Krewe de Camp For All Gala In Houston Dazzles In Stunning Million Dollar Night

Mardi Gras Theme Brought Both Fun And The Fundraising

Photography by Daniel Ortiz

THE SCENE: The Revaire in Houston was the setting for an epic night of fundraising that brought the house down and raised seven figures for one of Space City’s most beloved causes. Over 600 of the area’s top community leaders, advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the annual Camp For All Gala. This year’s theme, Krewe de Camp For All, took the event to new heights, with guests talking about the fun, fabulous night long after the event ended.

THE VIBE: The Mardi-Gras Chic crowd was selected in part due to the Louisiana roots of this year’s Krewe de Camp For All co-chairs. In the crowd, one could spot lots of bright Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold, and green, with plenty of sequins and feathers that seamlessly blended in with traditional cocktail flair. The result was a festive, welcoming environment that guests felt from the moment they walked into The Revaire for the cocktail hour.

Partygoers mingled with many, admiring one another ensembles, accessories, and flare while sipping on their favorite spirits. Guests could also be seen previewing the impressive list of silent and live auction items. Additionally, patrons also had the opportunity to mingle with some very special guests – campers who have gained life-changing experiences through Camp For All. Even more fun ensued during a lively wine pull full of high-end wines where revelers selected bottles for the taking…with many opening them as they headed to their tables for the main program.

Master of Ceremonies and KPRC 2 Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley entertained the crowd while effortlessly keeping the evening flowing at a fun, brisk pace. While diners enjoyed delectable, multi-course meals, they were treated to words from Camp For All and event leaders who both highlighted the mission of Camp For All and thanked them for their support.

The night continued by honoring special individuals and organizations for their continued support of Camp For All over the years. This year’s honorees, Karen and Mike Odegard, as well as The Hamil Foundation, were recognized for their tireless support and indelible impact on Camp For All campers and their families. Next, attendees in the audience were inspired by the moving words of former camper Bailey Ferguson, who spoke about how much Camp for All has personally meant in her life by sharing that it is “Is a place where you can just be yourself and never worry about your disability. You feel free and have so much fun.”

Next came a spirited live auction where the paddles and fundraising increased as partygoers bid on an impressive assortment of luxury experiences, artwork, and other items. Top items included a Kentucky Derby package that sold for over $40,000 and a custom piece of artwork courtesy of former camper Austin Hanson which sold for $10,000 and capped off a fabulous evening of fun and fundraising, Mardi Gras-style.

THE NON-PROFIT: The Krewe de Camp For All Gala was co-chaired by Paul and Heather Palmer & Stacy & Rickie Duke. The event raised over $1.2 million for Camp For All programs, experiences, and facility management. Each year, over 9000 children and adults with challenging illnesses and special needs visit the 206-acre Camp For All campus in Burton to experience life-changing activities that allow them to connect with nature and the outdoors. Since the founding of Camp For All in 1998, over 190,000 people have been empowered by the organization’s programs and the realization that their challenges do not define them.

To see additional post-event coverage of the 2024 Camp For All Gala on Curated Texan, please click here.