Ghosts, Goblins, Witches and Ghouls Flew Into Ronald McDonald House “Boo Ball” for a “Once Upon a Time” Bash

Ghosts, Goblins, Witches and Ghouls Flew Into Ronald McDonald House “Boo Ball” for a “Once Upon a Time” Bash

Each year, during the month of Ghosts and Goblins, those in the Houston social scene get their creative juices flowing to create memorable costumes and characters to celebrate “Boo Ball,” benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Houston! “Once Upon a Time,” themed for this year’s gala, gathered over 700 guests dressed as fairy tale characters, who sparkled, twinkled, and lighted their way to the ballroom at Hilton Americas-Houston and raised a record-breaking $1 million plus for this beloved charity, founded nationwide five decades ago.

Jennifer and Scott Allison proudly handled the chairmen’s duties, with support from honorees Main Street Capital Corporation (Corporate Partner and represented by Deric Jech), Dr. Vuong Ho (Volunteer of the Year), and Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook (Founders Award). Celebrated Houston auctioneer Johnny “Bravo” Holloway handled the emcee, appeal and auction duties. Signing up to chair the silent auction were Stacey Christ and Jennifer Swallen, and the Baubles and Bottles draw was helmed by Bethany Buchananan and Kristin Collins.

Johnny “Bravo” opened the program and introduced Cristina Vetrano, the organization’s CEO, who spoke about the House being a home away from home for families with seriously ill children being treated in the Texas Medical Center. Parents far from home are welcome to stay close to their hospitalized child and benefit from the comforts of home without incurring hotel and food costs. The 70-bedroom primary location, Holcombe House, also has rooms in Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital and M. D. Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. Over 30,000 individuals are served in any given year. A video tribute from the Lara family, who stayed at the House while their child was being treated, shared their story and the audience was filled with tears.

Board President Shane Kimzey closed the program with comments and got the Witches & Ghouls ready to hit the dance floor with musical help from Radio Live! A “BOO BALL” for the story BOOks!

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Emma and Seth Elsenbrook, Elyse and Drew Tolson, Allison and Dan Connally, Marilyn Mogas, Megan and Luke Hotze, Shelley and Lee Boyer, Gaye Lynn and Stuart Zarrow, Kelley and Steve Lubanko, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Kate and Evan Elsenbrook, DeeDee and Wallis Marsh, Laura Thompson, Dr. Susan Blaney, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Melissa Holman Juneau, Bette and Ralph Thomas and Dr. ZoAnn Dreyer