A 50 Cent Surprise, a Generous Blake Shelton Performance and a Remarkable $13.2 Million — Houston Children’s Charity Soars On Its 30th Anniversary

Thanks to a clique of very wealthy, very generous Very Important People, Houston Children’s Charity 30th anniversary gala soared to a remarkable $13.2 million in proceeds on an evening that saw the Post Oak Hotel ballroom packed with 835 partygoers. The palpable excitement crescendoed when attorney Tony Buzbee pledged from the stage to buy 20 wheelchair-accessible vans, the so-called “Chariots for Children” for families with disabled children.

The throng erupted in cheers and applause, then went wild when that $1.1 million pledge was matched by Erin and Mo Azia, personal injury trial lawyer, and then went bonkers when metals magnate Richard Fant and Jana Fant pledged 30 vans. The final total was an unanticipated and extraordinary commitment for 158 new wheelchair vans, clearing the waiting list of 114 families and securing additional vans to bring the life-changing gift of mobility, independence and opportunity to even more of those in need.

It was one helluva night with so many remarkable elements that it was near whiplash for Houston Children’s Charity president and CEO Laura Ward, who once again led the charge of the sold-out gala.

The secret to the evening’s success: the clique of notables who succumb to Ward’s fundraising charm and the value of the work that Houston Children’s Charity does. Ward and Johnny “Bravo” Holloway led the live auction.

Consider Trini Mendenahll Royalty and Philip Royalty, who made the top bid of $240,000 for the Porsche 911 Carrera package that included a two-night stay at Nobu Hotel, a full day of instructor-led driving at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, lunch at Carrera Cafe, and a stunning pair of NINI Jewels 911 cufflinks crafted in 18K white gold and adorned with blue sapphires and white diamonds.

The hot wheels were donated outright by Porsche River Oaks and Porsche West Houston under guidance of Maria Moncada Alaoui, Porsche brand vice president of Sonic Automotive, a longtime supporter of the nonprofit.

Katie and Mike Lowenberg won the exclusive Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson dinner party package with a winning bid of $200,000. The rapper/actor made a playful appearance on stage before jetting off to Las Vegas for an engagement.

The evening honored another consistently generous philanthropist Gary Petersen, founder of EnCap Investments. A longtime supporter of Houston Children’s Charity and purchaser of numerous vans over the years, Petersen underwrote country music star Blake Shelton‘s performance at the gala.

For the record, Ward shared that Shelton was the kindest, least demanding, most generous entertainer she has ever dealt with throughout her three decades of hosting talent at the gala.

U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino and Houston Children’s Charity board chair Tilman Fertitta welcomed the throng via pre-recorded video from his post in Rome. Remarks from Houston Children’s Charity board vice chair Gary Becker and Mayor John Whitmire launched the program.

Another surprise to the evening was the presence of Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, who announced the statewide expansion of Houston Children’s Charity “Chariots for Children” van program, marking a defining milestone in the organization’s 30-year history. The program, the only of its kind in the nation, will now reach into Central Texas, serving families in Austin, San Antonio, and the Hill Country too.

The Lowenbergs and Randy Hopper unveiled the golden Dave Ward Tribute Van, which honored the late Houston broadcasting legend’s enduring legacy of service, generosity and  commitment to Houston Children’s Charity and the kids it serves. Their gift what will continue as an annual tradition at the gala.

The Events Company set the stage for the successful evening with a panoply of laser lights cutting across the smoke filled ballroom. Kudos the design team and to the Post Oak Hotel’s culinary team for an exceptional three course dinner featuring lobster and filet mignon.

PC Seen: Kristina and Paul Somerville, Paige Fertitta, Katie and Patrick Fertitta, Maria Bush, Javier Marcos, Frances Moody Buzbee, Vanessa and Chuck Ames, Margaux Petersen, Meyer Petersen, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Michael Vanderhider, Ashley Gibson, Nichole and Benny Agosto, DeeDee and Tommy Fibich, Grant Guthrie, Alvin Abraham, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Suzanne Klein, Robin Young Ellis and Joe Ellis.