Outdoor Partying At Its Best
Catholic Charities surpasses $1.2 million with stunning al fresco gala at new hot spot
Catholic Charities could not have picked a better night or a better location for its "Grand Bazaar" evening that raised more than $1.2 million for charities in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. As the first charity event to take place in The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park, the fundraiser far surpassed its goal and won high praise for the location.
A trio of chair couples — Carol and Paul Beck, Jo and George Brueggeman Jr., and Alicia and Dave Freysinger — discovered the city's latest and greatest party venue.
Recalling the search for the perfect location for the gala, co-chair Carol Beck noted, "Stepping onto the lawn, the breathtaking views just seemed perfect to honor the Harvey Family since they are builders in our beloved city. Thus started the process of creating our vision of the Grand Bazaar."
The spectacular views of the downtown skyline offered by the new site indeed provided a complimentary tableau for the evening that honored the late David Harvey, his wife Patricia and their entire family. Harvey builders participated in much of the construction in Houston including working with Gerald Hines on the Galleria. Cynthia Colbert, Catholic Charities president and CEO, presented the Monsignor John J. Roach Award to the Harvey family.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo presided over the seated dinner for which Steve Smith served as emcee and Ralph McIngvale served as auctioneer. Cynthia Colbert, Catholic Charities president and CEO, presented the Monsignor John J. Roach Award to the Harvey family.
Matt Cameron Rugs and Tapestries set the stage for the ultimate church bazaar with a collection of middle eastern style tapestries that hung throughout the setting. A vast silent auction added to the bazaar ambience.
Sitting down to the rib eye dinner provided by Caswell and Co. Catering and Events were more than 700 guests including auction chairs Jennifer and Bryan Caswell, Catholic Charities board chair John Kafka, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Trini Mendenhall, Terrie and Mike Turner, Grace Kim, Raye White, Roxann and Tim Neumann, Stan Marek, and Deana and Larry Blackburn.