Derby-Day Bash Nets Record-Breaking Till for Bo's Place — Hats Off!

Jacob Power and Dave Rossman

Terry and Amanda Boffone, Bill Baldwin and Fady Armanious, and Jayne and Garrett Johnston

AN ANNUAL TRADITION benefiting Bo's Place, the Hats, Hearts & Horseshoes bash was this year held at the Post Oak Hotel. Nearly 400 festively dressed supporters trotted into the ballroom, greeted by event chairs Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, Amanda and Terry Boffone, and Jayne and Garrett Johnston.

In addition to a viewing of the actual Run for the Roses in Kentucky, this Derby Day party had fun and games for attendees — like a silent auction and bourbon pull. A game of Heads of Tails had everyone cheering and jeering, the winner receiving an overnight stay at the Post Oak Hotel. Meanwhile, at the Racing Wall, partygoers could pick their horse, and first-place recipient Whitney Russell won a Texans football package, donated by the McNairs.

The afternoon also featured a live auction, mint juleps (naturally), and a Champagne cart featuring Madame Zero bubbly.

Bo's Place, which provides support and community to those experiencing the death of a loved one, was the day's true winner: $360,000 was raised for the Houston-based nonprofit. Baldwin spoke to the crowd about how he dealt with grief when his mother passed away at age 14, and the belief that programs like Bo's Place provides a much needed outlet and network for children, families and adults alike.