Houston’s $1.6 million Victory Party Turns POST Houston Into a Rollicking Wonderland — Two Bands, Two Bars & Two Dream Trucks

Divorce can be such a messy thing and then who knows what really goes on behind closed doors? So when Victory, the volunteer group that has been putting on the Cattle Barons’ Ball for more than 35 years, received the end-of-relationship letter from beneficiary the American Cancer Society, it was a shock. But rather than putting on a hair shirt or going to the mattresses, the Victory women regrouped, went to work, and organized a stellar $1.6 million gala for pediatric cancer research and initiatives in the Greater Houston area.

Applause, applause for all 850-plus supportive partygoers and in particular Elizabeth Fulghum, Melissa Hobbs and Stephanie Morris, chairs of the inaugural “Victory Rally Ball,” and Victory president Joni Ballis.

The American Cancer Society is retaining the Cattle Baron’s Ball moniker, that event is scheduled for next fall. Chin up, everyone. There is plenty of fun and fundraising resources to go around.

It was a lively throng that poured into the 713 Music Hall at the POST Houston mixed-use development where there was as much entertainment, as many auction items and as much flowing food as have been at any of the past Cattle Baron’s Balls. Art Attack jazzed up the arena while Churrascos peppered the space with enough food stations to provide all with a feast without standing in line.

There were gaming tables; tequila and whiskey tastings from Beam Suntory; wine, tequila and whiskey pulls; and a massive silent auction. Two bars kept thirsts happily slaked. The large bar, sponsored by Ensign Drilling, was decorated with Oil Derricks while a second bar sponsored by New Orleans’ Monteleone Hotel and its historic Carousel Bar was decked out in Mardi Gras beads and colorful lights.

KPRC meteorologist Frank Billingsley served as emcee of the evening that saluted the founders of Victory with a video featuring a handful of the original members — Gayle Bentsen, Glenda Nicholson, Karen Tellepsen, Cynthia Urquhart, Cyvia Wolff and Jessica Younger. The emotional clip showed the women sharing their inspiration for starting Victory and their determination to keep the party going. With 250 members on board, the important fundraising for cancer research is a sure thing.

As is tradition with Victory’s fundraising nights, two bands kept the energy high. First Yacht Rock Review filled the hall with upbeat tunes. They were followed by the live auction in the talented hands of Johnny Bravo, who donning his signature gold sequined jacket worked a few financial miracles.

Tops was the auction of a 2023 Ford F-150 King Ranch custom truck, donated by presenting sponsor Sonic Automotive. The bidding went so well that Sonic added a second truck to the pot — with both going for $95,000. That alone adding $190,000 to the Victory bottom line.

The evening closed out with dancing to the sounds of Disco Expressions and with attendees departing with swag bags compliments of Texas Children’s Hospital.

PC Seen: Judi and Jack Johnson of the David and Eula Wintermann Foundation, Zachary Isaacks of the Deborah and Edward Koehler/ Small Difference Foundation, Sonic Automotive regional VP Jeff Quinsenberry, Blue Bell Ice Cream president Rob Hungate, Hallie Vanderhider, Diane Cain, Samantha and Michael Derrett, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Katie and Harry Cullen, Elaine Finger, Susie and Scott Bender, Carol and Bill Lawler, Robin and Danny Klaes, and Sallie Morian and Michael Clark.