bite by bite

Houston young professionals crack open $420,000 at annual oyster party

With every oyster slurped and savored, Houston’s culinary community opened their hearts — and their wallets — to help fight cancer. Supporters flocked to Post Houston on November 21 for the third annual Tricoast Homes Shuck Cancer Houston, presented by SheSpace. Organized by the Houston Young Professionals for the American Cancer Society, this foodie fête served up more than delectable bites and sips.

As guests strolled through the sprawling venue, they sampled offerings from 35-plus restaurants, bars, and wineries. Highlights included an oyster bar and playful oyster shooter station from Pier 6 and Prestige Oysters, paired with wine, seasonal cocktails, and gourmet bites.

The sparkle bar gave attendees a chance to shine — literally — while the Moment Band kept the atmosphere electric with live tunes. Another standout? A virtual reality experience that transported participants to Hope Lodge Houston, offering a glimpse into the vital services American Cancer Society provides to cancer patients and their families.

Emceed by KPRC’s Derrick Shore, the night was helmed by co-chairs Katie and Seth Tsuru and Nora and Brian Jarrard.

Of course, no Houston soirée is complete without a little competition. The crowd roared as Kittsie Klaes, the top Pearl Honoree, was celebrated for raising $44,000 as part of her months-long campaign. Among the dedicated 2024 Pearl Honorees lauded for their remarkable fundraising efforts were Lori Blackwell, Rachel Collins, Danielle Deleon, Anthony Galvan, Katherine Garcia, Anna Gryska, Anastasia Hansen, Ryan Hughes, Cassandra Iku, Whitney Lawson, Abbey Martin, Jodi Munsinger Boyd, Samantha-Anne Nadolny, Dr. Abby Patel, Anna Reagan Chronister, Hannah Richard-Molina, Ronda Ross, Shaniese Ruffin, Gaurav Sahni, Matthew Schultz, Claire Stevenson, Shayla White Bowden, Shelia Wolfe, and Hayden Wood.

Each honoree’s dedication to raising $3,000 or more played a pivotal role in the event’s cash tally. Sponsors such as Tricoast Homes, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Ferrari of Houston made the night possible, underscoring Houston’s philanthropic spirit. With 1,000 attendees, Shuck Cancer Houston raised $420,000, more than double since its inaugural party three years ago.

Seen in the crowd were Jenny Todd, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Imani Guillory, Tiffany Halik, Whitney and Marc Lawson, Disney and Max Harris, Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, Kristen Cannon, Courtney Harmon, Danny and Robin Klaes, and David Hance.

American Cancer Society Shuck Cancer 2024

Photo by Jacob Powers

Katie Tsuru, Shelia Wolfe, Kittsie Klaes, Rachel Collins, and Nora Jarrard.

fundraisers american cancer society

Paws and Purpose

Lavish brunch party raises nearly $1M for Houston’s homeless animals

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Tena Faust, Major John Whitmire, Tama Lundquist, and Kirby Metocha.

Brunch with a purpose? Count Houston PetSet in.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Tena Faust, Major John Whitmire, Tama Lundquist, and Kirby Metocha.

The beloved nonprofit swapped its traditional evening gala for a sunshine-filled fête, and the crowd clearly approved. Held September 28 at chic social hub Le Tesserae, “Le Brunch” shimmered with mimosas, music, and energy, all to support Houston’s fight against animal homelessness.

The inaugural daytime event, co-chaired by Kirby Matocha Edmund alongside PetSet co-presidents Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust, drew a who’s who of Houston’s philanthropic set. Special guest Billy Bob Thornton and his band The Boxmasters delivered a rollicking set that had guests trading polite applause for full-on toe-tapping. Emcee Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston, kept spirits bright and the program flowing with her signature warmth and wit.

From classic brunch couture to photo-ready smiles, the scene blended laid-back glam with serious fundraising muscle.

And that muscle made an impact. Nearly $1 million was raised to fund PetSet’s critical grant program, which supports rescue groups and shelters across Texas. Last year, the nonprofit distributed more than $400,000 to nearly 100 local partners.

With its lively new format and near seven-figure success, “Le Brunch” might just become Houston’s next great giving tradition, with a side of croissants and good company.

Among the crowd of animal advocates were Mayor John Whitmire and Senator Joan Huffman, joined by Jan Duncan, Courtney Hopson, Mario Castillo, Alicia Smith, Brigitte Kalai, Devinder and Gina Bhatia, Rachelle and Jeff Ball, Honorable Lyndon and Marilyn Rose, Baily Dalton-Binion, Nancy Mathe, Ellen Weitz, Brittany Shattuck, Mary Doughtie, Kirk Kveton and Daniel Irion, Marge Lundquist, Sandra Smith, Shima Zangeneh, and Sue Smith.

fundraisers