Child Advocates scores big with Cirque du Magnifique benefit in a spanking new party venue

They're kicking up their heels at Child Advocates this week after a stunning success with the organization's annual sporting clays tournament and the accompanying nighttime bash, this year held at the Bayou City Event Center.

Child Advocates inaugurated the new 57,310-square-foot party space on Almeda Road that received a thumbs up from just about all of the 830 guests. Many felt it was the perfect venue for a party of that size.

Beyond being the first group to party in the new space, Child Advocates scored a record $765,000, well above the $575,000 goal. A full $92,000 of that came from the "sponsor a child" segment of the evening that followed a testimonial from a family helped by the non-profit's services. Child Advocates is dedicated to fighting child abuse.

Kim and Scott David chaired the Cirque du Magnifique evening that included live and silent auctions, big board action, a bountiful buffet by A Fare Extraordinaire and dance music from a pumped DJ. Heading up the auction committee that was responsible for the scores and scores of tempting offerings were Sheryl and Joel Androphy, Jeff Birmingham, Amanda and Craig Brast, Cherie Hassenflu, Becky Brusen and John Lupomech.

Spark Energy was in the spotlight as honoree and representing the entity were Pamela Maxwell and Brandi and Keith Maxwell.

As is tradition with this casual spring event, guests dressed in some form of costuming ranging from purple hair to full-blown Cirque du Soleil-inspired costumes.

Among those contributing to the evening via the auctions were Ned Barnett, Kristi and Bobby Bell, Trace and David Blumrosen, Claudine and George Boutros, Mary and John Eads, Jessica and Luke Gottschalk, Amanda and Matt Janicek, Kari and Mark Parsons, Vanessa and Perry Sendukas, Barbara and Mike Staley and Patti and Mike Silva.