Houston Angels Raise Monster Money in a Lively Auction: And Political Heavyweights Jump In

What: Be An Angel gala

Where: Hotel ZaZa

PC Moment: Who ever heard of a gala live auction bringing in more than three times the bottom line from  ticket sales and sponsorships? Hello, Be An Angel.

Auctioneer Heath Hale ratcheted up the fundraising, securing more than $426,000 from the live auction and Fund a Need appeal. That brought total evening proceeds to $575,000. It was a record-breaker for the nonprofit that serves children with multiple disabilities or profound deafness. The generosity was spurred by testimony for Be An Angel special needs youngster Myra Delacruz.

Taking a break from political battles in Austin, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and his wife, Jan, served as dinner chairs, accompanied in the fundraising mission by gala chair Carmina Zamorano.

Honorees recognized for their service to children in need were Be An Angel vice president Dan Pastorini, Aldine ISD superintendent Wanda Bamberg, Texas EquiSearch founder and director Tim Miller, and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Hank Whitman.

Who: Mayor Sylvester Turner, Astronauts Fred Haise and Walt Cunningham; plus Dot Cunningham, Deborah Duncan, Rafael Chavez,  Pam Morse, Judy Nichols, Gayle and Robert Rosales, Dianna and David Voll, John Leake, John Will, Sarah Hernandez, Delia Mizwa, Barbara Garney and Ray Solcher.