Here’s How Houston Children’s Charity’s 27th Annual Gala, Raising $6.2 Million, Provided A Watershed Moment In Houston Fundraising

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Ben Porter Photography

THE SCENE: The Post Oak Hotel in Houston was the setting for an epic night in fundraising that will be talked about for years to come. Over 700 of the city’s top community leaders, children’s advocates, sociables, and philanthropists descended into the five-star location for the 27^th Annual Houston Children’s Charity Gala. The night, underwritten by Houston philanthropist Gary Petersen, featured one eye-popping surprise after another that kept guests guessing and engaged well into the night.

THE VIBE: The black-tie optional crowd featured a mix of black-tie and cocktail ensembles with many donning bold colors and prints that created a beautiful tapestry and a welcoming vibe for all who attended. The night kicked off in The Post Oak Ballroom Foyer for a lively cocktail hour. Here guests sipped classic and signature cocktails, perused and previewed an impressive lot of silent and live auction items, and commemorated the night with images on the red carpet.

The action then moved to The Post Oak Ballroom for the main program. Richard Flowers and The Events Company expertly pulled out all the stops. Guests were dazzled by an array of laser beams that greeted them along with tables full of long taper candles and stunning floral arrangements of purple, pink, and hues that got the crowd into an even more festive mood.

Once guests took to their seats, they were treated to a delectable multi-course meal headlined by a main course of steak and lobster tail. During dinner, the crowd listened to words from event leaders on how the organization has positively impacted the Houston community. Speakers including Houston Children’s Charity Board Chair Tilman Fertitta, President & CEO Laura S. Ward, and Houston Mayor John Whitmire.

Several Houston philanthropists were honored with awards for their tireless support of Houston Children’s Charity over the decades. Rob Wilson of The John M. O’Quinn Foundation was recognized for his long support of the organization. Additionally, philanthropists Jana and Richard Fant were honored for their long-standing and tireless support of the organization’s Chariots for Children Program.

An epic live auction led by Johnny Bravo followed. As the bidding flourished, Tillman Fertitta took to the stage to introduce a very special guest, entrepreneur and actor Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who brought the crowd to their feet. Jackson along with Fertitta and Bravo captivated the crowd as guests bid feverishly for a private dinner with him and Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Johnson, who also surprised guests onstage during the bidding, sold twice which ultimately went for a total of $500,000.

Next came the paddles up for the Chariots for Children Program, where patrons raised their paddles to provide safe and efficient transportation to children with disabilities and wheelchair-bound children through handicapped-accessible vans. Jana and Richard Fant surprised the audience by raising their paddles for 30 vans, which then propelled other patrons to raise their paddles and dozens more vans for children with disabilities in the Houston area.

The legendary night was capped off quite literally with other legends. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Band Chicago took to the stage and the crowd quickly took to the dance floor. Here revelers danced the night away to many of their legendary tunes including If You Leave Me Now, Saturday in the Park, and You’re The Inspiration among many others, concluding a picture-perfect night in Houston fundraising lore.

THE NON-PROFIT: The 27^th Annual Houston Children’s Charity raised a mind-blowing $6.2 million for Houston Children’s Charity. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards fulfilling the organization’s mission of improving the quality of life for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused, and disabled children. Since its founding in 1996, the organization has provided services to over 300 agencies and over three million children.