A Safe Haven

Poignant stories make Covenant House gala special while raising nearly $750,000

We've seen guests at charitable fundraisers reduced to tears by poignant testimonials, but perhaps none has been more moving than that of the two young clients of Covenant House Texas who told their gritty and heart-wrenching stories of being on the street and trafficked across the country, ending up in Houston.

Covenant House Texas CEO Ronda Robinson stood by the girls and gave them reassuring hugs when they had to pause for a few moments in the middle of their emotional tales. Many among the 575 supporters in the Omni Houston Hotel ballroom were brought to tears and were inspired further to support the non-profit that provides a haven for homeless and runaway youths.

None probably understood their story better than Greg Hernandez, a former CHT youth, who shared the spotlight as honoree along with Randall L. Walker. Both are executives with Bank of Texas and both are long-time supporters of the non-profit.

Chaired by June Reeder Leppard, Marlene Nondorf, and Patti Turner, the annual gala raised close to $750,000.

The evening was not without its lighter moments, particularly with KHOU Channel 11 meteorologists David Paul and Chita Johnson serving as emcees and auctioneers.

CHT supporters included special guest former Astro pitcher J.R. Richard and wife Lula, guild president Jacqueline Fair, JoAnn Petersen, Lisa and John Sarvadi, Susan and Dr. Dick Stasney, Tonya and Hank Hamilton, Danielle and Charles Fridge, Anne and Brett Hamilton, and Dina and Ryan Taaffe.

Covenant House gala emcees KTRK Channel 11 meteorologists Chita Johnson David Paul.

Covenant House Gala, March 2016, Chita Johnson, David Paul

Photo by David Shutts

Covenant House gala emcees KTRK Channel 11 meteorologists Chita Johnson David Paul.

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Memorable Fêtes

Balletomanes turn disco as Houston Ballet Ball raises $1.6 million

Photo by Michelle Watson

Julie Kent, Margaret Alkek Williams, Stanton Welch AM, and Sonja Kostich.

Some ballets end in heartbreak. This one ended in a packed dance floor where everyone had a signature move.

Black tie met ballet blanc as more than 500 patrons floated into the Wortham Theater Center for the 2026 Houston Ballet Ball: Giselle. The evening channeled the romantic mystique of artistic director Stanton Welch’s reimagined interpretation of the 1841 classic, slated for June 11–21 performances.

Chaired by Christine and David Underwood, the soirée honored longtime champions Richard Flowers and Houston First. For more than 35 years, Richard Flowers and The Events Company have helped shape the ballet’s most memorable fêtes. As steward of the Wortham Theater Center, Houston First continues to safeguard the company’s artistic home. This marked Flowers’ 41st Ballet Ball, which deserves its own standing ovation.

The Grand Foyer was transformed into a dreamscape of deep blues and vibrant greens. Blue-and-white lace-draped tables bloomed with lush florals, while a halo of blossoms and light hovered above a glowing aqua dance floor.

Plot twist? Members of the Houston Ballet Corps de Ballet and apprentices surprised guests with an impromptu number set to ABBA — yes, ABBA — choreographed by soloist Jacquelyn Long. Tiaras weren’t required, but enthusiasm was. The performance dissolved into what it always does at this particular gala: a dance floor teeming with patrons who proved that pliés aren’t just for professionals.

Stratosphere kept the energy high, and as always, the crowd obliged.

The annual event raised $1.6 million in support of Houston Ballet’s mission to inspire a lasting love of dance in Houston and beyond.

Taking their own final bows were Christine and David Underwood, Angel Rios, Michael Heckman, Sonja Kostich, Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, Julie Kent, Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, Lynn Wyatt, Andrea Medina, Anne and Albert Chao, Rose Cullen, Jordan Seff, Vanessa Ames, Allison and Troy Thacker, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Margaret Williams, Beth Muecke, Patti Murphy, Marianne and Joe Geagea, Lenni and Bill Burke, Victoria Gutierrez and Nick Pierce, Jean and Henry May, Kris and Richard McGee, Leigh and Reggie Smith, Shawn Stephens and Jim Jordan, Beth and Nick Zdeblick, Claudia Kreisle, Sidney Faust, Claudia and David Hatcher, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Patrick Benge, Mignon and Stephen Gill, Chad Libertus, Cabrina and Steven Owsley, Shara and Kent Schaffer, Marguerite Swartz, and Jay and Terry Jones.

Photo by Michelle Watson

Julie Kent, Margaret Alkek Williams, Stanton Welch AM, and Sonja Kostich.

fundraisers houston ballet