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    This ain't no gala

    Who gets the Make-Out Merit Badge? Camping for grown ups turns into Catastrophic fun

    Joel Luks
    May 15, 2014 | 8:46 am

    Is there any Catastrophic Theatre party in which the company's rascals don't abide by the theme with Scout's honor? And talking about those scouts, such was the popular attire of the wacky Camp Catastrophic soiree at the SPJST Lodge #88.

    Except you just might find these "youngsters" guzzling down some who-the-hell-knows-what's-in-this spiked punch courtesy of Treaty Oak Distillery or being chased by a machete-loving serial killer psychopath with a hockey mask — very Friday the 13th.

    Of course, there were other fabu costumes such as John Dunn in a ridiculously elaborate S'mores getup and associate director Tamarie Cooper as a freaky camp counselor morphing into a happy grizzly bear. Actors, husband-and-wife Brandy and Christian Holmes dressed as Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze straight out of Dirty Dancing andre-enacted the full choreographed number from the film complete with aerial moves and the iconic lift — which caused 350 guests to go wild.

    We wouldn't dare call this a gala. Instead of the traditionally dressed tables with floral arrangements, campers were greeted by makeshift campsites outfitted with tents and coolers filled with bevs and candy. All in a setting surrounded by a tall fabric mountain range.

    You could even earn badges for a little something, something in the make-out tent. What a hoot!

    Your quest? Earn as many merit badges as possible by making pine cone bird feeders, pet rocks and yarn and macaroni thingamabobs in the arts and crafts station.

    You could even earn badges for a little something, something in the make-out tent. What a hoot! Chairs Paul Brockman and Scott Greenwood, Erin and Chet Farmer and Caroline Starry LeBlanc and Jared LeBlanc no doubt have a wicked sense of humor.

    Add spooky tales courtesy of storyteller Alice Evergreen, scattered sleeping bags for movie night fun and a mess hall with tamales, hot dogs, Frito pies and wings thanks to many sponsors, including Sparrow Bar + Cookshop, El Meson, Brasil, Canopy, Last Concert Cafe, Fusion Taco, Sprinkles Cupcakes and Becky Randall's S'more Pops — this was the summer getaway sans parentals you wished you had.

    And it was the campy event Catastrophic wanted, raising $50,000 for the troupe that promises to "destroy you" with its daring theater presentations.

    Having the time of their lives were Bill Arning and Mark McCray, Marit Babin Sout and Hank Stout, Hunter Martin, Matt Overaker, Peter and Regina Garcia, Nicole Longnecker, Anika and Craig Jackson, Brad Moore and Jason Reeves with Mark Sullivan.

    Karina Pal Montaño-Bowers and Noel Bowers.

      
    Photo by © Anthony Rathbun
    Karina Pal Montaño-Bowers and Noel Bowers.
    unspecified
    news/society

    Hearts of Gold

    Celebrity hunting trip powers Houston kids charity’s record-breaking night

    Joel Luks
    Apr 30, 2025 | 6:00 pm
    Sky High for Kids Better in Boots 2025
    Photo by Quy Tran
    Brittany Franklin, Iris Shaftel, Payton Angelle, Laura Angelle, and Danny Shaftel.

    Sky High for Kids soared to new heights at its annual Sporting Clay Tournament and Better in Boots Gala, raising a record-breaking $1.6 million over two days of festivities dedicated to children battling cancer and other life-threatening conditions.

    The action kicked off on March 27 at the Greater Houston Sports Club, where participants took aim at sporting clays in a lively tournament. Held in honor of the late Gary Price, whose passion helped launch Sky High's first Houston clay shoot in 2008, the day culminated in an awards ceremony featuring live music and Texas-worthy eats.

    On March 28, the boots got shinier and the cause even closer to the heart as more than 500 guests donned Texan Cocktail attire and gathered at The Revaire for the Better in Boots Gala. Under twinkling lights and rustic-chic decor, the evening unfolded with a silent auction showcasing 49 enticing packages, followed by a seated dinner curated by A Fare Extraordinaire. A live auction offer 12 premium packages, including a hunting trip with Conroe-based country music star Parker McCollum that generated $300,000. Presenting sponsor JD Fields, honored as the Giavanna Sponsor, led the charge for the evening named in tribute to young cancer warriors.

    Co-chairs Erica Parker and Lindsey Boatman were celebrated with a touching painting gifted by young fighter Payton. Emcee Taylor Sass kept emotions higher as he recognized guests of honor Iris and Danny Shaftel, with an address from Danny's father, Keith, "the original diamond man." The emotional centerpiece came when Kaelan Brennan, father of cancer warrior Hadley, shared a raw, personal story of their pediatric cancer journey, followed by a stirring Q&A between Sass and young fighter Demy.

    The event also made history with the largest gathering of cancer warriors yet, as 10 families joined the celebration, putting faces and stories to the mission that fuels Sky High for Kids.

    Among those in the crowd were Jay Fields, Leonard and Abbie Botello, Lolo Lester, Iris and Danny Shaftel, Keith Shaftel, Texas Mattress Makers owner Youval Meicler, and former Houston Texans running back David Johnson.

    Sky High for Kids Better in Boots 2025
      

    Photo by Quy Tran

    Brittany Franklin, Iris Shaftel, Payton Angelle, Laura Angelle, and Danny Shaftel.

    fundraiserssky high for kids
    news/society

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