Nature and Nurture: Nonprofit Toasts 40 Years of Planting and Protecting Trees in Houston, Raises $520K

Daniel Ortiz
Nature and Nurture: Nonprofit Toasts 40 Years of Planting and Protecting Trees in Houston, Raises $520K

Zach and Margot Davis with Alana and Greg Highberger

FOR FOUR DECADES, the aptly named Trees for Houston has been planting and protecting trees all over the city. Its annual Root Ball event celebrated the milestone anniversary while raising an impressive $520,000 for the organization.


Chaired by Rudeina Baasiri and Debbie Gregg, the al fresco gala had a "patio-chic" dress code, which was apropos for the breezy spring night. Refreshing apps like blackberry crostini and a Bayou Breeze cocktail — renamed Tree Breeze for the night — welcomed the 425 guests, who participated in a wine and spirits pull before a gourmet dinner. Attendees also enjoyed live tunes courtesy of the Tin Man Band.

A successful paddle raise contributed to the night's total till of $525,000, which will go toward Trees for Houston's mission to plant more than 70,000 trees annually in the region. Later this year, the organization will move into a stunning new headquarters that includes a tree farm and education center.

Debbie Gregg and Rudeina Baasiri

Sallie Alcorn and Lisa Helfman

Austin Bocciardi, Jamie Heiland, John David Barnes and Kyle Kern

Megan Keefe, Heather Rentrop, and Laura and Josh Lock

Bernie and Stacy Garcia

Garett and Kim Dietrich, Cheryl Huffman and Brian Chambers

Lashawndra Proctor and Trevence Mitchell

Chloe and Reed Schmergel

Don Howell and Letty Knapp

Joe and Cathy Cleary, Joey and Maddie Cleary, and Randi Koenig

Jessica Roman, Julia Armada, Anal Agha and Stef Adams

Amy Peck and Jordan Fein

Carrie and Chris Estes

Gloria Bounds and Tim Yurick

Parties

Alira Med Spa Owner, World Travel Blogger, Influencer, Philanthropist

Med Spa Owner

As a small business owner, I get to wear many hats. I became an Aesthetician to gain more knowledge about the services my business was going to provide, thinking that I will only focus on the administrative side of the business. Soon I became the business administrator and the lead Aesthetician. Currently, I am hands-on with our social media and marketing promotions, in addition to my regular facial clients. As time has passed, I realized I needed it to ramp up my services and technology to keep up with our competitors and now we offer a wide variety of Medical Spa services such as injectables and laser treatments. Visit aliramedspa.com to book an appointment today!

Keep Reading Show less

I AM AN accomplished philanthropist, esteemed motivational speaker, renowned fitness expert, and host of an engaging podcast UNHINGED. Through my diversified endeavors, I have established several successful ventures, including TR Beauty and The Vault, a private community catering to like-minded people. Additionally, I am the founder of Houston Style Icons, a platform dedicated to honoring and acknowledging Houstonian style, and Fashion Woodlands, an annual fashion show that I have meticulously curated. Furthermore, I actively engage with my audience through my YouTube channel, providing valuable content and insights.

Keep Reading Show less