With First-Pitch Opp and Playoff Tickets Up for Grabs, HelpCureHD Gala Knocks It Out of the Park

FORMER ASTROS PITCHER and current coach Joe Smith, along with his sportscaster wife Allie LaForce, hosted a gala at Minute Maid Park's Union Station in an effort to raise funds and awareness of Huntington’s Disease, which took the life of Smith’s mother in 2020.

Smith and LaForce established their nonprofit HelpCureHD, which provides support for those suffering from the progressive brain disease. Huntington’s Disease hereditary, and there’s a 50 percent chance of passing the gene along to offspring. However, going through IVF and screening embryos before implantation is one way to eliminate the risk, and HelpCureHD has committed to help couples cover the cost of that process. More than 60 babies have been brought into the world HD-free thanks to the nonprofit’s grant program, and there are many more on the way!

As has become tradition at this annual event, the raffle and live auction touted truly covetable prizes: Presenting sponsor Shaftel Diamonds donated a stunning diamond necklace created in collaboration with LaForce, and there was Astros swag aplenty — autographed items, an opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a home game (and sit in Jim Crane's personal seats!), and tickets to all of the playoff games at Minute Maid Park.

Among those raising a glass for the cause were Adrienne and Jared Crane, Kat Pressly, Sue Rogers, Reagan Bregman, Sam Tucker and Jordan Seff.

Sydnee Hilburn Davis and Jared Davis

Alexander Kelly and Kristin Foteh Kelly

Bobby Dees, Hallie Vanderhider, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin

Sue Rogers, Kat Pressly, Tory Graveman, Kim Seitler

Carrie and Austin Stanton

Danny and Iris Shaftel, Allie LaForce and Joe Smith

Reggie Jackson and Johnny Bravo

Kevin and Brooke Lee

Emily Carruth and Ashton Bremer

Michael and Ileana Trevino

Jo Furr, Erin Furr Stimming, Erin Goldman

Maxx Chewning and Taylor Kessler

Joan Purcell, Dorothy Roach, Darcy Morgan, Jennifer Browining

Matthew and Katherine Kardesch and Erin and Brian Goldman

Jody Merritt, Angela Hernandez

Emily Carruth and Ashton Bremer

Jamie and Chris Garner