Lance Avery Morgan
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Wilson Parish Photography and Jacob Power Photography
THE SCENE: The Houston SPCA Equine and Rescue Arena was the recent setting for one of the state’s most anticipated Halloween parties for a very worthy cause. Over 400 of the city’s most notable sociables, philanthropists, community leaders, and animal lovers turned out for the annual Howl-O-Ween Ball benefiting the Houston SPCA.
THE VIBE: The welcoming crowd featured a mix of cocktail-attired patrons and guests donning their favorite holiday costumes that created a warm, welcoming vibe for everyone. The festivities started with a cocktail hour where jaws dropped as they walked into the Equine and Rescue Arena, which was transformed into a spooky Halloween mansion. As partygoers sipped their favorite spirits, they mingled and perused an impressive silent auction that included such luxe items as a Texas A&M suite experience at Kyle Arena, a bald eagle release, and a Palm Desert getaway.
Guests then took to their seats for the main program where they dined on a three-course meal courtesy of City Kitchen. Emcee Deborah Duncan of Great Day Houston airing on KHOU entertained the audience and effortlessly kept the evening flowing at a fun, brisk pace. Highlights of the program included words from event and organization leaders, a “Paws Up” paddle raise and a spirited live auction. The night was capped off with an after-party where guests danced to the tunes of Bubba McNeely and Friends.
THE NON-PROFIT: Howl-O-Ween Ball 2023, co-chaired by Cheryl Byington and Brian Teichmann, raised over $850,000 for the Houston SPCA. Funds raised from the event will benefit Houston SPCA programs to further the organization’s mission to improve and protect the lives of animals and alleviate their suffering and abuse.
