Raising money to plant and protect trees in Houston, more than 400 guests attended Trees For Houston’s 23rd annual Root Ball. Reagan and Doug Bauer chaired the “A Night in Nantucket”-themed event, held at The Bayou Club, which provided the perfect space to set up wickets and stakes for a couple of backyard croquet games.
Quenching their thirsts, guests enjoyed two specialty drinks: Mermaid Juice made with rum and soda, and traditional Dark and Stormy cocktails stirred with rum and ginger beer. Seafood appetizers included oysters and shrimp, and dinner featured a surf 'n' turf buffet.
Former Houston Texans offensive lineman Chester Pitts served as master of ceremonies, while the Klockwork Band provided tunes, including jazz songs, during the cocktail hour and high-energy hits, from Motown and disco, post dinner.
Including funds from a silent auction, the total amount raised for Trees For Houston totaled a record $400,000. (A three-night stay at the vacation home of Jim and Maureen Hackett went for an astounding $23,000.) Those who made donations received glow necklaces that lit up the room when the sun set.
Since launching in 1983, the nonprofit has added over 550,000 trees to communities spanning 21 southeast Texas counties.
Celebrating the evening were Bonnie and Barry Ward, Kristina Berg, Kevin Kushner, Brittany Sakowitz, Crystal Neustadt, Megan Luster, Laura and Andrew McCullough, Lynda Arnold, David Marks, Mack Fowler, George Johnston, Bryan Beene, Ashley Olmsted, Carson Underwood, and John Cutler.
Reagan Bauer, Doug Bauer.
