Event Date: May 14, 2022
Location: Hilton Americas-Houston
Event: Gala
No. of Attendees: 500
Money Raised: $750,000
Beneficiary: Houston Community College
Chairpersons: Jessica and Ryan McCauley
Honoree: Jim McIngvale
Décor & Florals: Kirksey Gregg Productions
Photography: Priscilla Dickson and Jorge Luna
HCC Foundation 50th Anniversary Celebration-A Houston Icon Gets His Crystal Eagle!
Houston Community College celebrated five decades of quality education at their recent black-tie gala, held at the Hilton Americas-Houston, where gala chairs Jessica and Ryan McCauley and 500 well-heeled guests honored Houston icon Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale with its Crystal Eagle Award. Mack’s son James and grandchildren, Sydney, Caleb and Eden took the stage to commemorate the Houston legend’s ties to HCC, which include the “Mattress Mack School of Selling” and the Work Texas program at Gallery Furniture.
In its first gala since 2018, HCC shined as the ballroom for its golden anniversary gleamed with shimmering gold and black décor from Kirksey Gregg Productions. HCC students were also showcased by displaying their hard work, which included: chocolate created on 3-D printers, etching acrylic centerpieces, playing a brass ensemble for guests and auctioning custom-designed gowns.
Crystal Eagle Award recipients from prior years, including 2020 honorees Renee & Alan Helfman and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo were also recognized. Afterward, Jim McIngvale joined auctioneer Vince Montalbano on stage and offered his Astros suites as well as an impromptu $50,000 donation.
At evening’s end, a record $750,000 was raised, which will target the areas of greatest need for HCC students as they navigate the difficult financial decisions related to work, family and education. The chairpersons thanked the attendees and announced a comprehensive campaign called Invest in Houston’s Future. During the last two years, this $20 million campaign to provide additional scholarships, innovative program investments, corporate and industry partnerships, named endowments and building spaces, has been in a silent phase. To date, this campaign has raised more than $13 million of its goal. A golden night all around for this Houston institution!
Socially present (not previously mentioned): Amanda & James McInvgale, Dr. Cesar Maldonado & Dr. Elizabeth Maldonado, David Regenbaum, Elaine & Marvy Finger, Mary & Will Williams, Kris & John Hantak, Lillian & Cyrus Irani, Julie & David Itz, Lina & Michael Sabouni, Hance Myers & Debbie Greenbaum, Christina Morales, Carolyn Watson & Trey Holm, Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun, Millard House, Dr. Robert Bostic and Dr. Christie Whitbeck
