It was an evening of glittering gowns, space-age dreams, and heartstring-tugging moments as more than 500 guests gathered at The Revaire on April 5 for the St. Jude Houston Gala, themed Breakthroughs on the Bayou. This year's raised $1.65 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Attendees, decked out in classic black-tie finery, sipped on the night's signature Miracle Mule, a sparkly purple twist on the Moscow Mule. While a whimsical string quartet played Bridgerton-esque covers of pop hits, attendees mingled among auction items that could have easily made a wish list for the stars.
Event chairs Erika and Neil Billingsley-Michaelsen welcomed guests into the main ballroom, setting the tone for an emotional journey. Amal Zakhem Nassar received the Mission Maker Award in a stirring moment introduced by her daughters, Natalia and Daniella, earning a standing ovation for her heartfelt speech. Also honored were Polaris Dawn crew members Jared Isaacman, Anna Menon, Sara Gillis, and Scott Poteet.
Another highlight came from the family of young St. Jude patient Slater, whose parents, Shane and Shari Anne, shared their journey through a stage four neuroblastoma diagnosis and the hope St. Jude's research gave them. Slater’s personal bond with the Polaris Dawn crew, childhood dreams of rocket launches, made the connection more poignant.
Auctioneer Trey Morris amped up the energy with a spirited live auction. Among the showstoppers: A Polaris Dawn jacket designed for astronaut Poteet featuring St. Jude patient artwork, and a luxe IWC watch experience, both hammering in at $30,000 apiece.
The evening’s apex arrived when commander Isaacman pledged to match the Give to Live Paddle Up segment, launching the night's total from $1.2 million to $1.65 million. With Infinite Groove taking the stage and colorful streamers filling the air, guests kept the celebration alive with late-night bites and lively photobooth sessions until the final curtain call.
Among those in the crowd were Sarah Pappas, Julia Wang, Laura Mafige, and Norman Abdallah.
