Houston’s Million Dollar Night: Local TV News Star, a Top Restaurant and Volunteers Team Up to Help Kids

What: Casa de Esperanza “Building Hope for Children” evening

Where: Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

PC Moment: Not only did Cordúa Restaurants continue its 28-year tradition of hosting the seated dinner but the 650 guests raised the fundraising roof by bringing in $1 million for Casa’s 35-year mission of providing a safe place for children in crisis due to abuse, neglect or the effects of HIV. Applause, applause for chairs Wade Upton, Flo McGee, Katie and John Daily, Lindy and Tom McGee and April and Wells McGee and for corporate underwriting chair Brad Freels. ABC 13 news anchor Tom Koch emceed the evening that included words from Casa co-founder and director Kathy Foster, testimonial from adoptive parent Teresa Berg, thanks from Upton and Freels and a touching video.

Meg and Kirk Gentle were presented with Spirit of Hope Award. The Dinerstein Companies were recognized as Corporate Volunteer. Katie Hwu was named Community Volunteer of the Year. Recognized as Young Professional Volunteers of the Year were Jordan and Duncan Balcom and Katie and Mitchell Currie.

Who: Lucia and Michael Cordúa, Claudia Freels, Regina Lewis and Joe Chen, Lindy and Larry Neuhaus, Julie and Stephen Chen, Robin and Alex-Brennan Martin, Susu and Fred Meyer, Louise and Bob Parsley, Janie and Todd Mason, and Kristen and Michael Weekley.