This $1.9 Million Houston Night Draws in Iconic Rockers, Alex Bregman, Tony Buzbee and More

We love galas that are full of surprises based on individual generosity. So we must applaud Houston Children’s Charity honorees Jana and Richard Fant, long-time HCC patrons, who surprised even gala organizers by making a challenge grant for wheelchair van donations. The Fant Foundation would match each van gift pledged on the spot. Within moments, five vans had been committed and the foundation added five more making that 10 wheelchair accessible vans that would go to families in need.

By night’s end at the Post Oak Hotel, proceeds from various sources reached a fabulous $1.9 million. HCC president and CEO Laura Ward, staff and the board were astounded. As has been tradition the past 22 years media icon Dave Ward, Laura’s husband, introduced the evening and his ABC 13 colleague Gina Gaston, who served as emcee.

Some 650 black-tie attired guests joined the party, known for its energized spirit, the excitement further fueled by the live auction. BMW of West Houston and Momentum BMW Southwest contributed for the 11th year a trip to BMW headquarters in Munich, Germany, where the winner — mayoral candidate Tony Buzbee — would pick up a new 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe. Among the most sought-after items were dinner with Jeff Bagwell and Alex Bregman, with high bidders Amy and Rob Pierce soon making dinner reservations, a road trip with the Houston Rockets going to lucky Youval Meicler and a scotch tasting adventure in Scotland that was won by Sam Zavary.

The night’s vitality was kicked up a notch when Styx took to the stage with its iconic sounds from the late ’70s and ’80s.

Tripping this night fantastic: Maria Moncada Alaoui and Omar Aloui, Tony Buzbee, Rachel and Jeff Bagwell, Bobbie Nau, Veronica and Tommy Kuranoff, Amy and Gary Becker, Margaret Alkek Williams, Terri and John Havens, Kristina and Paul Somerville, Alice and Keith Mosing, Trini Mendenhall, Leticia and Steve Trauber, Melissa Juneau,  Edna Meyer-Nelson, and Hallie Vanderhider.