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

Michelle Watson/Catchlight Group

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.