Cyndi Lauper Rocks Out at Houston Children’s Charity’s ’80s-Glam Gala

ON FRIDAY, HOUSTON Children's Charity celebrated 25 years of providing area kids with clothing, furniture, toys and school supplies. Nearly 600 friends of the organization gathered at The Post Oak Hotel for a glam gala that raised a record-breaking $2.8 million for the cause.

"Time after time," one might say, the charity has given back to Houston's children — so it's only fitting that chairs Frances and Tony Buzbee and the board of directors invited Cyndi Lauper to headline the event. Inspired by the pop icon, the venue was outfitted by Richard Flowers with far-out floral arrangements and guests donned their bodacious '80s best in lieu of black-tie.

Silent auction items included diamonds, gourmet meals, vacations in Argentina and Montana, and more. Tenenbaum gave everyone a raffle "chip" for a chance to win jewelry; additional chips could be purchased with donations of $100 or more. And a live auction included a 2022 BMW 4 Series convertible!

The crowd also came together to donate a total of 22 new vans for the Houston Children's Charity Van Program, which provides transportation for families with children who have disabilities.

The crowd was large, but Covid mitigation efforts were in full effect, including air purification systems, temperature checks, and pre-event testing for all party staff.

Tony and Frances Buzbee

Mario Elia, Tamara Washington, Gina Gaston, Laura Ward

Fady Armanious

Ilene Allen, Doug Vrooman

Robert and Candice Horry, Rachel and Jeff Bagwell

Kevin Black, Tony Bradfield, Joanna and Brad Marks

Cal and Hannah McNair

April and Dr. Jorge Salazar

Morris and Toni Smith

Paige Fertitta, Lorraine Jacobs, Laura Mudd, Tammy Michaelis

Amy and Rob Pierce

Russell and Monica Ybarra