Anyone desiring up close and personal moments with the Houston Texans should have signed on for Matt Schaub's "Hope Can Heal" gala and golf tournament. Thirty eight players, coaches and Texans staff joined Schaub for the dinner fundraiser at the Royal Sonesta Houston and others were on board for the Redstone Golf Club outing.
This was the third year that Matt and Laurie Schaub have chaired the fundraiser for their GR8 Hope Foundation, which provides resources and support for children with medical challenges. While they are keeping a lid on the funds raised until the check is presented to Texas Children's Hospital, organizers say that it is possible that the amount will surpass the $308,000 raised in total from the two previous fundraisers. The funds are earmarked for expansion of Texas Children's emergency care center from 12 to 24 rooms.
Among the 400 guests bidding on an array of live and silent auction items were Texans head coach Gary Kubiak and wife Rhonda, defensive cordinator Wade Phillips and players Owen Daniels, Brian Cushing, Andre Johnson, Ed Reed, Brooks Reed and Case Keenum.
Deborah Duncan and Marc Vandermeer emceed the event that included music by Emory Quinn and three live Paint Jam performances from speed painter Dan Dunn. Those workswere sold during the live auction.
The following day supporters headed out to Redstone where 105 golfers included Roger Clemens, Andre Ware, Ed Reed, J.J. Watt, Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Chris Myers, John Lopez of 610 Radio and Case Keenum. Silver Eagle Distributors sponsored the tournament which was won by new punter Shane Lechler's group. Watt's team came in second.
J.J. Watt, from left, Matt and Laurie Schaub and Joey Feste at the Hope Can Heel golf classic at Redstone Golf Club.
