parties

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)

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Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

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Children’s Museum Supporters Go Goth-Glam at Million-Dollar Gala

Alexander's Fine Portraits

THE CORINTHIAN WAS the scene for a haunted happening benefiting Children’s Museum Houston. The decidedly adult bash was filled with dark allure, gothic glamour, and generosity to the tune of $1.14 million, the second-highest total in the event’s history.

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‘You’re the Inspiration’: Generous Donors Give $6.2 Mil to Kids’ Charity as Famous Band Takes Stage

Michelle Watson/Catchlight Group

Morris Smith, Tilman Fertitta and Toni Smith

THE HOUSTON CHILDREN'S Charity gala is always anticipated, thanks to the big-deal musical acts brought in to entertain; this year it was Chicago. But the headliners this year were the generous donors, who seemed to surprise even event organizer with their largesse, with a total till of $6.2 million, a record.

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