Houston’s vibrant party scene continues to elevate its fundraising efforts, with a plethora of recent galas surpassing the $1.5 million milestone in just one evening.
Among the standout events, the Houston Classical Charter School Gala at The Corinthian raised an impressive $1,850,000 with just 280 guests in attendance.
Hosted by chairs Sarah and Scott Barrett, the evening featured heartfelt testimonials from students and parents, echoing the transformative impact of the charter school.
Deyvis Salazar, founder and CEO of Houston Classical, expressed gratitude towards the generous supporters who contributed to this record-breaking total.
Another remarkable success was the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Gala held at The Revaire, where $1.65 million was raised.
Chaired by Erika and Neil Billingsley-Michaelsen, the event honored Amal Zakhem Nassar with the Mission Maker Award along with the Polaris Dawn crew members: Jared Isaacman, Anna Menon, Sara Gillis, and Scott Poteet.
One of the highlights of the evening was a generous pledge from Isaacman during the Give to Live Paddle Up, matching donations and ultimately elevating the evening’s total from $1.2 million to an astonishing $1.65 million.
Sky High for Kids held its sporting clays tournament and “Better in Boots” gala at The Revaire, attracting 500 supporters donning their best Western attire.
The evening ended with a whopping $1.6 million raised thanks to the efforts of gala chairs Ericka Parker and Lindsey Boatman, and the participation of JD Fields & Company as presenting sponsor.
Continuing the spirit of giving, the Jung Center dinner at River Oaks Country Club welcomed Clint Smith, the best-selling author, as the guest speaker.
His captivating address focused on his latest work, “How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America.”
Chaired by Judy and Wayne McConnell and Heidi and Marcus Smith, this annual fundraiser also honored artist Mathieu JN Baptiste with the Carolyn Grant Faye Humanitarian Award, making Baptiste the first artist to receive an award named after the Jung Center’s founder.
The University of Texas Texas Exes Longhorn Legacy Scholarship Gala celebrated the spirit of UT alumni at River Oaks Country Club, raising over $330,000 for scholarships.
Gala chair Tawyna Bell, along with Houston Texas Exes president Kyle Griffin and others, honored Tara and Kurt Arnold and Kisha and Jason Itkin during a lively event featuring the Longhorn Alumni Band and costumed mascot Hook ‘Em.
Another notable evening was the Pro-Vision Inc. Gala, where Houston Oilers legend Willie J. Alexander was honored for his impactful contributions to education programs and the Sunnyside community.
Chaired by a dedicated team, the “Groovy ’70s” themed event saw attendees celebrate both Alexander and the mission of Pro-Vision Inc.
In a special event, the Cizik School of Nursing at UT Health enriched local healthcare with $160,000 raised at the 25th annual PARTNERS Luncheon, chaired by Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein and Dr. Sippi Khurana.
The luncheon recognized Carla Diaz-Lewis and Kenneth Lewis for their long-standing support of UT Health and featured guest speaker Carolyn Jones, renowned photographer and ethnographer.
Packed with 1,800 supporters, Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast’s annual Versus Luncheon at the Hilton Americas-Houston raised over $1.6 million.
Guests enjoyed a fireside chat with Dr. Amanda Zurawski, a 2025 TIME Woman of the Year, and Dr. Anitra Beasley, medical director of PPGC.
The event honored Deborah Detering and her daughters: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Katherine Center, and Shelley Stein, with chair Allie Peacock stunning the attendees in a custom gown crafted from 10,000 condoms.
In support of the Mercury Chamber Orchestra, the “Moonlight Serenade” gala at the Thompson Hotel featured a fusion of Baroque music and swing, led by chairs Ally Shell Van Koolwijk and Martijn Van Koolwijk.
This elegant evening raised more than $350,000 for the orchestra’s artistic and educational programs.
In a spirited atmosphere, the Be An Angel Purse Bingo event drew 700 handbag enthusiasts to Bayou City Event Center, raising funds for children with special needs.
With Nancy Reese chairing and George Lindsey hosting, attendees participated eagerly in Bingo for a chance to win designer handbags.
The eighth annual event showcased the commitment to improving the quality of life for children through adaptive equipment and support programs.
The Blue Bird Circle’s Spring Luncheon featured acclaimed Broadway actor Miguel Cervantes, who captivated the crowd with songs from Hamilton.
His touching story about the loss of his infant daughter to epilepsy resonated with many, as he advocated for funding research in pediatric neurology.
The event raised over $300,000 for the nonprofit’s mission, and was chaired by Maggie Austin and Ellen Stough.
Finally, EMERGE’s eighth annual Build the Village Luncheon raised more than $650,000 to support high-achieving students from low-income communities.
Chaired by Ginger Clark, Janet Clark, and Barbara Clark, the event showcased EMERGE’s dedication to assisting 3,300 students across 67 high schools.
As Houston continues to host remarkable galas, the community’s philanthropic spirit shines brightly, ensuring that vital causes receive essential support.
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