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
Thrive & Inspire: Working with Seniors — ‘America’s Best’ — a Joy for Medicare Expert Justin White

Justin White, Founder of Senior Health Services

WHAT IS THE secret to running a successful business? First, you have to have a mission that you care about. I absolutely love helping people understand Medicare! Secondly, I have always succeeded because the agents I work with know that I care for them and truly want them to succeed. I love developing leaders and watching them soar! If I help them get where they want to be, I will never need to worry about me! We all rise together.

Keep Reading Show less

WHAT DOES IT mean to be "rent-burdened"? The phrase describes those who spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing, and it's become an increasingly relevant part of the larger conversation about the American economy in a post-Covid world.

Keep Reading Show less
Home + Real Estate

AS THE HOLIDAYS loom closer with celebrations and travel in the works, now is the time we start thinking about how to feel and look our best.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places