Society / Featured Parties

As George Springer Gets Married in California, the Astros Party Brings the Queen of Soul to Houston: $1.4 Million in Diamond Dreams Gets Jim Crane Pumped Up

BY // 01.22.18
photography Alexander's Fine Portrait Design

The World Series trophy was there. The MLB MVP was not. Neither was Justin Verlander, George Springer, Dallas Keuchel nor new kid on the block Gerritt Cole. The Houston Astros’ Diamond Dreams gala, despite raising $1.4 million and attended by 1,000 fans, seemed to be lacking a key component — most of the players.

At least Alex Bregman, Marwin Gonzalez, Lance McCullers, Brian McCann, Josh Reddick and Tyler White were among those gathered on the floor of Minute Maid Park, joining the well-heeled fans in celebrating the World Series victory and raising that seven-figure windfall for the Astros Foundation.

“There would be more here tonight,’ owner Jim Crane said. “But six or seven are already in West Palm working out. And I’m happy with that.”

Actually, a few were at the Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach, California, for Springer’s Saturday wedding to Charlise Castro.

Interestingly, the talk during the VIP reception in Union Station was more about the frosty environs and furs than the Astros’ stellar year. Minute Maid is not heated and the after-effects of the recent sub-freezing temps continued to chill the vast stadium. Even Crane was into the fur talk. “For once the ladies can wear their furs and keep them on all night,” he quipped.

Astros management was well on top of the cold front. Each seat was warmed by a plush blanket emblazoned with the Diamond Dreams/Astros Foundation logo. The ladies in attendance were on top of it as well with more furs in evidence than at any gala in recent memory. And, yes, they kept them on all night.

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Warming the scene was knowledge that the monies raised would benefit New Hope Housing, which provides affordable, life-stabilizing permanent housing for Houston’s most vulnerable citizens. “I’m here to just thank Jim Crane and the generosity of the Astros Foundation for helping us build our eighth and perhaps our very best building,” said Mack Fowler, New Hope executive chairman. It’s a cause that Crane has supported from the get-go.

“Our foundation has come a long way since we were able to take over the team with about $30,000. Now we have about $20 million in reserve,” Crane said. “And we’re able to really put some pop behind some big deals like this (New Hope’s projects). During the hurricane, we were able to donate $4 million to our friends in Puerto Rico.”

While guests had the full night to grab a photo with the World Series trophy, Crane addressed the win in his remarks to the gathering.

“It’s a team effort. This team is built to last. I’m proud of them,” he said. “We’re so happy this year for the city to finally get a win. And we’re going to have a little fun tonight. World Champions! That sounds pretty good doesn’t it? It doesn’t happen all the time.”

And then it was time for another winner on stage. Heating up the night was Gladys Knight, who at 73 belted out her hits with the same verve and excitement she has exhibited since being anointed the Queen of Soul decades ago. Even she kept her fur-trimmed cape for the start of her performance.

Who: Astros Foundation executive director Twila Carter, Whitney Crane, Ruth and Nolan Ryan, Patty and Craig Biggio, Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin, Susie and Sanford Criner, Kristina and Paul Somerville, Anne and Jay Hughes, Carol and Mike Linn, Jessica and Tom Roupe, Katherine and Matt Kapinos, Judy and Tom Farrell, Jo and Jim Furr, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Erica and George Hittner and Brenda and Tom Koch,  Channel 13 news anchor who served as emcee for the evening.

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