A Tearful Last $100,000 Pushes Houston’s Best Dressed To $1.5 Million, the Junior League Kicks Off and Camp Gets a Boost

Fasten your seatbelts, party animals. Houston’s charitable social season is going full force with a swirls of galas, luncheons and cocktail parties. It was a party season beginning like no other. Keep your party shoes shined as October has our heads spinning.

Now, it’s time to catche up with some of the more memorable events of the early Houston social season. So many parties, so little time.

A Last Minute $100,000

It ain’t over til the fat lady sings or at least until the last $100,000 comes in. That would be the tune for the PaperCity Philanthropy in Fashion Best Dressed Luncheon where an eleventh hour $100,000 gift boosted the already record-breaking proceeds for March of Dimes from $1.4 million to $1.5 million.

That generous gift was made in memory of luncheon chair Rosemary Schatzman‘s beloved niece — called “Rose,” short for Rosemary — who unexpectedly died six days after giving birth to a baby girl. The cause was a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Schatzman’s tearful recollection of the tragedy inspired not only tears, but also the generous gift from one of the luncheon chair’s friends.

Schatzman’s message emphasizing that funds raised for March of Dimes continue the mission of improving maternal health before, during and after pregnancy.

Addi’s Faith Foundation

Addi’s Faith Foundation (AFF) celebrated a milestone evening at its inaugural Gold Ribbon Gala, raising an impressive $750,000 to support childhood cancer research and provide financial assistance to families caring for a child with cancer. More than 300 supporters filled the Hotel Zaza ballroom, bringing energy and generosity to a cause rooted in love and loss. Founded in 2008 by Amber and Tony Bender after the passing of their young daughter Addison Faith, AFF has since funded more than $3 million in research and supported 1,400 families navigating pediatric cancer.

A highlight of the gala, chaired by Heather Keller, was the presentation of the first “Addi’s Legacy of Light Award” to Tracee and Tim Studdert, honoring their unwavering commitment to the Foundation since its inception. On stage, the couple’s heartfelt tribute underscored the spirit of the night: that Addi’s light continues to guide and inspire efforts to help kids and families facing cancer.

Elijah Rising “Dare to Reach” Gala

The Post Oak Hotel welcomed 440 for the “Dare to Reach” gala for faith-based nonprofit Elijah Rising, which aims to end sex trafficking in Houston through prayer, awareness, intervention and aftercare. The more than $860,000 raised will go toward the Gulf Coast’s only emergency center for survivors, providing trafficked women with tangible ways to end their exploitation and rebuild their lives.

Johnny Bravo did double duty as emcee and live auctioneer during the gala program, which included a poem from trafficking survivor CJ Strong, along with a powerful Elijah Rising original short film titled Reaching for the Light. Elijah Rising executive director Micah Gamboa and senior development advisor Courtney Ritter spoke about the organization’s impact, while Christian Brothers Automotive received the inaugural Freedom Award for its longterm financial support.

Child Advocates’ Pull for Kids

Child Advocates’ Pull for Kids Classic, raised a whopping $650,000 to support court-appointed advocacy for foster children in Harris County who have experienced abuse and neglect. The 34th annual event, chaired by Taylor and Nellis Willhite and honoring Cinda and Jeff Lack, began with a morning sporting clays tournament before culminating in a lively casino-themed evening celebration at Bayou City Event Center.

A highlight of the evening was a powerful volunteer story illustrating how a dedicated advocate can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Funds raised will support the recruitment, training and supervision of Child Advocates volunteers, helping ensure kids navigating the child welfare system have the support they need to find safety, stability and hope.

 Albert Schweitzer Fellowship Salutes Fellows

The “Lighting the Way” gala for the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship Houston Galveston (ASFHG) brought together 440 community partners, health care professionals and local advocates at the Royal Sonesta Hotel to celebrate the impactful work of the recent Schweitzer Fellows class. Chaired by Sara Speer Selber and honoring Rochelle Jacobson and Anne-Laure Stephens, a record $500,000 was raised to fund leadership programs, student stipends, project grants and community health outreach initiatives, with the goal of improving the health of underserved youth and families.

Camp for All Blueprint Bash

Some 400 Camp for All supporters took over the Fireman’s Training Center in Brenham for the Blueprint Bash. They raised $475,000 for the two barrier-free Camps in Texas, Camp For All Burton and Camp For All Chappell Hill, which is set to open in summer 2027. Throughout the year, camps will be able to host 18,000 individuals with disabilities.

The evening honored Karen and Bob Funk and Citizens State Bank.

Junior League of Houston Season Opener

The Junior League of Houston launched its season of volunteerism and philanthropy with the annual fashion show, a tradition that dates back to 1929. As the nonprofit event approaches a milestone centennial, locally-owned boutique French Cuff presented the fashion presentation which was accompanied by a three course dinner prepared by the Tea Room. The theme was “Starfall.”