Largest haul in a single night

Lester and Sue Smith lead the way to a $32.2 million windfall for TexasChildren's Cancer Center

This check represents the largest proceeds in the city's history for a one-nightfundraiser, this one benefiting Texas Children's Cancer Center.
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Lester and Sue Smith chaired, underwrote and matched dollar-for-dollar all fundsraisded for the disco-themed gala.
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com

Thanks to the Midas touch of philanthropists Sue and Lester Smith, Texas Childrens' Cancer Center was manifoldly enriched Saturday night — to the tune of $32,260,000, the largest single-night fundraiser in the city's history.

That mega ka-ching took place at the George R. Brown Convention Center where the Smiths chaired, underwrote and matched dollar-for-dollar everything brought in for "An Evening With Disco Legends."

Cheers and applause erupted from the disco-clad/black-tie gathering of 1,100 when the unprecedented total was announced.

"I can tell you that the money raised tonight will be transformational," said Dr. David Poplack, director of TCCC, the largest children's cancer center in the United States.

Texas Children's had a surprise for the Smiths in return for their generosity both this year and last, when they chaired the "Texas Legends" benefit that earned $9 million for the center. Texas Children's CEO Mark Wallace announced that the outpatient clinic will be named the Lester and Sue Smith Clinic at Texas Children's Cancer Center.

"We have done the match for the children and it's very, very important," Smith said, quipping that he hoped he didn't see Poplack for "the rest of my life, because it's going to break me."

It was a night of high revelry with giant disco balls twirling overhead and entertainment provided on three stages by Gloria Gaynor, The Pointer Sisters and Nile Rodgers. Between the live acts, the retro spins by DJ Ultragrrrl kept the dance floor packed.

As Wells Fargo Texas Region president Chip Carlisle said of the evening, "I just wish I could duplicate this business model — having so much fun and making money."

For a full report on the party and more photos, click here.

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legacy and lyrics

High notes and higher hopes put Houston's Omega House in the spotlight

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Deborah Duncan, Brigitte Kalai, Dr. Charlene Flash, and Alicia Smith.

For Avenue 360, it was time to get back in the gala game with Voices for Hope — its first big fundraising celebration since the pandemic. This year’s event marked a lively return to in-person gatherings, joining the ranks of busy, bustling parties that have defined 2024.

The evening celebrated the legacy of Omega House, Texas’s residential hospice for AIDS patients.

Co-chaired by Alicia Smith and Brigitte Kalai, Voices for Hope revived an important tradition of honoring Omega House’s legacy of compassionate end-of-life care. The night opened with a cocktail reception emceed by Great Day Houston host Deborah Duncan, during which guests entered raffles for luxurious prizes, including jewelry from Nini Jewels and Wayne Smith Jewels, a shopping spree at Tootsie’s, and a staycation at The Post Oak Hotel with a Porsche weekend rental.

About those voices: the Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts choir’s charming performance of “Seasons of Love” set the evening’s emotional tone. Blues artist Luke Whitney continued with soulful melodies before America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Christina Wells brought down the house with dynamic interpretations of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “We Are Family.”

Houston’s social scribe Shelby Hodge gifted Wells her raffle prize, honoring the performer for her roles as a singer, nurse, and mother. The gala also celebrated the 25th anniversary of Bering Omega Community Services, with board member Ken Bohan receiving the Harmony of the Heart Award. Omega House medical director Dr. Gus Krucke, director of dental services Dr. Mark Nichols, and director Sandy Stacy were honored with the Symphony of Service Award, with Stacy’s 30 years of service encouraging standing applause.

Spotted were Lance Smith, Bashar Kalai, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Leisa Holland Nelson, Farida Abjani, Shafik Rifaat, Maria and Omar Moncada Alaoui, Jody Merritt, Christine Johnson, Michele Till, Anna Reger, Mandy Kao, Mark Folkes and Christopher Johnston, Brandon Weinbrenner and Mitchell Greco, Fady Armanious, and Tony Bradfield.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Deborah Duncan, Brigitte Kalai, Dr. Charlene Flash, and Alicia Smith.