Glitter, Glamour, Fur and Fun! Inside CAP’s 50th Anniversary Bash

Daniel Ortiz and Jacob Power
Glitter, Glamour, Fur and Fun! Inside CAP’s 50th Anniversary Bash

Danielle and Derek Gillespie with Claire

MORE THAN 600 party animals gathered at the Royal Sonesta to celebrate 50 years of Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP).


The ballroom was decked out with glittery, glamorous floral arrangements and swaths of shiny fabric, in addition to several IG-worthy photo backdrops. Violinist Radu John warmed up the crowd with electrifying tunes played on a light-up violin, and JD Entertainment characters — like a Champagne-toting cat — roamed the room.

The main event was, as always, a fur-tastic fashion show, emceed by animal-loving television personality Frank Billingsley. Gala honorees strutted their stuff alongside their pets, and supporters Jody Merritt and Steve Spencer’s cat, Yuli, was named the Celebrity Pet of the Year. Other honorees included JD Adamson with Dolly; Deborah and Ernesto Bautista with Asher and Penelope; Rose Chen and David Webster with Muffin; Cortney Cole-Hall with Leo and Elia; Michael Gabbanelli with Daisy; Danielle and Derek Gillespie with Claire; Casey and Ryan Mitchell with Gabby Win; and Sonia Soto and Jeff Hoffman with Layla.

West Houston Subaru raffled off a 2023 Crosstek, which revved up the evening’s proceeds. The till currently stands at $725,000, with more donations rolling in.


Sterling Woerner and Kathryn Bonesteel

Yaritza and Alexander Scott

Austin and Marian Cornelius

Steve Spencer and Jody Merritt with Yuli

Bill Baldwin, Hallie Vanderhider and Fady Armanious

Cassidy Harriman and Dinah Linn

Shelby Kibodeaux and Bruce Padilla

JD Entertainment

Cindy Peoples and Mary Kenner

Rosemary McDonald and Jacqueline Swilling

Courtney Cole-Hall with Leo

Daryl and Amy Dichoso

Richard Ray, Tamara Bonar and Anthony Dowd

Michael and Ivanne Corsi

Deborah and Ernesto Bautista with Asher

Mica Piro and Anna Kaplan

Melanie Cizik, Alex Gonzalez and Reilly Cizik

Edna Meyer-Nelson and Julie Brookshire

Frank Billingsley and Kevin Gillard

Tony and Frances Buzbee

Parties
Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

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

Firefighter and "Mr. February" on the runway at Red Hot

THE SEVENTH ANNUAL ball benefitting Houston firefighters lived up to its rep as one the most fun — and revealing — galas going.

Keep Reading Show less
Party People

Toca Madera Bird's Nest patio (photo by Connie Anderson)

FINALLY, FALL WILL arrive this week. Grab a bite and a drink or linger over a multi-course meal at these cool spots — the patios are calling!

Keep Reading Show less
Food