Monumental Gift by Philanthropic Couple Jana & Richard Fant, Celebrity Surprises from Entrepreneur, Actor & Singer 50 Cent and Pro-Football Hall of Famer Andre Johnson, Iconic Rock & Roll Performance by Chicago
– Houston Children’s Charity hosted its 27th Annual Gala themed “Saturday in the Park” on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston which raised a record-breaking $6.2 million to directly fund programs that improve the quality of life for Houston’s underprivileged, abused and disabled children who have been otherwise left behind.
Iconic Rock & Roll Band CHICAGO Performs
Under the leadership of CEO Laura Ward, the event was a spectacular evening of immense generosity from local celebrities and the Houston community, including support from returning Gala Title Sponsors Porsche River Oaks and Porsche West Houston.
As guests arrived, volunteers greeted them and kicked off the evening with thrilling bidding on incredible big board items. They then transitioned into the breathtaking ballroom, elegantly designed by Richard Flowers and The Events Company.
Houston Media Icon Dave Ward kicked off the night with pre-recorded messages that were played throughout the evening. This was followed by an invocation from Reverend Mary Gracely of the One Spirit Interfaith Community. To set the mood for the evening, Tilman Fertitta, Chairman of the Board for Houston Children’s Charity, spoke about the mission and provided uplifting words of gratitude and encouragement, before inviting Houston Mayor John Whitmire on stage. Mayor Whitmire thanked Houston Children’s Charity for their leadership and their assistance to our city’s underserved community. This was followed by Vice Chairman Gary Becker, who highlighted the organization’s A Better Night’s Sleep Program.
Laura Ward and Houston Children’s Charity raises $6.2 million at their annual gala at the Post Oak Hotel October 19, 2024 with special appearances by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, NFL Hall of Famer Andre Johnson, a surprise zoom call with actor Jeremy Renner. The evening concluded with a performance by the band Chicago.
The evening continued as Laura Ward recognized Rob Wilson Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The John M. O’Quinn Foundation for their significant gift enabling the organization to expand their leadership positions. She then continued with recognizing philanthropic couple, Jana and Richard Fant, praising their exceptional and steadfast support of the Chariots for Children program.
Pictured: Deanna Barton, Amy Leibman, Paige Fertitta, Laura Mudd, Karen Thompson
The night was brimming with special moments, but none were as monumental as the Fants’ surprise gift of 30 vans for the Chariots for Children Program. This astonishing contribution took the audience of 700 completely by surprise and became a standout highlight of the evening.
Auctioneer Johnny Bravo joined Laura on stage to kick off the live auction, and the crowd was buzzing with excitement from the spirited bidding on extravagant auction items and surprise star appearances. This included a Zoom call from actor Jeremy Renner, followed by Tilman Fertitta and Laura Ward welcoming entrepreneur and actor 50 Cent and Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Johnson to the stage. Together, they captivated the audience during an exhilarating live auction for a private dinner, raising an impressive $500,000 for the dinner to lucky winners Gary Petersen, Katie and Mike Lowenberg, Randy Hopper, Anthony Pusch and Chi Nguyen.
The auction wrapped up with a thrilling bid for Porsche’s all-electric Macan 4, generously donated by Porsche River Oaks and Porsche West Houston. Ghada Ali was the lucky winner, driving away in this stunning vehicle. Other high bidders of the night were Edna Meyer-Nelson, Brandon Dewan, and Kris Cogliano.
The fundraising didn’t stop there! Laura made a final appeal for support of the organization’s Chariots for Children program through van donations. In a stunning surprise, the Fants presented Laura and the board with an unprecedented gift of 30 vans, marking a historic moment for the program!
Finally, the crowd rocked the night away as the legendary band Chicago took the stage, delivering an unforgettable performance of their greatest hits, including “Saturday in the Park,” “You’re the Inspiration,” and “If You Leave Me Now,” among many others.
Supporters and notable guests included Maria Moncada Alaoui, Robert Dale, Marianna Brasel, Rachel and Jeff Bagwell, ABC 13 General Manager and President Michael Carr, ABC 13 News Anchor Gina Gaston, Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Bess and Rob Wilson, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, DeeDee and Tommy Fibich, Youval and Michele Meicler, Alicia Smith, Shayna Andrews, KK and Scott West, Dr. Tom and Carol Sawyer, Julia Morales and Matt Clark, Sherri Zucker, and many others.
To learn more about Houston Children’s Charity programs, visit houstonchildrenscharity.org.
Photo Credit: Michelle Watson/CatchLight Group
