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
Elevate Dining in and out this Summer with Steam Cooking

MAKE THE MOST of every delicious bite this summer with the benefits of steam cooking. Whether you’re reviving leftovers from Houston’s hottest foodie hangout or hosting memorable gatherings at home, integrating steam into your cooking repertoire can take your food to the next level.

Keep Reading Show less

What is your mission? The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC) provides healing services to over 6,300 child sexual abuse victims and their families each year. We offer forensic interviewing, family advocacy, mental health services, medical care, and court services at no cost. We facilitate community outreach and prevention training to raise awareness about child abuse in our community and how to keep children safe. Last year, we provided prevention training to over 35,000 community members, including 23,500 children in schools.

Keep Reading Show less

What year was your organization launched? Urban Harvest’s Saturday Farmers Market started in 2004 with just seven vendors, providing an outlet for local farms, community and backyard gardeners to sell fresh produce harvested directly from their soils. Now in its 20th year, the market has grown to be one of the largest markets in Texas, supporting over 100 local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans all from within 180 miles of Houston. The market draws 3,000 customers every Saturday morning and includes many original vendors like Animal Farm, Atkinson Farms, and Wood Duck Farm.

Keep Reading Show less