Victory Declared! Houston Rallies for Kids with Cancer, Raising $1.6 Mil

Daniel Ortiz
Victory Declared! Houston Rallies for Kids with Cancer, Raising $1.6 Mil

Susan and Mark Ryan

IN ITS INAUGURAL year, the Victory Rally Ball, held at the new 713 Music Hall inside Post Houston, was a gigantic success — in every way.

Nearly 1,000 partygoers joined chairs Elizabeth Fulghum, Melissa Hobbs and Stephanie Morris at the event, which raised funds for pediatric cancer research and initiatives in Houston. The "Pop Art"-themed party was colorful indeed, and featured caricature artists and bright decor. Several of Victory's founding members were in attendance, cheering on a few rounds of Paddles Up and Vegas-style gaming.

Emcee Frank Billingsley kept the evening moving, and introduced auctioneer extraordinaire Johnny "Bravo" Holloway, who showed up ready to rally in a gold sequined jacket. Items in the live auction included jewelry from Valobra and Diamonds Direct, and cool culinary experiences like a Steak 48 cocktail party, and dinner for 24 at the home of Johnny Carrabba himself.

Sonic Automotive rolled in the big guns at the end, donating a 2023 Ford F-150 King Ranch custom truck, which got bidders excited. The dealer ended up donating a second truck because interest was so high — and the two sold for a combined $190,000. Guests were riding high after the energetic auction, and took to the dance floor to boogie to tunes by Yacht Rock and Disco Expressions.

In all, the night brought in a whopping $1.6 million. For nearly 40 years, Victory's all-volunteer team has raised more than $60 million for cancer research — all of which goes to Medical Center organizations.

Regina and Matt Reynolds, Jo and Matt Farina, and Frank Billingsley and Kevin Gilliard

Karen Tellepsen, Aimee Dodson and Cynthia Urguhart

Elizabeth Fulghum, Stephanie Morris and Melissa Hobbs with Johnny Bravo Holloway

Jackie Eubank, Dee Darby and Marissa Eubank

Amanda Moreno, Krista Shamaly, Laurie Cacioppo and Tiffany Halik

Diane Cain and Samantha Derrett

Emily Anderson throwing dice

Alex and Robin Brennan Martin

Cynthia Wolf and Raquel Lewis

Susan Ryan, GiGi Harbison and Susan Bonora

Elaine Finger and Sherri Zucker

Diane Cain with Jo Ann Petersen

Riley Canfield, Katie Tiegs and Jessica Morrison

Lauren and Nathan Colbert

Patrick Carter, Lisa Hauser-Carter, Sarah Oliver and Boriss Losso

Hind Rafei, Hilla Janjua, Sheetal Rao and Hibah Callies

Rob and Bayli Dale

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

EVEN THOUGH WE hope things cool down outside, some folks in Houston are about to get even hotter with the arrival of trendy fitness studio Ritual One next month in Uptown Park. The Dallas-based concept will offer classes like Power Sculpt, Hot Pilates, Power Yoga, Inferno Flow, and Inferno HIIT — all taking place in its infrared-heated studios.

Keep Reading Show less
Style

Evan and Kate Elsenbrook and Elyse and Drew Tolson

SUPPORTERS OF RONALD McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston gathered for a whimsically fun fete at the Hilton Americas hotel. The 2024 Boo Ball was themed "Once Upon a Time," and it raised a true happily-ever-after amount of $1 million — a new record!

Keep Reading Show less
Parties