Some came for the Aperol Spritz, others for the cause, and all left a little more hopeful.

  

Photo by Andy Phan

Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn and David Guion.

On a lively evening at River Oaks Country Club, guests gathered for Vita Living’s annual Pearls of Wisdom gala, where community, compassion, and a splash of Italian flair came together for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Chaired by Kristen Perrin, Pamela Perilloux, and Bryan P. Smith, the evening began with a color-splashed cocktail hour, where attendees mingled in vibrant attire, sipping spritzes and eyeing a meticulously curated silent auction. Among the standout items were a six-night escape to a riverfront condo near Beaver Creek (courtesy of Doug Dawson), a luxury three-night getaway to Chablé Yucatán Chocholá (thank you, Chablé), and a striking aluminum-mounted photograph, Golden Koi by Joe C. Aker, gleaming with texture and motion.

Emcee Kip Altstaetter opened the program with warmth and wit. Joseph Cooper, Vita Living CEO, delivered the invocation before passing the mic to the evening’s co-chairs for special remarks. Guests then watched a moving video introduced by Myrla Menn and Beth and John Hoffman, which offered an intimate look at the lives changed by Vita Living’s services.

The live auction helmed with high energy by Johnny Bravo Entertainment brought gala-goers to their feet, paddles flying in support of the nonprofit’s essential work. But the night didn’t end with dinner and donations. Supporters lingered and celebrated with a late-night gelato bar and warm camaraderie.

Founded in 1982, Vita Living has grown from a single home created by founder Renée Wallace for her son to a network of 20 group homes across Houston. The organization’s case management program serves more than 300 children and adults across seven counties.

This year’s record-breaking total — $207,000 raised — underscores the community’s growing commitment to supporting inclusive care and lifelong dignity.

Among the 300 present were Kara Willis, Charcole Santiago, Peter and Krystyna Cawthorne, Jim Roberts, David Payne, Clint Fritts, Andrew Campbell, Eddie and Kim Perdomo, Brian and Sarah Crawmer, David and Marilyn Guion, Larry and Christina O’Donnell, Chris Mehling, Lorraine Olah, Bella McNeill, Jonathan Puig, Ellie Rotan, Juliana Workman, Forrest and Katie Wynn, Louis and Ashley Pearce, Chandos Dodson Epley, Evans and Theresa Attwell, Mariquita Masterson, and Andy and Ashley Mejia.