined on delectable, multi-course meals, they were treated to words from event and organization leaders thank donors for their support in honor of their 100^th birthday. Jana and Pete DeLongchamps, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and Zane and Brady Carruth were honored for their tireless support for the organization, after which the crowd was treated to a special performance by TUTS of the song I Put A Spell on You.

Next, came a sensational live auction where the bidding soared for a series of luxury packages. Top items included a night with Houston Texans Quarterback CJ Stroud, a VIP Getaway for four at a Galveston beach house, and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a bald eagle release being the most popular. The night concluded with Houston SPCA CEO, gala chairs, and honorees taking to the stage toasting the next 100 years of Houston SPCA as P!nk’s Raise Your Glass played in the background.

THE NON-PROFIT: The 2024 Howl-O-Ween Ball, co-chaired by Zane and Brady Carruth, raised a record-breaking $1.3 million for Houston SPCA. Proceeds raised from the event will go toward programs and initiatives to help fulfill the organization to improve and protect the lives of animals in the Houston community.