A sea of pink and red flooded Union Station at Daikin Park on April 17, as nearly 400 guests turned out for All Stars Night: A League of Her Own, benefiting Girls Inc. of Greater Houston. The annual event, chaired this year by Kat Pressly and her mother, Sue Rogers, blended baseball spirit with bold ambition, raising more than $345,000 to empower young girls to be strong, smart, and bold.
Pressly, wife of former Houston Astros and current Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Pressly, brought major-league energy to the cause, with a roster of supporters that included Astros wives and longtime friends like Kara McCullers, Maria Hader, Pam Espada, and Monica Alvarez. The lively crowd embraced the festive spirit early, snapping selfies in front of a balloon-framed photo backdrop and vying for Cracker Jack boxes, each hiding a surprise prize inside.
Inside, the atmosphere was a heady mix of camaraderie and purpose. Treopia Cannon, president and CEO of Girls Inc. of Greater Houston, took the stage to share the organization’s powerful mission of creating safe spaces, building long-term mentoring relationships, and equipping girls to take charge of their futures. She introduced this year’s honorees, each exemplifying what it means to be a true game-changer.
Corporate powerhouse Janet Gurwitch, an executive and Houston Astros investor, was named the Strong, Smart, and Bold Honoree, recognizing her role in mentoring future leaders. Perry Homes was applauded as Corporate Champion for its commitment to community empowerment, while the Melanie Gray Vanguard Award, named for one of the organization’s most dedicated advocates, was presented to Estefania Torres.
Familiar Houston face Julia Morales kept the program lively as emcee, while auctioneer Johnny Bravo whipped the crowd into a bidding frenzy during the live auction. A dazzling jewelry piece from Shaftel Diamonds became the evening’s hot-ticket item, inspiring a flurry of competitive paddle-raising.
As the night drew to a close, Pressly introduced a surprise performance by the Astros Shooting Stars, drawing a standing ovation. Guests ended the night on a sweet note, gathering for desserts and final goodbyes under Union Station’s soaring ceilings.
In the crowd were Anita Sehgal, Dana Barton, Emelda Douglas, Alan and Tricia Ratliff, Courtney and Zac Harmon, Leah Christman, Chelsea Collmer, Kristen Collins, Chree Boydstun, Laurie and Bret Sanders, Meghan Cornelius, Krystal Crane Thompson, Adrienne Crane, Whitney Kuhn Lawson, Kristen Cannon, Mandy Moffitt, Regina Rogers, and Jeannie Gardner, president of the board.
