Miss America, a 100-Year-Houston Dynamo and Steak 48 Keep the Bayou City Party Scene Roaring

The Houston party train just keeps on chugging with so many commendable fundraising events that my head is spinning. You’ll notice that I’ve tapped writer Carol Brejot to assist in covering the myriad events that maintain Houston’s spirit of philanthropy. So let’s dive right into the red-hot H-Town party scene by taking a closer look at some bashes to remember.

Know Autism Gala

The stars shined bright at the KnowAutism Foundation’s “A Spectrum of Elegance” gala held at The Post Oak Hotel. Consider Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan; Joshua Figg, diagnosed with autism at age 2 yet taking the stage at age 26 as an aspiring singer; and popular KHOU Channel 11 Great Day Houston host Deborah Duncan, each of whom added their own bright note to the gala chaired by Heidi Turney, Saks Fifth Avenue Houston’s vice president and general manager.

Brilliant honorees included Humanitarian Hero Alan Helfman; Corporate & Community honoree Benjamin Berg; the Sippi & Ajay Khurana Frontline Heroes Leela and Nat Krishnamurthy; and Advocate of the Year honoree Judy Blake.

Shiny honorary chairs Monty Meave, chief revenue officer of All-Pro Auto Reconditioning, and Maria Moncada Alaoui, Porsche vice president for Sonic Automotive, both brought a deeply personal connection to the mission. They both have a family member who is neurodivergent.

The evening raising more $600,000 was due in no small part to Nicole and James Lassiter, the generous Presenting Sponsors.

Communities in School

It was all about the kids as more than 450 supporters gathered for Communities In Schools of Houston’s (CIS)  “Illuminating Student Futures” gala at Tilman Fertitta’s posh Post Oak Hotel, raising nearly$500,000 to provide essential services for underserved Houston students  from elementary school through college.

Chaired by Cathryn and David Lyman, the gala honored Judge Ed and Gwen Emmett. Gwen served on the CIS board of directors while Ed Emmett is a longtime  champion of the organization’s mission. They were introduced by CIS board member and former First Lady of Texas Linda Gale White.

Chaired by Tara English and Cathryn Lyman, the evening highlight was “Voices of CIS,” which featured heartfelt testimonials from students, alumni and staff about the impactful work of the organization.

Periwinkle Foundation

More than 450 party-goers, many bedecked in sequins and sparkles, brought luster to The Periwinkle Foundation‘s  biennial gala. “The Twinkle of Periwinkle: Igniting a Spark of Joy & Healing” was chaired by Elizabeth and Frank Karkowsky with $700,000 raised in the Royal Sonesta Hotel. The funds will support Periwinkle Foundation camps, arts and survivor programs for kids, teens and families living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and those with loved ones being treated at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center.

The star of the evening, honoree David Steinhart, got a standing ovation for his humble remarks. He received the prestigious Gerson Award, bestowed upon him by his cousin Dr. Paul Gerson, founder of The Periwinkle Foundation in 1983.  Also honored as generous corporate partners were Pappas Restaurants and Brookdale West University.

Nora’s Home

In a magical evening at The Post Oak Hotel, Nora’s Home, a home-like sanctuary for transplant patients, raised $550,000 to support it’s Adopt-A-Family program. This initiative ensures that no transplant patient or family is turned away due to hardship. Chairing  “The Magic of Nora’s Home” was a dynamic couples team of Pat and Ben Bono, Carla and Cole Dawson, Susan and Al Kaplan, and Lindsey and Steve Looke.

Houston Botanic Garden

Four generations of the Stallworth Thomas family gathered at Houston Botanic Garden to celebrate its founder and champion Nancy Stallworth Thomas as she turned an active and vital 100 years old. They also honored her living legacy, a beloved oasis of plant life in the Bayou City. Family and close friends dined together and toasted Nancy Stallworth Thomas, with praises sung, tributes made and poems read.

At the century mark, this dynamo serves as Chairman Emerita, as an executive committee member, and as Chair of the Horticulture Planning Committee. Houston Botanic Garden president and CEO Jill Barry and board president Beto Cardenas were both on hand to salute Stallworth Thomas, along with philanthropists and community leaders. Nancy Abendshein and Lynne Hudson were among  those reading celebrations of Stallworth Thomas.

Recipe for Success

Steak 48 continued along the philanthropic road that it has traveled since opening in Houston in 2016 with its dinner benefitting Dress for Success Houston. The event, which celebrated a decade of shared commitment to the Houston community, served as a cornerstone of Steak 48’s ongoing 10th anniversary festivities while further elevating the nonprofit’s successful “Her Path Forward” campaign.

The dinner underscored the deep-rooted history between the two organizations. Dress for Success Houston was one of the first local charities the restaurant championed.

“When we brought Steak 48 to Houston, our goal was to be more than just a restaurant,” Steak 48 chief brand officer Oliver Badgio told the gathering. “We wanted to be a pillar of the community.”

Since opening in River Oaks District, Steak 48 has raised more than $5 million for local charities.

Be An Angel

Raising $600,000 for Be an Angel Foundation, more than 400 supporters poured into The Revaire in celebration of the nonprofit’s 40 years of improving the quality of life for kids with special needs by providing adaptive equipment, hearing devices, respite care, select services and family support programs.

The festive evening was chaired by Be an Angel board director Dot Cunningham, alongside CenterPoint Energy executive vice president Jason Ryan. Special guest Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick served as dinner chair.

Be An Angel executive director Marti Boone honored board chairs from the organization’s past 40 years, recognizing Clay Morel, Richard Tyler, Dan Kasprzak, Cathy Baker, Steve Drake, Bill Shank, Ray Solcher, Mike Williams, Robbie Schlihab and current chair Dan Pastorini.