‘You’re the Inspiration’: Generous Donors Give $6.2 Mil to Kids’ Charity as Famous Band Takes Stage

Michelle Watson/Catchlight Group
‘You’re the Inspiration’: Generous Donors Give $6.2 Mil to Kids’ Charity as Famous Band Takes Stage

Morris Smith, Tilman Fertitta and Toni Smith

THE HOUSTON CHILDREN'S Charity gala is always anticipated, thanks to the big-deal musical acts brought in to entertain; this year it was Chicago. But the headliners this year were the generous donors, who seemed to surprise even event organizer with their largesse, with a total till of $6.2 million, a record.


The gala, overseen by HCC CEO and longtime philanthropic leader Laura Ward, was staged at HCC co-founder and board chair Tilman Fertitta’s Post Oak Hotel, drawing in hundreds of supporters and revelers. The millions raised will “directly fund programs that improve the quality of life for Houston’s underprivileged, abused and disabled children who have been otherwise left behind,” said a rep for the nonprofit.

A slew of notables took the stage at various times to spur giving, give moving testimonies of the good HCC does, and goose the elaborate auction. These include hip-hop star and mogul 50 Cent, football great Andre Johnson, Feritta, Mayor John Whitmire, HCC vice chair and longtime generous donor Gary Becker, and, calling in on remote camera, Hollywood star Jeremy Renner.

Richard and Jana Fant, honorees for the evening, offered one of the big surprises of the night, pledging to by 30 vans for HCC’s program that offers specially equipped vans to families with seriously disabled and otherwise immobile children. Other big donors included auction winners Gary Petersen, Katie and Mike Lowenberg, Randy Hopper, Anthony Pusch and Chi Nguyen, paying $500,000 for a unique dinner party.

Another fun auction item was a Porsche all-electric Macan 4, donated by Porsche River Oaks and Porsche West Houston.

“Finally, the crowd rocked the night away as the legendary band Chicago took the stage, delivering an unforgettable performance of their greatest hits, including ‘Saturday in the Park’ and ‘You're the Inspiration,’” noted the HCC rep.

VIPs spotted in the crowd included Supporters and notable guests included Rachel and Jeff Bagwell, Michael Carr, Gaston, Kim Ogg, Bess and Rob Wilson, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Alicia Smith, Brigitte Kalai, Tom and Carol Sawyer and Sherri Zucker.

Kristen Cannon, Anna Reger, Maria Moncada Alaoui and Marie Taylor

Jana Fant, Richard Fant and Laura S. Ward

Gary Becker

Chicago performs.

Pam Ware, Gary Petersen and Stephanie Fernandez

Jeremy Renner calls in.

Edna Meyer-Nelson and Joe Mallon

Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees

Mike Lowenberg and Katie Lowenberg

Party People
Leadership in Action: Entrepreneur Saba Syed of Moroccan Bath Determined to Build ‘Lasting Legacy’

Saba Syed, Founder of Oasis Moroccan Bath

How did you get to where you are today? My journey began with a need to be financially independent and an even a deeper drive to create a lasting legacy. The centuries-old Hammam tradition has always fascinated me—not just for its relaxation benefits, but for its holistic approach to cleansing the body, mind, and soul. So, combining my passion with a vision to bring an authentic yet luxurious Hammam spa experience to Houston, I took the leap less than two years ago to open my own spa.

Keep Reading Show less

The 50th Annual Spindletop Holiday Ball, Seas and Greetings, will be held on Thursday, December 12. Tables and sponsorship opportunities are available now.

What is your mission? Spindletop Community Impact Partners, Inc. enhances the lives of at-risk youth through funding and volunteering from the energy industry, while promoting fellowship and networking among its participants.

Keep Reading Show less

What is your mission? The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC) provides healing services to over 6,300 child sexual abuse victims and their families each year. We offer forensic interviewing, family advocacy, mental health services, medical care, and court services at no cost. We facilitate community outreach and prevention training to raise awareness about child abuse in our community and how to keep children safe. Last year, we provided prevention training to over 35,000 community members, including 23,500 children in schools.

Keep Reading Show less