Houstonians Party Mardi — and Raise $600K for Childhood Cancer Research

Priscilla Dickson
Houstonians Party Mardi — and Raise $600K for Childhood Cancer Research

Katherine Gring, LaJeana Hardig, Michelle Payne, Angela Dina, Joslyn Paris and Jeannette Muecke

THERE’S NO SHORTAGE of Mardi Gras-themed fun this time of year, but with a total till of $600,000 benefiting childhood cancer research, the Turn It Gold gala took things to another level.


The Royal Sonesta was the site for the Mardi Gras-themed party hosted by and benefiting the Turn It Gold foundation, established nine years ago by a Houston couple in response to their son’s diagnosis with stage-four neuroblastoma. Feather boas, sequins, balloons and cowboy hats could be spotted all over the ballroom — as could local celebs like former Texans star Owen Daniels and his wife Angela, and Houston Dash players Shae Groom and Michelle Alozie.

Nashville-based muisician Michael Hobby and his wife Caroline stood alongside former Aggie football star Seth Small to present the evening’s Bravery awards. Grace Mosby and Peyton Jackson were recognized for their courageous fights against cancer, and the family of Jake Hickford accepted the Brave Life award honoring his battle with neuroblastoma.

In addition to a seated dinner followed by dancing to a party-ready soundtrack provided by the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, an entertaining live auction helped bring in thousands for the cause.

Shae Groom, Angela Dina, Daria Britton and Michelle Alozie

Travis Berg and Jason Schultz

Ashley Payne, Brett Payne, Michelle and Brian Payne, and Lauren Payne

Bernie and Greg Bailey

Owen and Angela Daniel with Patty and Sam Bowen

Fritz Fowler

Grace Mosby, Lance and Holly Mosby, and Kyle Mosby

Michael and Caroline Hobby

Melanie Saunders, Laura Werner, Holly Brannon, Katie Bahrami and Sarah Heinecke

Kim and Eddie Perdomo

Parties
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less

Photographer Jhane Hoang with two covers she photographed

ONE OF Houston CityBook’s most beloved photographers was recently diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer. Jhane Hoang has been behind the camera for some of the magazine’s most ambitious shoots — including an overnight shoot at the then-new Weiss Energy Hall at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and a cold rainy shoot at the Houston Zoo where the crew used a concessions stand as a staging area for hair and makeup.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Betty Hrncir, Sidney Faust, Julie Baker Finck

ACTUAL WINTER WEATHER was in the forecast the night of the Winter Ball, benefiting the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and honoring the Women of Distinction, a festive and fitting detail that sparked a flurry of conversation at the Omni Hotel.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties