Vroom! Auto-Themed ‘Rally Ball’ Drives Big Bucks to Fight Cancer

Vroom! Auto-Themed ‘Rally Ball’ Drives Big Bucks to Fight Cancer

Hallie Vanderhider, Cissy Abel, Elizabeth Stein (photo by Jacob Power)

ONE OF HOUSTON'S most passionate cancer-research organizations hosted its very successful car-race-themed “Victory Rally Ball” recently at Downtown’s 713 Music Hall, drawing in more than 750 denim-and-diamond-bedecked supporters and raising mega-money!


“Chaired by trio Jennifer Barron, Kathryn Noser and original Victory founding member Jessica Younger, the high-octane event raised over $1.48 million for cancer research and programs in the Greater Houston Area,” noted a rep for the Victory.

Famous Houston meteorologist Frank Billingsley was emcee of the raucous affair, with buffet-style dining — think yummy Churrasco’s tacos, tequila tastings and tres leches — and fun Vegas-y gaming stations. Roulette, anyone? Johnny Bravo Halloway led a live auction, of which not one but two 2024 Ford Bronco Badlands 4-door 4x4’s. “A private dinner with Johnny Carrabba was also a huge hit,” the rep noted, “with guests outbidding each other for the coveted evening.”

The party went into overdrive — pun intended — when Skyrocket band took the stage and the multicolored dancefloor was lighted up.

VIP guests and Victory supporters included Cyvia Wolff, Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, and many docs and execs from Memorial Hermann Foundation, Baylor College of Medicine and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Since 1987, Victory has raised more than $60 million dollars for cancer research and initiatives across the United States, the organization says.

Cyvia Wolff, Susan Blaney, Lisa McCoy (photo by Wilson Parish)

Jeff Quisenberry, Jeff Dyke (photo by Jacob Power)

Kathryn Noser, Jessica Younger, Jennifer Barron (photo by Wilson Parish)

Larianna Dunn, Samantha Derrett, Julia TenHoeve (photo by Wilson Parish)

Raquel Lewis, Jess Younger, Denise Leisten, Joni Ballis (photo by Jacob Power)

Robin and Danny Klaes, Kittsie Klaes (photo by Jacob Power)

Tony and Amber Bender (photo by Jacob Power)

Tracey and Michael Thomas (photo by Jacob Power)

Tracy Smith, Stephanie Morris (photo by Wilson Parish)

Parties
Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less

THE UPCOMING AIA Houston Home Tour is always an anticipated fall event, a style showcase from some of the city’s best architects, designers and tastemakers. The two-day, self-guided tour includes several custom homes in the area that exhibit design excellence, innovative design solutions, and sustainable features.

Keep Reading Show less
Home + Real Estate

What is your mission? Launched in 2006, Kids’ Meals’ mission is to end childhood hunger in Houston by delivering free, healthy meals year-round to the doorsteps of Houston’s hungriest preschool-aged children and through collaboration, provide their families with resources to end the cycle of poverty.

Keep Reading Show less