Houston’s $1 Million Halloween Costume Night Boosts Ronald McDonald House — Bringing Fairytales to Life
Once Upon a Time In the Bayou City
By Shelby Hodge //
What: The Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Houston “Once Upon a Time” Boo Ball
Where: Hilton Americas-Houston
PC Moment: Perhaps the high point of this lively costume evening was the moment when the Ronald McDonald character arrived on stage to assist auctioneer Johnny Bravo with the appeal, which in five minutes generated more than $185,000 with a $150,000 match from an anonymous donor. The record $1 million dollars raised on this evening are earmarked for 15 one- and two-bedroom apartments for families who need an extended stay or more isolated accommodations for their child’s medical treatments in Houston. More than 30,000 people are helped by Ronald McDonald House every year.
And that big $1 million total was a feather in the cap for gala chairs Jennifer and Scott Allison. Kudos should also go to silent auction chairs Jennifer Swallen and Stacey Christ and Baubles and Bottles draw chairs Bethany Buchanan and Kristin. Collins
Taking bows as recipients of the Founders Award were Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook, as Volunteer of the Year Dr. Vuong Ho, and Deric Jech representing Main Street Capital Corporation, which received the Corporate Partner Award.
The cocktail attire, costume-optional Boo Ball saw the hotel ballroom hopping with all manner of characters but mostly of the friendly variety. Think princes and princesses, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, storybook and fairytale characters. After all, with the “Once Upon a Time” theme, one would not expect werewolves and wicked witches.
The program included remarks from Ronald McDonald House Charities Houston CEO Cristina Vetrano and board president Shane Kimzey.
PC Seen: Emma and Seth Elsenbrook, Megan and Luke Hotze, Victoria and chef Aaron Bludorn, Elyse and Drew Tolson, Allison and Dan Connally, Marilyn Mogas, Valerie and Tracy Dieterich, Shelley and Lee Boyer, Gaye Lynn and Stuart Zarrow, Kelley and Steve Lubanko, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Kate and Evan Elsenbrook, DeeDee and Wallis Marsh, Melissa Holman Juneau, and Laura Thompson, who will chair the gala in 2025.
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