Classic rock band Foreigner rocked the house at the Houston Children's Charity 20th annual gala held at the Hyatt Regency Downtown. The electrifying performance was all in the name of charity: The mission of Houston Children's Charity is to improving the quality of life for greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused, and disabled children.
More than 700 attendees gathered in the ballroom filled with white orchids, candelabras, and, of course, laser lights, for a steak and lobster dinner by the hotel’s executive chef, Frank Majowicz.
Tilman Fertitta was honored for his support of the non-profit organization. Fans of the businessman, entrepreneur, and television personality can catch him on the small screen when the second season of his show, Billion Dollar Buyer, airs Tuesday, November 22, on CNBC.
As Foreigner took the stage, the crowd grooved to familiar hits, including “Juke Box Hero” to “Waiting for a Girl Like You”.
The annual fundraiser raised $1.75 million. At the lead of auctioneer Vikki Vines, the live auction alone raised over $425,000. Items included a Wayne Smith Jewels diamond necklace and a Golden Nugget Las Vegas trip.
Dave Ward served as master of ceremonies while Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa was honorary chair.
Seen in the crowd were Houston Children's Charity executive director Laura Ward, Paige Fertitta, Neil and Maria Bush, Maria Moncada Alaoui, Tommy Kuranoff, Vikki Vines, Penny Loyd, Tori and Ed Decora, Merrilee and Richard Espinosa, Stephanie and Ryan Fleck, Sherri Zucker, Danice and Randy Lowry, and Lynn and Michael Smith.
Also turning out for the good cause were Edna Meyer-Nelson, Gary Becker and Tama Lundquist, Tad Brown, Melissa and Brad Juneau, Kristina and Paul Somerville, Joy and Vic Fertitta, Heidi and David Jacquin, Debbie and Bob Ogle, Dan D’Armond, Grant Guthrie, Alice and Keith Mosings, Ellie and Michael Francisco, and Maggie and Don Henderson.
Ed Decora, Tilman Fertitta, Toria Decora, Foreigner lead singer Kelly Hansen.
