Get Ready to Give

Meet CJ Stroud + other prizes at Houston SPCA's Howl-O-Ween fundraising ball

Win the chance to hang out with Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud.

Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images

It's almost time to don your eerie ensembles for the Houston SPCA's annual Howl-O-Ween Ball on Friday, October 25.

The evening will be filled with cocktails, dinner, and dancing, with all money raised going to support the Houston SPCA’s mission of improving and protecting the lives of local animals and alleviating their suffering and abuse.

But before the Draculas and devils take to the dance floor, you can get a sneak peek at the gala's silent auction and raffle.

This year's raffle presents a one in 250 chance to win a remarkable necklace from the de Boulle Collection featuring a stunning, 7.90 carat pendeloque pink tourmaline.

The pink tourmaline, renowned for its rich and vibrant hue, exudes a captivating glow, making it a focal point of the necklace. Set in 18K white gold, the center pendant is surrounded by glittering diamonds. The chain also features rose cut diamonds. All in all, the necklace is valued at a whopping $10,000.

de Boulle necklace Houston SPCA You'll want to buy your raffle ticket now. Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

The silent auction is filled with treasures such as animal-themed gift baskets and art, sparkling jewelry, shopping sprees and celebrations, gift certificates to some of Houston's tastiest restaurants, wine tastings, home decor, sports packages, and memorable getaways.

Houston SPCA Howl-O-Ween Ball auction items You might get lucky enough to score a gift basket in the silent auction. Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

But perhaps the biggest opportunity in the silent auction is the chance to attend an exclusive event with Houston Texans’ quarterback C. J. Stroud and the Voice of the Houston Texans, Marc Vandermeer.

You will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and libations at a private home in River Oaks on a date to be determined, based on Stroud’s schedule. Only 50 tickets are available at $1,000 per person and will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. Head here now to buy your ticket!

The live auction includes these remarkable packages:

The Ultimate Gig 'Em: A highly exclusive, 50-yard-line Kyle Field Legacy Suite for 10 people for a 2025 Texas A&M football game, along with 1 parking pass. The catered suite includes a bartender, bathroom, and four flatscreen TVs. You'll feel right at home in the "Home of the 12th Man!" Mutually agreed upon game; must be selected at the beginning of the season; non-transferable. Kindly donated by Frances Moody Buzbee and Tony Buzbee. Valued at $20,000.
Texas Party For 4: Enjoy a weekend getaway at a beautiful Galveston beach house. The package also includes an intimate dinner for four in a wine cellar at The Bryan Museum, followed by an exclusive VIP tour of one of the world's largest collections of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to Texas and the American West. Valued at $2,500.
Owl Release: The Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas rehabilitates over 15,000 native animals each year with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat. You and up to five guests will have a front-row seat to this once-in-a-lifetime event, where an owl will be released near its original habitat or at a location mutually agreed upon. Value: priceless.
Bald Eagle Release: Since 1782, the bald eagle has symbolized freedom, strength, and longevity. Once endangered, the population has recovered, and Texas now hosts about 156 breeding pairs. Though no longer endangered, these majestic birds remain under protection. Seize this rare opportunity for you and up to five guests to witness a rescued bald eagle's release back into its native habitat, a moment that may take up to 24 months to prepare, as determined by the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas. The Houston SPCA will handle all arrangements, including the option to host a reception to celebrate this special event. Value: priceless.

The ball is chaired by Zane and Brady Carruth, with honorary chairs Annie and Bob Graham, Evelyn H. Griffin, and Tommy Harper.

This highly anticipated event — which is part of the Houston SPCA's 100-year anniversary celebration — will be held in the Equine Rescue Arena at the William & Evelyn Griffin Campus for All Animals.

Buy your tickets for the Howl-O-Ween Ball now.

galas fundraisers animals charities halloween promoted

always be prepared

Texas tax-free weekend lets shoppers stock up on emergency supplies

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Emergency supplies like first aid kits that cost less than $75 are eligible for a tax break this weekend.

The best time for Texas residents to stock up on supplies to prepare for natural disasters is coming up this weekend. The annual statewide Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday runs from April 25-27, when Texans will be able to purchase critical emergency supplies — plus household necessities like batteries and fire extinguishers — tax-fee.

Shoppers can purchase certain emergency supplies tax-free starting at 12:01 am on Saturday, April 25, and the "holiday" runs until midnight on Monday, April 27. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items that can be purchased during the weekend, and purchases can be made in store, online, through the mail, and via custom order.

Saving on emergency supplies
Emergency preparation supplies must be purchased under certain price brackets to qualify for the tax exemption. For example, portable generators must have a sales price less than $3,000 to qualify for a tax break. Ladders and hurricane shutters that cost less than $300 also qualify.

Delivery, shipping, handling, and transportation charges are included in the sales price, according to the Comptroller. So if a shopper buys a $299 rescue ladder and is charged a $10 delivery fee, the total sales price for the purchase is $309, and tax would need to be paid for that sales price.

Additional items that qualify for a tax break as long as they cost less than $75 include:

Axes
Batteries – single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6 volt or 9 volt)
Carbon monoxide detectors
Fire extinguishers
First aid kits
Fuel containers
Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
Hatchets
Ice products – including reusable and artificial ice
Light sources – including those that are battery operated or portable self-powered sources; candles, flashlights, and lanterns
Mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers
Non-electric can openers
Non-electric coolers and ice chests for food storage
Radios – including portable self-powered radios, battery operated radios, two-way radios, and weather band radios
Smoke detectors
Tarps and other plastic sheeting

The full list of qualifying items is available on The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts' website.

As a reminder, over-the-counter items like antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, and spray and wipes are always exempt from sales tax if they are labeled with a "Drug Facts" panel in compliance with Food and Drug Administration regulations.

Non-qualifying items that will still be taxed
Medical masks, face masks, and gloves of any kind do not qualify for a tax exemption. Other taxable items including toilet paper, cleaning supplies (such as disinfectants and bleach wipes), vehicle or boat batteries, chainsaws, plywood, extension ladders, and stepladders. Camping equipment and supplies, including stoves and tents, are also not eligible for a tax break.

Additionally, any repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies do not qualify for tax exemptions, and neither do any services that are performed on or related to those supplies.

What to do if a qualifying item is taxed during the holiday
If customers buy a tax-exempt item between April 25-27 and are still taxed, they may request a refund from the seller on the tax paid for the item. The seller can grant the refund to the buyer, or provide them with Form 00-985, Assignment to Right to Refund, which would allow the customer to file a claim for their refund through the Comptroller's website.

tax free weekend emergency supplies texas

Get Ready to Give

Meet CJ Stroud + other prizes at Houston SPCA's Howl-O-Ween fundraising ball

always be prepared

Texas tax-free weekend lets shoppers stock up on emergency supplies

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