Greater Houston Children’s Charity’s 22 nd Gala Raises Funds
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Alexander Fine Portraits, Gregg Harrison and Michelle Watson
THE SETTING: Approximately 650 guests, who arrived on the red carpet at the stunning Post Oak Hotel for the 22nd Annual Houston Children’s Charity Gala, received a red rose and enjoyed the energetic evening. Dave Ward and Gina Gaston opened and emceed the event that honored one of Houston’s most philanthropic duos, Jana and Richard Fant, for their continued generosity, compassion and devotion to support children in need. Then, guests enjoyed a five-star meal, a fabulous filet mignon dinner and heart shape chocolate mousse desert topped with fresh raspberries created by the hotel’s Executive Chef Jean Luc Royere. A signature libation was also created specifically for the evening that kicked off the night’s purpose of fundraising for Houston’s special children.
THE STYLE: Following dinner, guests participated in exciting live and big board auctions. Sought-after items included a trip to the home plant of the BMW Group in Munich, Germany to pick out your 2019 all new M850i xDrive Coupe; Jeff Hanson Art, a dinner with Jeff Bagwell and Alex Bregman, a Scotch adventure in Scotland, and a road trip with the Rockets. The highlight of the night was a live performance by the legendary rock band, Styx and the dance floor mania completed the evening.
THE PURPOSE: An astounding $1.9 million dollars was raised for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused and disabled children who have been otherwise left behind. CEO, President and Executive Director of Houston Children’s Charity Laura Ward officiated the live auction, which was a smashing success as her enthusiasm for helping Houston’s underprivileged children is contagious. BMW of West Houston and Momentum BMW Southwest returned as the event’s title sponsors for an unprecedented 11 years of the event.