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: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less

Christine Johnson and Jody Merritt

A LOVELY AND truly heart-felt tradition continued, when Saks Fifth Avenue and its 5115 restaurant hosted the 14th annual Houston Sweethearts tea.

Keep Reading Show less
Party People

ON JAN. 3, 2025, I observed a big personal anniversary. As of that day, it’d been 20 years since I first moved to Houston — from the Big Apple media circus, by way of my home state of Louisiana — and began working as an editor in the lifestyle-magazine biz here. It’s been two full decades, which is hard to believe! I like to joke that I’m far too young and good-looking to have done anything for two decades. But here we are.

Keep Reading Show less