Houston Children’s Charity Has a Record-Setting $4.2 Million Gala with “Peace, Love, Rock & Roll”

Houston Children’s Charity Has a Record-Setting $4.2 Million Gala with “Peace, Love, Rock & Roll”

What more can be said about Laura Ward, President and CEO of Houston Children’s Charity, one of Houston’s most loved organizations? What makes her such a formidable force in fundraising, is her abilities of organization, attention to detail, time management, securing an impressive and hard-working board, building strong solid relationships locally and nationally, delivering on promises made, producing a unique and fun-filled gala each year, and using those funds raised, to help our community’s underprivileged and needy children and their families. Her thirty-one-year career in fundraising has garnered organizations she has supported over $100 million, placing her in the city’s top tier of fundraising executives!

This year’s gala certainly added to her continuing list of accomplishments. The event, titled “Peace, Love, and Rock & Roll,” harkened guests back to the 60s, where “go-go boots,” “tie-dye” clothing, “bell-bottoms,” “lava lamps,” and “black light” were de rigeur of that era. In perfect symmetry with the theme, Houston Children’s Charity brought in bands to the Post Oak at Uptown ballroom, who thrived during that time:  Herman’s Hermits, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap and The Association. Also reminiscent of that decade was newscaster Dave Ward, who kept our city informed daily. He became the station’s anchor and would become “The Voice of Houston” for the next 50 years and beyond. During that time, he and Laura married. As a tribute to Dave and a surprise for the audience, Laura had recorded Dave as the evening’s emcee months before the gala. Throughout the evening, his booming, recognizable voice was perfectly timed with the evening program, which excited and delighted the more than 700 guests, who remembered him fondly! For her “Lifetime of Giving,” Houston legend Trini Mendenhall was honored for her continuous support.

The evening started with heartfelt words from HCC Chairman of the Board Tilman Fertitta, a founding member for over 27 years, whose quiet support of the charity brings thousands into the coffers each year.

Richard Flowers and The Events Company was charged with the design and implementation of the 1960s theme and the task of sound, lighting, and video, which was no small feat due to three bands, all requiring different staging and settings for their individual performances!

Interspersed between the sumptuous seated dinner and the entertainment strategically placed on two stages were items up for bidding. This stellar crowd was certainly ready and able to do just that. A 2024 Porsche Cayenne, donated by Sonic Automotive, Porsche River Oaks, and Porsche West Houston, went for $110,000, thanks to Randy Nichols. History was made this night as Tony Buzbee’s appeal for help with purchasing vans raised the total to 45, bringing in $2,250,000 for this effort. Ten of those 45 vans were purchased by Jana & Richard Fant. With the “Chariots for Children” program, multiple vans were sponsored by Russell Ybarra and Gary Petersen. As part of their “A Better Night’s Sleep” program, a 60s-inspired candy table, offering candy in exchange for purchasing a bed for a child in need, was a huge success.

By night’s end, Houston Children’s Charity, knowing “need never takes a vacation,” had raised an astounding $4.2 million, a record amount for this Houston charitable organization. Hats off, a standing ovation and a 60s “shout out” to Laura and her team, the board, the volunteers, sponsors and supporters. With all the moving parts of this event, it could not have happened without a vibrant and cohesive shared vision for success!

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  Gary Becker, Grant Guthrie, Maria Moncada Alaoui & Omar Alaoui, Robert Dale, Marianna Brasel, Jordan Seff, Rachelle Rowe, Margaret Alkek Williams & David Wuthrich, KK & Scott West, Monica Ybarra, Captain George Dodge, DeeDee & Wallis Marsh, Dr. Susan Blaney, Sharon & Ernest Hunter II, Amy & Rob Pierce, Morris Smith, Paige Fertitta, Tilman Fertitta, Michael Fertitta, Blake Fertitta, Blayne Fertitta, Patrick J. Fertitta, April & Dr. Jorge Salazar, Jennifer & Brandon Dewan, Kristina Somerville, District Attorney Kim Ogg, Senator John Whitmire, Dr. Laura Murillo, Gen. Rick Noriega, Nicki & Evan Keenan, Sherri Zucker, Carol & Dr. Tom Sawyer, Chris Kase, Nitzia & John Johnson, Shelby Hodge & Shafik Rifaat, Dan D’Armond, LeAnn Kaczynski, Ajay & Dr. Sippi Khurana