Event Date: April 5, 2024
Location: Royal Sonesta Hotel
Event: Gala
Beneficiaries: KNOWAutism
No. in attendance: 400
Money raised: $700,000
Chairpersons: Nicole and James Lassiter
Honorees: Tara and Kurt Arnold, Dr. Lucky Chopra and The Hub Houston
Presenting Sponsor: Harry Winston, Inc.
Emcee: Deborah Duncan
Décor: Kirksey Gregg Productions
Photography: Quy Tran and Larry Fagala
Enchanted Guests Happily Raised $700,000 at KNOWAutism’s Annual Gala
Renowned jeweler Harry Winston, Inc. was again the Presenting Sponsor for KNOWAutism’s annual gala, themed “An Enchanted Evening.” More than 400 supporters and numerous sponsors joined Chairs Nicole and James Lassiter at Royal Sonesta Houston for this great cause, which honored community heroes Tara and Kurt Arnold, Dr. Lucky Chopra and The Hub Houston and raised over $700,000 by the gala’s end.
Great Day Houston’s Deborah Duncan welcomed the crowd with a warm, heartfelt message, setting the tone for an evening filled with purpose and celebration. Her words of inclusion and appreciation made everyone feel a part of this special evening, reinforcing the sense of community that KNOWAutism strives to create.
Guests were wowed and enchanted by the magical and mystical décor created by Kirksey Gregg Productions, whose design choices made the affair come to life.
Rarely does one get the “Surf and Turf” entrée offered at a charitable event. This gala showcased the hotel’s talents with Filet of Beef and Lobster Tail in Lemon Thyme Sauce. Also, it featured a dessert of Crème Brulee Tart and Chocolate Mousse. Delicious!
The live auction was a highlight of the evening, offering unique experiences and items that were truly one-of-a-kind. From a Harry Winston Avenue C Mini Ladies Timepiece to a trip to New York Fashion Week and a custom gown by designer Danny Nguyen to an original painting by a Monarch School artistic student who is on the spectrum, these items added an element of exclusivity to the event, making it an extraordinary evening for all.
The gala was graced by the presence of notable guests from the local, national, and world scenes, including the Honorable Joanne King Herring, State Representative Gene Wu, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Commissioner Lesley Briones, 2024 Miss America Madison Marsh, and Channel 13 reporter Miya Shay. Their attendance underscored the significance of the event.
In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Petra Martinez, Sherri Zucker, Dr. Bruce & Marian McClendon, Maria Moncada-Alaoui and Omar Alaoui, Luisa Chopra, Dr. Alice & Matt Brams, Edward Finger, Tammy & Wayne Nguyen, Remington Bruce, Cheryl Byington, Chris Cardenas, Flora Choy, Tracy Faulkner, Tena & Tyson Faust, Sidney Faust, Varda and Jess Fields, Robin Fleming, Polo Gutierrez, Cheryl Haseeb, Alan & Renee Helfman, Courtney Hopson & Trent Hrncir, Taylor Toombs Imel, Brigitte Kalai, Sami Khaleeq, Leticia Loya, Penny Loyd, Susan Mobley, Danny & Kristina Nguyen, Pam & Dan Pastorini, Debbie & Steve Polotko, Anna Reger, Heidi & Nick Rockecharlie, Sandra Smith-Cooper, Sonal & Raj Thakur, Robin Young-Ellis and Nina & Kevin Yu
