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Houston society stars honor local philanthropic A-listers at UNICEF gala

Anika Jackson, Malaika Mukoro, Kristen McQuillin, and guest.

Photo by Bob Levey Getty Images

What: The fifth annual UNICEF Gala

Where: ThePost Oak Hotel

The scoop: Beloved local philanthropists Susan and Fayez Sarofim and Linda and Jim McIngvale were honored for their charitable works at the annual UNICEF Gala. More than 320 guests attended the glamorous gala, which raised more than $900,000 and will support UNICEF’s lifesaving work for children around the world. The event, emceed by Deborah Duncan, celebrated UNICEF’s lifesaving work and honored theSarofims with the Margaret Alkek Williams Humanitarian Award. Meanwhile, Linda and Jim McIngvale received the Global Community Hero Award.

Special guests included Mayor Sylvester Turner and Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer, Audrey Hepburn’s granddaughter and UNICEF advocate, both of whom spoke about their personal connection to UNICEF USA. Ferrer provided a touching introduction to a video highlighting her grandmother’s work with UNICEF. The gala tables featured large glass globe centerpieces (glowing in blue) surrounded by white roses as well as crystal candelabras with dangling white orchids. After a three-course meal and live auction, a vibrant performance by the 10-piece variety band Professor D took over the after party hosted by Houston's UNICEF 'NEXTGEN' supporters.

Gala chairs included Brigitte and Bashar Kalai, Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Leticia and Stephen Trauber and Ileana and Michael Treviño.Honorary Chairs included Rosanette and Harry Cullen, Leela and Nat Krishnamurthy, Penny and Paul B. Loyd Jr., Margaret Alkek Williams, and Randa and Charles Williams.

Live-action packages included tickets to Hamilton, a private suite at Rockets and Astros games, tickets to the Houston Symphony, a NYC trip experience with jewelry shopping spree, and even a 2018 Lexus NX 300.

Who: Margaret Alkek Williams, Buzz Aldrin, The Honorable Joanne King Herring, Rosanette Cullen, Maria and Neil Bush, Sara Beth and Pierce Bush, Jeff and Rachel Bagwell, Rudy and Debbie Festari, Paul-David Van Atta, Trish and Rock Morille, Anika Jackson and Chuck Redick, Alicia Smith, Tony Bradfield Kevin Black, Alex and Astley Blair, Bill Baldwin and Fady Armanious, Erik Monrreal, and Shannah Quinn.

Honoree Susan Sarofim, Rose Cullen, Margaret Alkek Williams, and honorees Linda McIngvale and Jim McIngvale.

Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images

Honoree Susan Sarofim, Rose Cullen, Margaret Alkek Williams, and honorees Linda McIngvale and Jim McIngvale.

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Stage With Purpose

Broadway stars and Houston youth shine at Covenant House Texas gala

Covenant House Night of Broadway Stars gala 2025

Photo by Katy Anderson

Rayshun LaMar performed "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours."

The curtain rose, and so did hearts, as Night of Broadway Stars lit up the Wortham Theater Center, merging musical razzle-dazzle with a mission rooted in compassion. Benefiting Covenant House Texas, the evening offered both Broadway brilliance and deeply personal testimony in support of youth experiencing homelessness.

The stage sparkled with talent flown in from New York, including Houston’s own Kevin Cahoon, who returned to his hometown to perform “Maybe Love” from Shucked. Josh Young brought heat with “Heaven on Their Minds” from Jesus Christ Superstar, Brook Wood belted “Save Me,” and Rayshun LaMar had guests dancing in their seats to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours.” Rita Harvey teamed up with Young for a romantic rendition of “Come What May” from Moulin Rouge.

But the real headliners were the Covenant House youth, who joined the Broadway pros onstage.

Their performances were acts of courage, resilience, and transformation. During the seated dinner in the Wortham’s grand foyer, guests were visibly moved as the youth shared their journeys using signs that contrasted their lives before and after Covenant House.

A key fundraising feature — Scholarships of Hope — invited attendees to fund holistic care for the youth, including shelter, meals, mental health services, and career development.

The evening was chaired by April and Wells McGee and Flo McGee and Wade Upton, and honored the Hamill Foundation for its longstanding support. Incoming Covenant House Texas CEO Anthony Flynn took the mic to share his personal connection to the cause, his own experience with housing instability, and his excitement for the organization’s future.

Seen on the scene were Heidi and Todd Binet, Cheryl Boblitt King and Bill King, Kurt and Marlene Nondorf, Randy Walker, Elaine and Robert Shaffer, Patti and Tom Turner, Amy Pierce, Joe and Cathy Cleary, and Barbara Strobel and George Bement.

Photo by Katy Anderson

Rayshun LaMar performed "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours."

covenant house fundraisers