A James Bond Martini, the Watch and Double and Triple Prizes Gave VICTORY Houston a “Shaken not Stirred” Million-Dollar Evening

A James Bond Martini, the Watch and Double and Triple Prizes Gave VICTORY Houston a “Shaken not Stirred” Million-Dollar Evening

The world-famous British spy James Bond’s favorite drink was ordered and made to perfection and his car (the iconic Aston Martin driven in from Dallas by Sonic Automotive) was center stage in the ballroom, as more than 650 guests joined gala chairs Keeli Lee, Lelia Sprague and Edith Wittig van Wageningen and Presenting Sponsors Sonic Automotive, EchoPark Automotive and Sonic Powersports to raise an astounding $1.8 million to support cancer research and initiatives in the Greater Houston area, thanks to the VICTORY Houston team and its fourth annual gala, themed “Shaken not Stirred—An Evening of Intrigue.”

The annual fête began with a VIP welcome reception, sponsored by Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, for sponsors and major donors. After the reception, guests joined the festivities in the main venue, decorated in a “007” style by Kirksey Gregg Productions. The always memorable Tribute Wall invited guests to write their names on a ribbon corresponding to the type of cancer they had and survived, or to write a loved one’s name in memory of someone who passed from cancer. The fun continued with the silent auction, featuring over 200 custom-curated items, including exclusive art, fine wines and spirits, exciting travel and entertainment opportunities, and unique home offerings. Two giant bars flanking the ballroom served signature cocktails. One bar was decorated in a New Orleans “carousel” theme, sponsored by The “Big Easy’s” Monteleone Hotel.

Guests enjoyed a lavish buffet, and the program began with a welcome from VICTORY President Karen Peltz. Guests were drawn to the screens just before the auction as a video played featuring VICTORY Founding members Cyvia Wolff, Jess Younger, Judi Johnson, and more, and highlighted another founding member, Gayle Bentsen, who passed away earlier this year. Houston’s auctioneer Johnny “Bravo” Holloway worked his magic and led things off with a game of Heads or Tails to win a diamond tennis bracelet.

That was the first of many “James Bond” items. Tenenbaum Jewelers donated an Omega Seamast Diver 300M-007 Edition. This prized timepiece has been worn by every James Bond since 1995’s Goldeneye! Other items that made Johnny “Bravo” jump for joy included a private dinner for 10 in the home of Cyvia Wolff, with Texas Children’s Cancer Center’s Dr. Michael Taylor; a private reception for 100 at Steak 48; two Cavapoo puppies—one donated by Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees and won by Susie and Scott Bender, and the other won by Bebe and John Falik; and two 2026 white Ford F-150 King Ranch—one secured by Melissa Hobbs and, thanks to Sonic Automotive’s Jeff Dyke, the second donated truck was purchased by Bebe and John Falik.

Johnny “B” kept the pace with the gala’s “Paddles Up” appeal, which was preceded by an emotional video featuring Monty Eubank, who lost his wife and longtime VICTORY member, Jackie Eubank, to bile duct cancer. All funds raised during this appeal were restricted to this specific cancer. The Eubank family donated an additional $100,000 to the effort, bringing the total to over $228,000!

Guests danced the night away to the 16-piece sounds of The Grand Party Experience, which played James Bond-themed songs throughout the evening and had the crowd jumping as the horn section paraded through the crowded dance floor until the wee hours. Johnny “Bravo” took the stage, and as things were coming to a close, he pulled Sonic’s Jeff Dyke up with him to make the unbelievable announcement that the dealership had donated a third car to the event to be used for the raffle. The winner of the final automobile was Susan Ryan, who gets her choice of one of five vehicles or a Harley-Davidson!

Excited martini-loving attendees were shaken, stirred, and definitely intrigued!

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  Wells Fargo’s Eric Hollingsworth, Lauren Biggs, Whitney Wall and Arcy Muñoz, Jody Dyke, Robin and Alex Brennan Martin, Sandra Burgess, Dr. Michael Bruce, Dr. Martha Mims, Dr. Michael Taylor, Yen-Chi Le, Ph.D., Dr. James Gallo, Jay Hartenbach, Dan Faust, Sheila and Tad Mayfield, Lizzie Dipp Metzger and Brian Metzger, Suzanne and Tom Vaughn, Sallie Morian and Mike Clark, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Jo Ann Petersen, Marissa Eubank, State Senator Carol Alvarado, Leia Carpenter, Porsche River Oaks General Manager Rob Dale and Bayli Shvartzapel, Kathy and Rex Bennett, Elaine Finger, Joni and John Ballis, Patti and Don Murphy, Kathy and Doug O’Brien, Cheryl Byington, Raquel Lewis, Jerre Williams, Kamisha Mickey, Katherine Pulse and Dewey Stringer, Jill Schroeder, Darryl Schroeder