Houston’s Record Breaking $2.6 Million Brunch Is Packed With Touching Moments and the Most Meaningful Fashion Show Ever

Ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching. The dollars rolled in at unprecedented levels as Sky High for Kids’ 11th annual “Ladies Who Brunch” benefit in Houston raised a record $2.6 million in support of children fighting cancer and cancer research. That’s $2.6 million from a brunch. Not some fancy black-tie gala.

In addition to table purchases from the 700 supporters, generosity flowed as auction items, figuratively speaking, flew off the shelf.  One particularly popular item —  private plane service and seven nights at a family compound on Martha’s Vineyard — sold for $160,000. Twice. Another sold twice for $100,000.

Quite an impressive way to support Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month with funds going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital.

Chaired by Alex Joven Kinsey and Peyton Wallace, the brunch scene at The Revaire rocked with cocktails, festive food, the live and silent auctions, and a most meaningful fashion show. Presented by Alchemia and Marla Hurley‘s Modern Marla, 16 young Cancer Warriors strode the runway accompanied by event hosts and family members while Cancer Warrior Payton A. emceed.

About that $100,000 auction item that was bought twice. It was quite personal as Sky High for Kids supporters bid to fund a fertility preservation treatment cycle through Reproductive Medicine Associates for featured Cancer Warrior Dylan Probe. Two competing $100,000 bids ultimately became two $100,000 gifts courtesy of Allie LaForce and Michelle Ciaravino. The resources will fund treatment not only for Probe but also for a future young woman Cancer Warrior.

As is tradition, Sky High for Kids CEO Brittany Hebert Franklin, who founded the nonprofit in 2007 at age 21, served as auctioneer.

“Every year I look around this room and think about how far this community has come, but I also think about why we are here in the first place,” Franklin told the gathering. “There are children and families facing a cancer diagnosis today who need us to keep going.

“What happens at Ladies Who Brunch goes far beyond one afternoon. Every person who bought a table, raised a paddle, bid on an auction item, sponsored this event, or simply showed up became part of a team fighting for those children.”

Honored guest for the event was Sterling Dio, custom suit designer and founder of The Studio Mayfair. In support of the event The Studio Mayfair suited the nine gents who served as bid spotters. Those spotters were affectionately known as The Cowboys.

PC Seen: Sky High for Kids board president Jessica Morrison, Pierce Bush, Nancy Almodovar, Katie and Blake Fertitta, Satava Austin, Frances Moody Buzbee, Kat Pressley, Abbie Byrom-Botello, Dr. MacKenzi Dooley, Sonja Kostich, Michele Leal, Estela Cockrell, Youval Meicler, Dr. Kriti Mohan, Iris and Danny Shaftel, and Paulina and Jim McGrath.