Whitney Crane and Reba McEntire Team Up for Record Luncheon, Draw Jim Crane and Jeff Bagwell for Rare Afternoon Appearances

On the very day that the Houston Astros would advance to the American League Championship Series, the team’s owner Jim Crane and MLB Hall of Famer and Astros Hall of Fame Jeff Bagwell were doing something they almost never do — attending a ladies charity luncheon. But with Whitney Crane co-chairing the annual Razzle Dazzle luncheon, her first personal foray into the city’s philanthropic swirl, what was an adoring husband and friend to do?

And so the gents and Jeff’s wife, Rachel, were among the Astros fans of the 650 who packed the ballroom of the Post Oak Hotel to a record number for the  annual Razzle Dazzle luncheon benefiting the Bobetta C. Lindig Breast Center at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center. All had come to support the cause and to hear headliner Reba McEntire interviewed by KPRC meteorologist Frank Billinsgley, himself a cancer survivor.

It was a great day for the luncheon, co-chaired by Tenenbaum Jeweler‘s eternally charming, Tony Bradfield, who wryly noted that this was the 10th anniversary luncheon held on the 10th day of the 10th month of the year. And propitious it was with the event raising $850,000, far besting any previous proceeds. And, of course, the Astros won that night.

But there was much more to the day that saw the ballroom washed in a sea of pink, as the majority of femmes dressed in the color for victory over breast cancer. A few, however, opted for Astros orange. As Whitney Crane, wearing a pink lace Valentino frock, noted, “It’s great to see so many ladies in pink today. I hope to see you in orange and blue tonight.”

The event honored Bobetta Lindig, for whom the breast center is named. She shared with the audience her heartfelt concern for those suffering from the disease. On this day, she wore a blue blazer rather than pink, explaining that it was for men, who should not have to face a stigma when diagnosed with breast cancer.

The action-packed luncheon included a blessing by breast cancer survivor Donna Vallone, remarks by Memorial Hermann Foundation CEO and executive vice president Anne Neeson, emcee duties by KPRC Channel 2 news’ Christine Noël and a three piece live auction conducted by Stephen Lewis. The bidding was fast and fun on the $15,000 Buccellati earrings compliments of Tenenbaum, and Astros package and a painting by Ashley Longshore.

And then while the ladies and sprinkling of gents dug into their dessert, the effusive and delightful McEntire sat down with Billingsley. The Q&A ran the gamut from her dream of becoming a champion rodeo barrel racer (her talent lay elsewhere); to her sister Alice, who is a breast cancer survivor; to her best concert memory, playing at the Astrodome; and her affection for Barbara and President George H.W. Bush, including sailing trips along the coast of Maine.

And McEntire thrilled the throng with a few bars of her favorite song, “Fancy.”

H-E-B deserves a special nod for the exceptionally beautiful florals that topped tables throughout the ballroom and provided a stage backdrop matching Longshore’s flower-decked painting. Whitney Crane had asked for the special creation and the grocer responded dramatically.

PC Seen: Kate Upton, Julie Roberts, Linda McReynolds, Janet Guwitch, Martha Turner, Kristina Somerville, Sheridan Williams, Courtney Sarofim, Marcy Taub Wessel, Ann and Clarence Cazalot, Chuck and Judy Stokes, Anne Lee Phillips, Philamena Baird, Regina Garcia, Terri Hogan Turner, Lexi Sakowitz, Lacey Dalcour-Salas, Christine Falgout, and Kimberly Sheele.