party watch

Houstonians honor human trafficking survivors with powerful production

What: “Survivor Monologues” supporting Elijah Rising

The scoop: More than 400 guests gathered at the A.D. Players George Theater to raise more than $225,000 for Elijah Rising, which aims to end sex trafficking in Houston through prayer, awareness, intervention, and restoration. Event funds will go towards Elijah Rising programs and restorative care for survivors.

“Survivor Monologues” was created as a one-of-a-kind production to expose the dark world of sex trafficking and also tell stories of bravery and triumph in the midst of great adversity.

Elijah Rising partnered with A.D. Players for a dinner and theater event, chaired by Gwen Baird, Annette Durrett, and Kerry Stovall. The theater production relayed gritty accounts of individuals who have encountered the realities of human trafficking.

Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and dinner from Churrascos, which featured a first course of Vietnamese noodle salad, Korean cucumber salad, and Thai eggplant salad. The second course featured beef short ribs and vegetarian grilled portobello followed by the third course of tres leches cups, alfajores, and fruit empanadas.

The presentation began with opening remarks from Elijah Rising development director Adam Chaney and executive director Micah Gamboa. Jake Speck, executive director of A.D. Players, welcomed guests to the stunning George Theater.

Attendees were moved by powerful monologues performed by actors affiliated with A.D. Players and inspired by real survivors’ stories. Author, playwright and sex trafficking survivor Kathy (McGibbon) Givens wrote a portion of the monologues; Pipeline Collective created others. The powerful stories come straight from the frontlines of the fight against human trafficking.

Who: Gwen Baird, Kerry Stovall, Annette Durrett, Jennifer Hohman, Audrey Manito, Aaron Pichon, and Tami Ledbetter.

Kevin Vader, Melissa Vader.

Survivor Monologues Elijah Rising Kevin Melissa Vader

Photo courtesy of Elijah Rising

Kevin Vader, Melissa Vader.

charity-guide fundraisers

spencer speaks

Houston Oilers legend tackles life lessons at Salvation Army gathering

Photo by Jenny Antill

Dr. Walter and Linda McReynolds; Spencer Tillman.

The classic environment of the River Oaks Country Club radiated with purpose as The Salvation Army of Greater Houston hosted its 30th Annual Luncheon on November 19. The afternoon was a moving tribute to the organization’s work, highlighted by stories of gratitude. More than just a fundraiser, the event marked the start of the iconic Red Kettle season across retailers all over the city and virtually as well.

Honorees Holly and Tom Forney were lauded for their dedication, including their leadership in overseeing the new area command on North Main. They shared a moving reflection on navigating life’s challenges with purpose and compassion, reflecting the values of The Salvation Army.

Keynote speaker Spencer Tillman, a former NFL player for the Houston Oilers and San Francisco 49ers, brought the crowd to its feet with an account of his connection to the nonprofit. Sharing how the Boys and Girls Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, gave him structure and a path forward during his formative years, Tillman credited the program with helping him stay in bounds during life’s challenges. His message, emphasizing grit, mentorship, and dreaming big, scored a touchdown with the audience.

In the past year, the organization provided more than 225,000 meals to those experiencing hunger, along with more than 43,000 nights of shelter for individuals and families in crisis. The initiatives offered after school programming to 2,242 children, helped 1,178 people find permanent housing, and guided 600 men through recovery programs to overcome substance abuse. All these numbers are worthy of a touchdown dance, agree?

The midday event, chaired by Bill Schneidau, celebrated these milestones while raising funds for programs that uplift the city’s most vulnerable. With underwriting support from Joe Cleary, who covered the entire affair, the luncheon raised more than $740,000.

Among the 320 guests were emcee Deborah Duncan of Great Day Houston, Cathy Cleary, Emily Clay, Carolynn and Rob Webb, Dr. Walter and Linda McReynolds, Hannah McNair, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, Maureen Higdon, Diana and Chris DeLaup, Judy Tate, Jenny Elkins, Rose Cullen, Joyce Standish, Lilly Andress, and Thurmon Andress.

Photo by Jenny Antill

Dr. Walter and Linda McReynolds; Spencer Tillman.

salvation army celebrities