Heartwarming Search Reunion Powers a $1.1 Million Houston Night — Texas EquuSEARCH Finds Missing Persons

A New Jacket Gift Brings Tears

By Shelby Hodge // Nov 10, 2026

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Chairs John & Natasha Cangelosi at the EquuSEARCH dinner evening (Photo by Ben Porter)

What: Texas EquuSEARCH “Lost Is Not Alone” evening

Where: The Post Oak Hotel

PC Moment: While there were several moving moments during the Texas EquuSEARCH night, the most heartfelt came when Owen Castle shared his story of being lost at age 2 in an area near Llano, Texas. He was discovered by EquuSEARCH founder Tim Miller, who wrapped the toddler in his own Carhartt Texas EquuSearch jacket to keep the boy from freezing to death on the bitter day.

A video revisited the search. Castle thanked Miller. And then in a touching tribute Castle presented Miller with a new jacket. The moment was celebrated with cheers, tears and an outpouring of emotion from the audience.

The event brought in $1.1 million for the nonprofit that has grown from a horse-mounted search and recovery team in 2000 into a global volunteer organization dedicated to bringing hope, resolution and closure to the families of missing loved ones. Miller founded the organization following the kidnapping and murder of his 16-year-old daughter Laura.

Mike Lowenberg, Chief J. Noe Diaz photo by Jacob Power — Mike Lowenberg, Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz at the EquuSEARCH dinner evening (Photo by Jacob Power)

Since its founding, Texas EquuSearch has assisted in 4,300 searches missing person cases across the United States and internationally.

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Taking the spotlight as honorary chairs were brothers Blake Fertitta and Patrick Fertitta, plus JJ Isbell and Dan Pastorini.

Blake Fertitta, Gary Petersen and Patrick Fertitta photo by Jacob Power — Blake Fertitta, Gary Petersen, Patrick Fertitta at the EquuSEARCH dinner evening (Photo by Jacob Power)

The evening celebrated three honorees beginning with Title Sponsor Gary Petersen, who received the Lost Is Not Alone honor. Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz was recognized as Community Honoree. Earning Corporate Honoree status was Space City Corvette Club, represented by club president AJ Loupe.

PC Seen: Monica and Russell Ibarra, Rilene Miller, Robin and Steve Skidmore, Roselyn Pierce, Kevin Brady, Yanira and David Huntington, Brenda and Mike Peek, Tammy and James Beeson, Laura Ward, Mike Lowenberg, Robin Young Ellis and Joe Ellis, Robert Tijerina, Pamela Morse, Jody Merritt, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Michael Hoctor, Debbye Crofoot, Lori Isbell, and Jennifer and Constable Alan Rosen.