Rob Giardinelli
The Event Raised Enough Funds To Eliminate The 114 Chariots For Children Van Distribution Waiting List For Families Who Have Children Who Are Wheelchair Bound… And Then Some
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Priscilla Dickson and Daniel Ortiz
THE SCENE: The Post Oak Hotel in Houston was the setting for Texas’ most exhilarating, fun, and financially successful fundraising night of the year. A sold-out crowd of 800 packed the ballroom at Texas’ hotel, home to the only five-star hotel and spa, for the 30th Annual Houston Children’s Charity Gala. The gala, sporting a Still Shining theme, delivered on all fronts, giving guests touching moments, an epic live auction, and a showstopping musical performance from an A-list musician that helped the organization raise eight figures.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd embraced the Still Shining theme, which encouraged guests to make bold fashion statements… and did the crowd ever deliver? In the room, one could spot shimmering metallics, sparkling sequins, and bold colors across the color spectrum. The result was a gorgeous tapestry that perfectly reflected the high energy of those fortunate enough to be a part of the festivities.
As soon as they exited their cars in The Post Oak Hotel porte-cochere, everyone knew a magical evening awaited them. As revelers entered The Post Oak Hotel ballroom foyer for one of Texas’ most fun cocktail hours, hundreds of friends old and new awaited them. After grabbing their favorite beverage from the many bars dotted throughout the space, many took the opportunity to pose for photos on the step-and-repeat to commemorate the special evening.
The ballroom doors then opened, signaling that the program was about to begin, and the crowd was dazzled by what caught their eye. Entering the room, guests were greeted by laser beams shooting across the room that complemented the festive vibe of the crowd. Jaws dropped as they took in the exquisitely decorated room, featuring neutral linens with shimmer that beautifully complemented tables with an array of stunning centerpieces, including low-profile and tall floral arrangements, all in shades of yellow. Other tables sported elegant high-profile votive arrangements that felt like custom art installations.
The space was so captivating that it took many a while to find their tables. The jubilant crowd continued mingling, catching up with old friends and making new ones in the process. Once guests found their tables, many took the time to introduce themselves to their tablemates… and say hello to their friends as they sat down and got ready to experience one heck of a program.
Kicking off the program was a beautiful invocation by Reverend Mary Gracely of One Spirit Interfaith Community. As guests began dining on their delectable, multi-course meals, Houston Children’s Charity Board Vice Chairman, Gary Becker, served as emcee, keeping the festivities moving at a fun, brisk pace throughout the night.
The emotional program featured several moving, impactful moments. This included Kate and Mike Lowenberg & Randy Hopper honoring legendary ABC13 news anchor Dave Ward, the late husband of Houston Children’s Charity CEO Laura Ward, which barely left a dry eye in the house. The program also featured words from Houston Children’s Charity CEO Laura Ward, Houston Mayor John Whitmire, and a special video message from Houston Children’s Charity Board Chair and United States Ambassador to Italy and San Marino, Tilman Fertitta.
Other program highlights included Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott taking to the stage and announcing that the organization’s highly successful Chariots for Children Van Distribution Program would be expanded statewide into Austin, San Antonio, and the Texas Hill Country markets, with Laura Ward telling Curated Texan that the Austin market will be the first new city in which it will expand. This will give Houston Children’s Charity’s mission and legacy a lasting, statewide presence. Gary R. Petersen was honored for his long-time support in championing Houston Children’s Charity and their mission, which brought the crowd to its feet in their gratitude for helping shape a legacy of hope in the Houston Community.
Johnny Bravo of Johnny Bravo Entertainment then led Texas’ most exhilarating live auction, raising nearly $1 million. The paddles and the fundraising continued to climb as guests bid on an array of luxury items and experiences. Some of the most popular items included a Houston Sports Spectacular package with VIP seating to Houston Texans, Houston Astros, and Houston Rockets games and a Luxury Life in the Fastlane package that included a Porsche 911 donated by presenting sponsor Porsche River Oaks & Porsche West Houston.
An auction highlight was when Rapper and entrepreneur Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson surprised guests by taking the stage to auction a Houston Rockets experience for 20 guests, including his own attendance, adding star power to the evening’s fundraising efforts. Throughout the auction, Laura Ward frequently took the stage to thank donors for raising their paddles in support of the organization, showcasing her remarkable gratitude and why she is one of Texas’ very best event hosts.
What followed the auction will live in Texas social and philanthropy lore for decades. 2025 Houston Children’s Charity Gala Honoree, Tony Buzbee, took to the stage to assist Johnny Bravo and Laura Ward with the Chariots for Children Van Distribution Paddle Raise, which cost $55,000 a piece. At the top, Buzbee announced that the goal was to raise enough money to ensure that all 114 children on the Chariots for Children Van Distribution waiting list will receive their vans at a ceremony in early 2027. The audience delivered and then some, raising paddles for vans in increments of 20, 10, 3, and 1, along with others who contributed impactful amounts, including ½ a van and $5,000. Once the tally was complete, they raised enough money for an astonishing 158 handicapped-accessible vans that will give families of wheelchair-bound children the freedom and mobility to transport their children to school and doctor’s appointments.
After the paddle raise, the crowd fell uncharacteristically quiet for a few moments as Laura Ward and the Houston Children’s Charity gala leaders tabulated the total amount raised. Once the announcement was made by Mrs. Ward that an astounding $12.8 million was raised (which had grown to $13.2 million by the following morning), the room, which had already been bursting at the seams with energy throughout the program, exploded figuratively and literally into its loudest applause of the night, which was accompanied with six rows of pyrotechnics that went off at the front of the stage. The moment celebrated gratitude for raising eight figures and eliminating the entire Chariots for Children Van Distribution waiting list. All vans from the 2026 Houston Children’s Charity Gala Chariots for Children Van Distribution Paddle Raise will specifically go to families in the Houston area.
The excited crowd then got on their feet and stormed the stage for the evening’s musical headliner performance. Country music legend Blake Shelton took to the stage for a 75-minute set. Revelers danced and sang along to many of his greatest hits, capping off an epic night of fundraising that will go down as one of the most fun and impactful in Houston and Texas gala history, while also showing how, after 30 years, Laura Ward and Houston Children’s Charity are Still Shining as a defining force in Texas philanthropic fundraising.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 30th Annual Houston Children’s Charity Gala raised over $13.2 million for Houston Children’s Charity. Over the past 30 years, Houston Children’s Charity has provided services to underserved children in the Houston area through programs that fill particular gaps that no other organizations in the area are filling. They include the monthly A Better Night Sleep Program, the Annual Toy Distribution Program, and the Chariots for Children. The organization prides itself on efficiently stewarding incoming dollars, with 93% of every dollar received going towards its slate of nine programs that serve tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of children in the Houston area each year.
Inside The Houston Children’s Charity That Celebrates 30 Years Of Giving With A Record-Breaking Gala
The 30th Annual Houston Children’s Charity Gala welcomed 800 guests to The Post Oak Hotel for an unforgettable evening of philanthropy, entertainment, and community impact, raising more than $13.2 million for underserved children across the Houston area.
The Still Shining Theme Inspires Bold Black-Tie Fashion
Guests embraced the Still Shining theme with sparkling sequins, shimmering metallics, and vibrant colors, creating a dazzling display of fashion and glamour at one of Houston’s premier philanthropic events.
The Post Oak Hotel Sets the Stage for an Unforgettable Evening
The Post Oak Ballroom featured shimmering neutral linens, striking yellow floral arrangements, elegant votive centerpieces, and laser lighting, creating a spectacular atmosphere for the sold-out gala.
An Emotional Tribute Honors the Legacy of Dave Ward
The evening featured a moving tribute to the late Dave Ward, legendary ABC13 news anchor and husband of Houston Children’s Charity CEO Laura Ward, celebrating his enduring legacy and impact on the Houston community.
Texas First Lady Announces Statewide Expansion of Chariots for Children
Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott announced that the Chariots for Children program will expand into Austin, San Antonio, and the Texas Hill Country, extending Houston Children’s Charity’s mission to families across Texas.
Gary R. Petersen Receives Recognition for His Lasting Philanthropic Impact
Longtime Houston Children’s Charity supporter Gary R. Petersen was honored for his dedication to the organization and his role in advancing its mission of providing hope and essential resources to children and families.
Johnny Bravo Leads a Nearly $1 Million Live Auction
Auctioneer Johnny Bravo energized the crowd with an exciting live auction featuring luxury items and exclusive experiences, raising nearly $1million for Houston Children’s Charity programs.
Luxury Cars and Houston Sports Experiences Drive Auction Bidding
Coveted offerings included a Houston Sports Spectacular package with V-VIP seating at Houston Texans, Houston Astros, and Houston Rockets games, along with a Porsche 911 featured in the Luxury Life in the Fastlane package, donated by presenting sponsors Porsche River Oaks and Porsche West Houston.
50 Cent Joins the Auction for an Exclusive Houston Rockets Experience
Rapper and entrepreneur Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson surprised guests by taking the stage to auction a Houston Rockets experience for 20 guests, including his own attendance, adding star power to the evening’s fundraising efforts.
Chariots for Children Paddle Raise Eliminates the Van Waiting List
With support from the evening’s honoree, Buzbee, and event leaders, guests participated in an extraordinary paddle raise for accessible vans priced at $55,000 each, surpassing the goal of funding transportation for all 114 children on the Chariots for Children waiting list.
Donors Fund 158 Accessible Vans for Children With Mobility Challenges
The remarkable paddle raise generated enough funding for 158 handicapped-accessible vans, exceeding the original goal and helping families of children with spinal cord impairments access essential transportation for school, medical appointments, and everyday needs.
Houston Children’s Charity Gala Raises More Than $13.2 Million
After announcing an initial total of $12.8 million, Houston Children’s Charity revealed that the fundraising total had grown to more than $13.2 million by the following morning, marking an extraordinary milestone for the organization’s 30th anniversary celebration.
Blake Shelton Delivers a Showstopping Headline Performance
Country music superstar Blake Shelton closed out the evening with a 75-minute performance of his greatest hits, bringing guests to their feet for a high-energy celebration following the record-setting fundraising success.
Houston Children’s Charity Continues Its Mission to Support Underserved Children
For 30 years, Houston Children’s Charity has addressed critical needs through programs including A Better Night Sleep, its Annual Toy Distribution, and Chariots for Children, helping tens of thousands of children and families throughout the Houston area.
Houston Children’s Charity Directs 93 Percent of Donations to Its Programs
The organization emphasizes responsible stewardship of donations, directing 93 percent of every dollar received toward its nine programs, which provide essential services and resources to underserved children throughout the community.
