Jennifer Roosth
Philanthropists And Derby Enthusiasts Gathered At The Revaire For Bo’s Place’s 10th Annual “Hats, Hearts & Horseshoes Fundraiser,” Where Mint Juleps, High-Energy Games, Elegant Equestrian Décor, And Heartfelt Moments Helped Raise $330,000 For Grief Support Programs Serving Children And Families
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Wilson Parish
THE SCENE: It was another win for Bo’s Place as more than 350 guests gathered to experience the most exciting two minutes in sports at the 10th annual “Hats, Hearts & Horseshoes: A Decade of Derby,” benefiting Bo’s Place. Held at The Revaire, the Derby watch party featured attendees dressed in their finest race-day attire, embracing the spirit and style of the occasion.
THE VIBE: Guests mingled throughout the afternoon, sipping traditional mint juleps and sampling a variety of bites. A standout feature was the ice bar, sponsored by Lowenberg Law Firm, which served Le Chemin du Roi Brut Champagne by 50 Cent.
Emcee and auctioneer Johnny Bravo kept the energy high as guests participated in silent and live auctions, a racing wall, a heads-or-tails game, and a popular bourbon pull.
Equestrian-inspired décor set the scene, with horse racing tapestries adorning the walls and a striking mirrored horse centerpiece anchoring the main bar. H-E-B provided the elegant red rose centerpieces.
The lively “Heads or Tails” game had the crowd cheering, with the winner taking home a bottle of 50 Cent’s champagne (Sires Spirits), along with a generous gift card. Multiple screens ensured everyone had a clear view of the race as anticipation built.
When the horses finally left the gate, the room erupted in excitement. Guests cheered as the 2026 Kentucky Derby surprise winner crossed the finish line, and the racing wall winner, who correctly selected the first-place horse Golden Tempo, took home a Houston Texans package generously donated by Hannah and Cal McNair.
THE NON-PROFIT: Chairs Libby and Mattison May, along with Shelby and Matthew Seligmann, led the event and were joined by an esteemed group of honorary chairs, including Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, Amanda and Terry Boffone, Julie and Stephen Chen, Megan and Luke Hotze, Jayne and Garrett Johnston, Alice and J.W. Lodge, Carol Lee and Allen Lyons, Alissa and Kevin Maples, Christina and David McAllen, Hannah and Cal McNair, Maddy and Patrick Moffitt, Sheridan and Robert Plumb, Millette and Haag Sherman, Christie and Mark Sullivan, Hallie Vanderhider, and Kelli and John Weinzierl.
Together, they helped raise an impressive $330,000 in support of Bo’s Place. Bo’s Place Executive Director Lisa Iparrea presented the Champion of Hope Award to the National Charity League, Heart of Texas Chapter, accepted by Chapter President Julie Gibson. Shelby Seligmann also shared a heartfelt reflection on her family’s grief journey following the death of her sister.
“Bo’s Place ensures participants have the tools, support, and, most importantly, each other, and it never charges a single nickel,” said Iparrea. “By the end of the current fiscal year in June, Bo’s Place will have helped more than 6,000 children, adults, and families create stories of hope, meaning, and resilience from their grief.”
From Bourbon Pulls To Big Race Wins: The Best Moments From Bo’s Place’s Derby Party…
The Revaire Became Houston’s Ultimate Derby-Day Destination
More than 350 guests arrived in race-day style for an afternoon filled with Kentucky Derby excitement, philanthropy, and Southern-inspired elegance.
Mint Juleps And Champagne Flowed All Afternoon
Guests sipped classic derby cocktails while enjoying the standout ice bar sponsored by Lowenberg Law Firm featuring Le Chemin du Roi Brut Champagne by 50 Cent.
Equestrian Décor Added Major Derby Flair
Horse racing tapestries, mirrored horse centerpieces, and elegant red rose arrangements from H-E-B transformed the venue into a chic derby celebration.
Johnny Bravo Kept The Crowd Energized
The emcee and auctioneer guided guests through silent and live auctions, racing games, a bourbon pull, and a lively heads-or-tails competition.
The Kentucky Derby Watch Party Delivered Edge-Of-Your-Seat Excitement
Guests erupted with cheers as surprise winner Golden Tempo crossed the finish line during the 2026 Kentucky Derby broadcast.
One Lucky Guest Rode Home With A Texans Prize Package
The racing wall winner who correctly picked Golden Tempo earned a coveted Houston Texans package donated by Hannah and Cal McNair.
Heartfelt Tributes Reminded Guests Of The Event’s Powerful Mission
Bo’s Place Executive Director Lisa Iparrea honored the National Charity League, Heart of Texas Chapter with the Champion of Hope Award, while Shelby Seligmann shared a moving reflection on her family’s grief journey.
