This Starry Texas Night Raises Big Money for One of Houston’s Most Important Houses: Heartwarming Stories and a Standing Ovation

What: Covenant House Texas spring gala, “Starry, Starry Night”

Where: Hilton Americas-Houston

PC Moment: Covenant House Texas resident Laura tugged at the heartstrings of the 500 guests as she related the story of how CHT saved her from the streets and is helping her gain independence. Her moving talk resulted in a standing ovation and the night resulted in $800,000 in aid to assist the non-profit. In fact, the non-competitive auction, led by Covenant House International president Kevin Ryan and CHT board chair Kurt Nondorf, raised $180,000 on the spot, funds to help provide food, shelter, medical care, counseling and educational/vocational training for CHT residents.

The event was chaired by Mary Eads with the assist of co-chairs JoAnna Trotter, Chaney Trotter and Kim Eads. The Eads have been longtime supporters of CHT, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

KHOU Channel 11 news anchor Mia Gradney emceed the dinner evening that honored Hank Hamilton with the Spirit Award and his company, TGS, with the Community Partner Award for more than two decades of support. CHT CEO Kristian Johansen accepted the honor on behalf of TGS.

Who: Tonya Hamilton, CHT executive director Leslie Bourne, Ashley and Clark Beecher, Melissa Baldwin, Derya Baysal, Amy Snoots, Jillian Green, Alvin Adjei, Lisa and John Savardi, Jo Ann Petersen, Juliet Hubbell, Mary Hubbell, Amanda Lundquist, June Leppard and Julie Rogers.