A whole lot of kids are going to sleep a whole lot better thanks to the huge sum raised by Houston Children's Charity at its annual gala starring Lionel Richie. A portion of the $1.6 million garnered at the Hyatt Regency soirée will support HCC's A Better Night's Sleep program.
Sleep, however, was the farthest thing from anyone's mind at this always-energized gala. "All Night Long" Richie rocked the ballroom and, unlike some more persnickety stars of previous years, welcomed the throng of dance-crazed females who jumped on stage to party, party.
Beyond the dance-a-thon that typically closes the evening, the glittering crowd shook loose of their change to bid at the big board in the live auction. The 2015 428i BMW convertible and trip to Germany for pick up sold for $85,000. HCC executive director Laura Ward was once again thanking Momentum BMW Southwest and West, represented by Monty Meave and Maria Moncada Alaoui, for the outright donation. United Airlines provided the first-class tickets to Munich.
Contributing generously to the evening's success were chairs Amy and Peter Shaper and honorees Terri and John Havens, who as diehard LSU fans, gave up their seats at the LSU vs. Alabama game to attend the gala.
Movers and shakers in the mix included Penny and Paul Loyd, Debbie and John Daugherty, Paige Fertitta, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, Janice and Tad Brown, Darlene and Cappy Bisso, Jeanette and Jim Woods, Leticia and Steve Trauber, Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland and Maurine Ford and Melissa and Brad Juneau.
Laura Ward, from left, with honorees John and Terri Havens.
