With tradition honored, with old guard chairs at the helm and with 700 generous partygoers ready to rock, the annual Casa de Esperanza de Los Ninos benefit once gain broke previous records bringing in $1.1 million. (That's $100,000 more than in 2012.)
Applause, applause for three generations of the Reckling family — Isla and Tommy Reckling, Christiana and Luke McConn and Isla and Joseph Jornayvaz — who chaired the dinner evening at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. They offered a grateful gracias to Lucia and Michael Cordúa for hosting the popular benefit for the 24th year, with the family and Cordúa Restaurants underwriting the bountiful dinner.
The evening served to recognize those who have served the non-profit that provides a haven for children in crisis due to abuse, neglect or the effects of HIV. Taking bows as recipients of the Michael Cordúa Spirit of Hope Award were Frances Arnoult and Marsha Parker. Community Volunteer of the Year honors went to Pamela St. Martin while Katherine Plumb and Cabell Walker were recognized as Young Professionals of the Year. Rounding out the group of award recipients was Emily Koch, Teen Volunteer of the Year.
Mixing and mingling in the Hobby Center Grand Foyer were Casa de Esperanza founders Kathy Foster and Bill Jones, plus Alissa and Ron Maples, Dorothy and Mickey Ables, Emily Crosswell, Pat Breen, Phyllis and Tony Mandola, Virginia and Dan Steppe, Lindy and Tom McGee, Raye White and Jan and Tom Simmons.
T.R. and Isla Reckling, from left, Luke and Christiana McConn and Isla and Joseph Jornayvaz at the Casa de Esperanza fundraiser.
