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Rocking the Night Away ’60s-Style, HCC Raises Record Millions for Kids in Need

Rocking the Night Away ’60s-Style, HCC Raises Record Millions for Kids in Need

David Hoctor, Sue Smith, Gregg Harrison

AS USUAL, HOUSTON'S Children’s Charity mixed music with fundraising might at its spectacular annual gala!

Raising a whopping $4.2 million — including the purchase of some 45 disabled-friendly vans to be given directly to underprivileged families with kids with special needs — the organization’s 26th annual ball blew away previous records. Jana and Richard Fant bought 10 of them themselves.

The night’s entertainment blew away the crowd, too. Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Association and Herman’s Hermits! — yes, all three bands — performed. Iconic hits from the 1960s filled the ballroom, and party people filled the dance floor.

Highlights of the evening included remarks from Trini Mendenhall, who was honored with HCC’s “Lifetime of Giving” award. Also: the electric moment when Randy Nichols placed the winning bid of $110,000 for a 2024 Porsche Cayenne.

HCC’s leadership — the likes of Laura Ward, Tilman Fertitta and Gary Becker — welcomed a who’s who for the bash. Those spotted in the crowd included Margaret Alkek Williams, Gary Petersen, Amy and Rob Pierce, Paige Fertitta, Michael Fertitta, Blake Fertitta, Blayne Fertitta, Patrick J. Fertitta, Kristina Somerville, District Attorney Kim Ogg, mayoral candidate John Whitmire, Ajay and Sippi Khurana, Frances Moody Buzbee and Tony Buzbee, who took center stage to help encourage van buying.

HCC describes its mission as seeking to improve the quality of life for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused and disabled children who have been otherwise left behind.

Tilman Fertitta, Laura Ward

Trini Mendenhall, Philip Royalty

Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees

Omar Alaoui, Maria Moncada Alaoui

Carson Brown, Kristina Somerville

Gary Becker

Jose Lopez, Kelli Lopez

Emely Valadez, Maria Moncada Alaoui, Ashley Parker, Marianna Brasel, Robert

Dale

Laura Ward, Tony Buzbee

Lane Craft, Chita Craft, Wallis Marsh, DeeDee Marsh

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design

Inspired by Midcentury Flair, an Interior Designer Brings Palm Springs to Braeswood

Sonya Sellers

Floating shelves and a pop of burgundy in the kitchen.

UNREALIZED POTENTIAL CAN provide a powerful pull. Such was the case when interior designer Victoria Sheffield discovered a semi-neglected midcentury gem in Braeswood Place, with key architectural details intact. Situated on an expansive 11,500-square-foot lot, the A-line, asymmetrical home preserved its orange-tone brick, board-and-batten cedar siding accents, and even the original rolled glass in the single-page picture windows.

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Home + Real Estate
art

Meet the 15-Year-Old Art Prodigy Who Painted the New Lina Hidalgo Mural

Guerrero in front of her new mural

ON THURSDAY, JULY 27, 15-year-old artist Abby Guerrero, who just completed her freshman year at North Shore Senior High School, unveiled and dedicated her mural Free of Judgement to Judge Lina Hidalgo. Among those present to celebrate the unveiling were County Commissioner Rodney Ellis; Guerrero’s art teacher and mentor Alex “Donkeeboy” Roman Jr. and his mother and Sylvia “Donkeemom” Roman; and artist Franky Cardona. Judge Hidalgo was also there and was clearly moved by the sight of such a powerful work of art realized by a young and talented Houstonian. “To hear Abby say she’s inspired by me is so touching,” said Hidalgo, who is the first woman and Latina to hold office as Harris County Judge. “We’re lucky to live in a place where young minds feel empowered to express themselves in larger-than-life ways.”

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Art + Entertainment