AT A UNIQUE fundraiser that mixes guitar strings with heartstrings, supporters of Avondale House gathered to raise more than $345,000 to support the nonprofit’s work with individuals with autism and their families.
The “Hear Our Voices” event, presented at River Oaks Country Club, featured live performances by Nashville singer-songwriters Phillip White, Mark Nesler, Leslie Satcher and Jenn Schott — all with No. 1 hits! Luke Morace also performed, and Johnny Bravo served at emcee.
Live auction items included “a one-of-a-kind guitar signed by many country music legends and handwritten lyrics from Rascal Flatts smash hit ‘I'm Moving On’,” notes a rep for Avondale. Paintings by Avondale House’s adult residents were also auctioned, along with two adorable white lab puppies from Dog Lab TX.
Emily and Allen Capps and Ashley and Christian Nelly chaired the event. Guests included Cadence Bank Chairman and CEO Dan Rollins, who accepted an award for the banks’s long support of Avondale House. Other guests included Rob and Amy Pierce, Greggory Burk, Nicole Davis, Craig and Jennifer Vaughn, Megan Hotze and Semmes Burns.
Per the nonprofit, Avondale House was established in 1976 by a group of parents of children with autism that recognized the vital need for high quality support and care for their children and others alike. From its humble beginnings in a residential section of Montrose, the organization has expanded to nearly eight acres near NRG Stadium. The facility is specifically designed to address the unique sensory, educational and developmental needs of folks with autism.
Amy and Rob Pierce
Avondale House CEO, Steve Vetrano and Cadence Bank Chairman and CEO, Dan Rollins
Craig and Jennifer Vaughn
Greggory Burk and Nicole Davis
Jay and Lisa Salitza
Megan Hotze and Semmes Burns
Sannam Warrender and Amy Pierce
Tim and Stacie Williamson and Dan and Becky Rollins