a touchdown meal

Houston Texans stars score big bucks for local kids with VIP dining event

What: Champions for Youth Dinner

Where: Steak 48

The scoop: The Houston Texans Foundation and the McNair Family recently hosted the first-ever Champions for Youth Dinner at Steak 48, raising nearly $190,000 for the foundation. This nonprofit event allowed guests to enjoy a night of fun and fine dining in the company of Texans players, cheerleaders, and numerous Texans Legends.

Upon arrival, guests graced the red carpet located inside an elegant tent before making their way into Steak 48 for the cocktail reception. VIP guests were given early access to the event to have an exclusive photo op with franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson. Texans cheerleaders also attended and added to the eventful atmosphere.

The evening officially kicked off with emcee and voice of the Houston Texans Marc Vandermeer welcoming guests, recognizing the Texans owner Cal McNair and wife, Hannah McNair, and thanking IW Marks for providing a Rolex as a contest prize.

During the reception, guests had the opportunity to participate in games by purchasing fan experiences with Texans players, cheerleaders, and Legends such as selfies, videos, FaceTime calls, social media posts, and more. Star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was gifted the Rolex after raising the most money throughout the reception.

Guests enjoyed a delicious four-course meal, courtesy of executive chefs Jeff Taylor and Marc Lupino and their staff. The menu for the night included the following: prime house steakhouse meatballs and crispy shrimp as appetizers and the choice of a steak knife BLT wedge or superfood salad. The entrees included the option of a petite filet mignon, a New York Strip, Chilean sea bass, or a vegetarian selection. Sides for the evening included Alaskan king crab and rock shrimp whipped potatoes, corn crème brulee, and sautéed asparagus.

The meal was capped off with s’mores in a jar as dessert. Texans celebrities served as waiters throughout the evening, and the most generous tip of the night was a once-in-a-lifetime trip to an away game with Cal and Hannah McNair.

Who: Jeff Mastro, Oliver Badgio, Brad and Joanna Marks, Steve Green, Mick Cantu and Kevin Varner, Dan DiPrisco and Dr. Larry Hollier, Kirbyjon and Suzette Caldwell, Les and Linda Allison, Megan Cushing, Francisco and Philana Diaz, Ellie and Michael Francisco, Ericka Graham, Amy and Gary Haymond, and John and Leigh Anne Raymond.

Jeff Mastro, DeAndre Hopkins, Cal McNair, and Oliver Badgio.

Houston Texans Champions for Youth Dinner Jeff Mastro Deandre Hopkins Cal McNair Oliver Badgio

Photo courtesy of the Houston Texans

Jeff Mastro, DeAndre Hopkins, Cal McNair, and Oliver Badgio.

charity-guide houston-texans

Advocacy In Style

Houston nonprofit's stylish event celebrates 45 years of healing and hope

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis, Erika Frankfort, and Chita Craft.

Pink pianos, powerful stories, and a sea of spring pastels set the scene for one heartfelt afternoon. AVDA's third annual New Beginnings Luncheon morphed The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa into a sanctuary of strength, resilience, and community.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis, Erika Frankfort, and Chita Craft.

Chaired by dedicated supporters Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis and Erika Frankfort, the event struck a balance between elegance and earnestness. Guests were greeted by soft spring palettes and gentle ambiance, including a pink Steinway and Sons Spirio Baby Grand player piano playing mood-setting melodies. Photo ops came courtesy of a glow booth trimmed with florals, while themed cocktails like the Gentle and Brave Bloom ensured spirits were lifted in more ways than one.

Local TV personality Chita Craft emceed the afternoon, guiding attendees through a moving program that celebrated AVDA's work while centering survivor resilience. AVDA CEO Maisha Colter, marking her fifth year in the role and 20th with the organization, shared heartfelt reflections on the organization's 45-year journey.

This year, AVDA honored two groups whose advocacy has rippled through policy, philanthropy, and campus life. Council Member Abbie Kamin received the Ambassador of Advocacy Award for her legislative leadership on domestic violence prevention, paid parental leave, and women's safety. The Young Advocate Award went to the Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Houston. Over the past year, these collegiate changemakers raised more than $30,000 and contributed countless hours to raise awareness and support for AVDA's services.

Adding to the excitement were luxury raffle prizes that sparked competitive buzz: Diamond Club Astros tickets, a Houstonian Hotel staycation, and culinary outings to hot spots like Bludorn and Drake's Hollywood. First-out valet, it turns out, is a coveted status symbol.

The luncheon drew more than 300 attendees and raised $250,000 to support AVDA's mission of advocating for survivors of domestic violence and ending family abuse.

Among those spotted in the crowd were Vanessa Ames, Imani Guillory, Jordan Seff, Michele Leal, Tiffany Halik, Meredith Marshall, Sean Teare, Natalie Mohtashami, Caroline Monday, Jillian Waldo, Ashley Seippel, Katie Tsuru, and Nora Jarrard.