Although you couldn't call Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien a party animal, he and his wife, Colleen, were game enough to step into the bright party lights on Friday for DePelchin Children's Center. They were honorees at the second annual "Friday Night Lights" benefit held on the concourse level of NRG Stadium.
The football frenzied crowd of more than 560 showed the O'Briens the love, particularly when he spoke about the couple's passion for helping organizations that aid children. "We came here today from our hearts," O'Brien said. "We know how important it is to be a great man and a great dad." That statement fit right in with DePelchin's mission as the area's largest provider of children's mental health, foster care and adoption services.
The party, chaired by Audrey and Brandon Cochran and Kathleen and James Jennings, offered non-stop action for the throng, which skewed on the younger side. Photo opps with the Texans hottie cheerleaders morphed into dance floor opportunities when the Spazmatics cranked up the party action. In addition to the big board, live auction and wine pull money-makers, the raffle of a fab sapphire, London blue topaz and diamond bracelet donated by I.W. Marks Jewelers brought in plenty of dinero. The event raised more than $300,000.
Abbi and Rob Antablin joined Hannah and Cal McNair, Houston Texans COO and vice chairman, as honorary chairs, helping explain in part how DePelchin was lucky enough to get the O'Briens on board.
The enthused crowed included Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, Elizabeth and Zach Fertitta, Sue Nan and Rod Cutsinger, Lindley and Jason Arnoldy, Joanna and Brad Marks, Monica and John Blaisdell, Tashia and Tim Jamison and DePelchin president and CEO Jenifer Jarriel. Adding pigskin spice to the night was Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson and team chaplain Greg Tyler.
Carlos and Jayne Rivera.
