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