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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.

    Brandy Holmes as Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing.

      
    Photo by © Anthony Rathbun
    Brandy Holmes as Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing.
    unspecified
    news/society

    Butterfly Magic

    Colorful Houston gala lifts spirits and $2.5 Million for diabetes cure

    Joel Luks
    May 2, 2025 | 9:00 am
    Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball 2025
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    Jeff and Brooke Gunst; Wellesley and Geoff Fraser.

    With the spirit of spring in full bloom, philanthropists at Breakthrough T1D's Annual Promise Ball unfurled their social wings for an evening of butterfly wonder. Held at Hilton Americas-Houston, the "Mariposa: Spread Your Wings" gala whisked attendees into a colorful garden party that was anything but ordinary.

    Breakthrough T1D Promise Ball 2025
      

    Photo by Daniel Ortiz

    Jeff and Brooke Gunst; Wellesley and Geoff Fraser.

    The April 5 gala transformed the ballroom into a springtime reverie, thanks to Bergner and Johnson's vision and décor. Think blooming branch trees, technicolor florals, and a swirling cascade of silver and vibrant butterflies overhead.

    Houston Texans TV host Drew Dougherty emceed the evening, welcoming guests and thanking the night's generous sponsors before guests tucked into a carb-count-friendly feast. On stage, Breakthrough T1D Houston board president Travis Lauritsen and executive director Rick Byrd honored the late Leon Ullrich and spotlighted the organization’s latest wins. Chairs Kellie and Randy Johnson and their children shared their family's emotional journey with T1D before presenting honorees Erin and Chris Dyer alongside Ronda and Dan Feeney.

    Adding a touch of inspiration, Patricia Wright received the Meredith and Fielding Cocke Visionary Award, lovingly presented by daughters Lindsay Wright Brett and Molly Wright.

    The evening's silent and live auctions, curated by Jance and William Hagans and spirited along by auctioneer Johnny Holloway, featured everything from luxury trips to South Africa to a bourbon lover's dream collection. The night’s "Fund A Cure" moment, led by 2025 Fund A Cure Family Victoria and Chris Wright, sparked $1.7 million in research funding alone.

    The Casino After Party, hosted by Liskow, saw guests testing their luck at poker and roulette, with bites from Frenchy's ensuring no one gambled on an empty stomach. The $2.5 million raised for the pursuit of improved treatments and a cure for Type 1 diabetes? That’s a sure bet.

    Among the 650 spreading their wings were Fred Hagans, Rosalyn and Barry Margolis, Robert Biffle, Nelly and Blanton White, Patricia and Larry Wright, and Sue Sue and Don Aron, alongside a full slate of Breakthrough T1D board members.

    fundraisersbreakthrough t1d
    news/society
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