Astros Altuve, Tucker and Hader Host Major League Fundraiser for Kids, Pets and Other Causes

Daniel Ortiz and Jacob Power
Astros Altuve, Tucker and Hader Host Major League Fundraiser for Kids, Pets and Other Causes

Nancy and Mauricio Dubon

AN ANNUAL EVENT to raise funds for some of the top Astros players’ favorite causes was a glam slam, thanks to a new venue and major league star power.


José Altuve, Kyle Tucker and Josh Hader hosted the event — attended by many of their teammates and more than 500 other guests — at Post Oak Hotel and won big for their charities. Tucker supports Hospice care organizations, while Altuve's foundation donates to several groups, including the Sunshine Kids Foundation. And Hader backs foster-care nonprofits like Covenant House and Be a Resource (B.E.A.R.). The Lance McCullers, Jr. Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for pet rescue and adoption groups, also received proceeds from the party.

This year's Team Up bash was more of an expo-style soiree, with an entrance flanked by Rolls Royce and Bentley vehicles and a towering Champagne Wall. With an open bar courtesy of Maven — which is also co-owned by Astros players — and stations serving bites from some of the best restaurants in town, the party was a hit. And who wouldn't want to pet the precious puppies who are up for adoption? Reps from local nonprofits brought their furry friends to promote the cause.

But add in a raucous live auction emceed by Johnny Holloway and touting all-star prizes, and it's no wonder that the Team Up fundraising record of $600,000 was topped! One of the most sought-after items was a private catered dinner with hosts Tucker, Altuve and Hader; the trio also donated autographed gear and custom art created by Skel and signed by the players. There was also the chance to throw the first pitch at a game, and to sit in owner Jim Crane's personal Diamond Club seats to cheer on the 'Stros.


Adonis Braithwaite and Jose Altuve

Josh and Maria Hader

Trevor and Emily Finnan

Audrey White, Kathy DeLamora and Julie Chen

Tammy and Tim Andreas

Brian Ching and Lindsey Yates

Susan and Mike Plank

Courtney McKinney and Samantha Tucker

Shooting Stars dancers

Craig Biggio

Shelli Lindley, Jenna Lindley, Adonis Braithwaite, Steve Lindley, Amber Braithwaite

Emily George, Lindsey Leigh, Natalie Jobe

Sam and Kyle Tucker

Eugene and Caroline Zhadanov

Rita Shuma, Marian Harper and Jennifer Wisler

Garrett and Jayne Johnston, Jennifer and Scott Allison

Peter and Helen Crain

Jim and Whitney Crane

Nick and Kristin Johnson, Lori Schultz, John and Lindsey Leigh Hohlt

Joe and Pamela Espada

Nancy and Mauricio Dubon

John and Terri Havens

Morgan Bourque, Jasmine Wilcoxson

Kat and Ryan Pressly

Tootsies models

Katie MaGee, Samantha Tucker, Maria Hader, Lauren Whidden

Mike Lowenberg, Daphne and Stephen Savva

Kyle Tucker, Skel and Johnny Bravo

Michelle and Chris Durham

Matthew Lindley, Jayme Hunt, Peter and Helen Crain

Parties
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

Keep Reading Show less

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less