a touchdown meal
Houston Texans stars score big bucks for local kids with VIP dining event
What: Champions for Youth Dinner
Where: Steak 48
The scoop: The Houston Texans Foundation and the McNair Family recently hosted the first-ever Champions for Youth Dinner at Steak 48, raising nearly $190,000 for the foundation. This nonprofit event allowed guests to enjoy a night of fun and fine dining in the company of Texans players, cheerleaders, and numerous Texans Legends.
Upon arrival, guests graced the red carpet located inside an elegant tent before making their way into Steak 48 for the cocktail reception. VIP guests were given early access to the event to have an exclusive photo op with franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson. Texans cheerleaders also attended and added to the eventful atmosphere.
The evening officially kicked off with emcee and voice of the Houston Texans Marc Vandermeer welcoming guests, recognizing the Texans owner Cal McNair and wife, Hannah McNair, and thanking IW Marks for providing a Rolex as a contest prize.
During the reception, guests had the opportunity to participate in games by purchasing fan experiences with Texans players, cheerleaders, and Legends such as selfies, videos, FaceTime calls, social media posts, and more. Star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was gifted the Rolex after raising the most money throughout the reception.
Guests enjoyed a delicious four-course meal, courtesy of executive chefs Jeff Taylor and Marc Lupino and their staff. The menu for the night included the following: prime house steakhouse meatballs and crispy shrimp as appetizers and the choice of a steak knife BLT wedge or superfood salad. The entrees included the option of a petite filet mignon, a New York Strip, Chilean sea bass, or a vegetarian selection. Sides for the evening included Alaskan king crab and rock shrimp whipped potatoes, corn crème brulee, and sautéed asparagus.
The meal was capped off with s’mores in a jar as dessert. Texans celebrities served as waiters throughout the evening, and the most generous tip of the night was a once-in-a-lifetime trip to an away game with Cal and Hannah McNair.
Who: Jeff Mastro, Oliver Badgio, Brad and Joanna Marks, Steve Green, Mick Cantu and Kevin Varner, Dan DiPrisco and Dr. Larry Hollier, Kirbyjon and Suzette Caldwell, Les and Linda Allison, Megan Cushing, Francisco and Philana Diaz, Ellie and Michael Francisco, Ericka Graham, Amy and Gary Haymond, and John and Leigh Anne Raymond.