A Million Reasons to Keep Searching as Records are Broken at Texas EquuSearch’s “Lost is Not Alone” Gala

A Million Reasons to Keep Searching as Records are Broken at Texas EquuSearch’s “Lost is Not Alone” Gala

Houston’s generosity was on full display at Texas EquuSearch’s “Lost Is Not Alone” Gala, giving more than 550 guests ample reason to raise a glass, raise a paddle, and, on two unforgettable occasions, rise to their feet.

This second annual evening delivered a record-breaking $1,040,000, with donations still coming in. That’s quite a response to a party invitation. For the families who turn to Texas EquuSearch when a loved one goes missing, it means the volunteers who answer their calls can keep going.

The reception set a lively pace, with music from David Caceres and a tempting array of diversions. Guests could try their luck in the raffle, select a bottle from the wine pull, visit the ice bar, or contemplate how badly they wanted that silent-auction item. There were many respectable ways to loosen the purse strings, and the evening made a strong case for trying several.

Honorary Chairs Blake Fertitta, Patrick Fertitta, JJ Isbell, and Dan Pastorini lent their support, alongside Title Sponsor Gary Petersen and Signature Sponsor the Smith Family Foundation. Emcee Johnny “Bravo” Holloway took the microphone for a program full of personality and emotional resonance that extended far beyond the ballroom.

Three honorees were recognized for helping Texas EquuSearch carry out its mission. Corporate Honoree Space City Corvette Club was represented by President AJ Loupe. Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz received the Community Honoree distinction, and Petersen was honored as the Lost Is Not Alone Honoree.

Videos and personal remarks highlighted their contributions, showing how sustained support makes the organization’s work possible. The program also underscored its collaboration with law enforcement in searching for missing people. Behind every case is a family waiting for help, and these honorees have helped ensure that someone does.

When the organization’s founder, Tim Miller, appeared, the audience stood.

It was an ovation for a man whose life’s work grew from unimaginable loss. Following the kidnapping and murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Laura Miller, Tim founded Texas EquuSearch in 2000. The organization began with searches on horseback and developed into a volunteer effort reaching across the country and around the world.

Miller also shared a deeply personal development, announcing that one of Laura’s killers had very recently been convicted. His long pursuit of justice remains woven into the story of an organization devoted to helping other families find answers.

Then a young man stepped into the spotlight, giving everyone present a glimpse of what one successful search can mean.

His name was Owen Castle. He had recently graduated from high school and was preparing for college. Years earlier, when he was just two, Miller found him near death in freezing weather during a search in Llano, Texas. On that night, Miller had a new Carhartt Texas EquuSearch jacket. He wrapped Owen in it to keep him warm.

After a video revisited the rescue, Owen came onstage to thank Miller for saving his life. Guests rose for another standing ovation, this time greeting a young man whose future had once hung in the balance.

Owen had a gift for his rescuer, too—a new Carhartt jacket.

The presentation brought cheers and tears. In a room filled with people giving generously, Owen had found a beautifully personal way to give something back. Years after Miller wrapped a freezing toddler in his own coat, that child had grown up and returned with one for him.

Good luck following that with dry eyes.

The live auction nevertheless gave guests plenty of reasons to refocus their attention—and their competitive instincts. An Ultimate Sports Package offered exclusive Houston Texans and Astros experiences, while a Houston Rockets suite promised another coveted outing. A stay at The San Luis Villas in Galveston supplied a persuasive argument for a coastal getaway.

Deciding which team deserved the most enthusiasm may have been difficult. Deciding whether to support the cause proved considerably easier. Spirited bidding helped drive the evening’s fundraising offerings past $450,000, contributing to the record total.

Texas EquuSearch has assisted in approximately 4,300 searches since its founding. Its volunteers provide search and recovery assistance and emotional support, relying entirely on donations and in-kind contributions. Families are never charged for help.

With requests for searches increasing, the gala’s success arrived at an essential time. The money raised will support work that often begins with a frightened family and a ringing phone.

For one evening, supporters gathered in a Houston ballroom to make sure that call could be answered. They left with a record worth celebrating and a young man’s jacket presentation worth remembering.

Owen has college ahead of him. Texas EquuSearch has more searching to do. Houston just gave the organization more than a million dollars to help it keep its promise!

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):   Monica and Russell Ybarra, Rilene Miller, Robin and Steve Skidmore, Roselyn Pierce, Kevin Brady, Yanira and David Huntington, Brenda and Mike Peek, Tammy and James Beeson, Laura Ward, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Mike Lowenberg, Robin Young-Ellis and Joe Ellis, Pamela Morse, Jody Merritt and Steve Spencer, Michael Hoctor, Lori Isbell, Jennifer and Constable Alan Rosen, Mechelle Tran, Hershey Grace, Maria Moncado-Alaoui and Omar Alaoui, Rusty Moffitt, Michal Moffitt, Landri St. Clair, Laurie and Bret Sanders, Marsha and Larry Smith, Roselyn Pierce, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Coy Lewis, Jim and Vy Hopkins, Todd Brock, Tom Butler and Honorable Linda Garcia, Franelle Rogers, Rachel and Greg Gilbert