Event Date: October 21, 2024
Location: Post Oak at Uptown
Event: Gala
Beneficiary: Houston Children’s Charity
No. in attendance: 700
Money raised: $6,200,000
Honorees: Jana and Richard Fant
Gala Title Sponsors: Porsche River Oaks and Porsche West Houston
Décor, Video Production and Staging: The Events Company
Auctioneer: Johnny “Bravo” Holloway
Photography: Michelle Watson/Catchlight Group
A Record-Setting $6.2 Million “Saturday in the Park” at Houston Children’s Charity 27th Annual Gala
Houston Children’s Charity, one of our community’s most renowned organizations serving underprivileged, abused and disabled children, held its 27th annual gala to great aplomb. A record-breaking $6.2 million was raised, thanks to the 700 supporters and sponsors filling the Post Oak at Uptown Ballroom. Headlining this fundraising spectacle were CEO Laura Ward, Chairman of the Board Tilman Fertitta, returning Gala Title Sponsors Porsche River Oaks and Porsche West Houston and Honorees Jana and Richard Fant. As the theme was “Saturday in the Park,” legendary band Chicago jetted in to entertain an enthusiastic crowd, playing a collection of hits from their vast musical catalog.
Upon arrival, the guests were greeted by the black Porsche All-Electric Macan 4, auctioned later in the evening (and won by Ghada Ali). The extensive silent auction and Big Board were also front and center for guests to preview and bid.
Guests entered the ballroom, where Houston Media Icon Dave Ward, deemed the “Voice of God,” kicked off the festivities with a flurry of pre-recorded messages played throughout the evening. Richard Flowers and The Events Company designed and produced the breathtaking ballroom and deftly handled the many levels of décor, audio, video, and staging like a magician. Reverend Mary Gracely led the crowd with a moving and inspiring invocation. Engaging and heartfelt remarks from Board Chairman Tilman Fertitta, Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Vice Chairman Gary Becker followed, and guests were then treated to a decadent three-course meal.
As dinner concluded, Laura Ward recognized and warmly thanked Rob Wilson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The John M. O’Quinn Foundation, for a significant donation. Honorees and philanthropic couple Jana and Richard Fant were praised for their unending support. Their response was a total surprise, as they gifted thirty vans to the Chariots for Children Program. This astounding $1.65 million donation had people on their feet with non-stop applause. This led to the spectacular live auction, with guests mesmerized to bid with noteworthy and highly generous contributions.
Auctioneer Johnny “Bravo” Holloway, along with Laura Ward, launched into action and had the crowd buzzing with excitement for the upcoming auction items, which included a dinner for 12 in the Post Oak Hotel’s Penthouse Suite with actor Jeremy Renner, who jumped on a live Zoom call that appeared on the event screens as the dinner was being auctioned; a private dinner for twenty in the winner’s home with actor 50 Cent and Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Johnson. This item raised an astonishing $250,000. It was sold twice and with the support of winners Gary Petersen, Katie and Mike Lowenberg, Randy Hopper, Anthony Pusch and Chi Nguyen, the charity was $500,000 richer; and Porsche’s All-Electric Macan 4, generously donated by Porsche River Oaks and Porsche West Houston. Winner Ghada Ali drove away in the stunning vehicle. Other high bidders of the night were Edna Meyer-Nelson, Brandon Dewan, and Kris Cogliano.
The finale was a Rock ‘n’ Roll dream come true. Legendary band Chicago delivered an unforgettable performance of their greatest hits, including “Saturday in the Park,” “You’re the Inspiration,” and “If You Leave Me Now.”
As all guests agreed upon leaving, it was an “inspiring” $6.2 million “Saturday in the Post Oak!”
In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Maria Moncada Alaoui and Omar Alaoui, Robert Dale, Marianna Brasel, Rachel and Jeff Bagwell, ABC 13 General Manager and President Michael Carr, ABC 13 News Anchor Gina Gaston, Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Bess and Rob Wilson, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Brigitte Kalai, Edna Meyer-Nelson, DeeDee and Tommy Fibich, Rachelle Rowe, Youval and Michelle Meicler, Alicia Smith, Shayne Andrews, KK and Scott West, Dr. Tom and Carol Sawyer, Julia Morales and Matt Clark, Sherri Zucker