Transforming Lives

Archway Academy affair celebrates the courage of students in recovery

A wave of inspiration swept through the River Oaks Country Club on October 15 as education champions gathered for Archway Academy’s 17th Annual Luncheon. Under the leadership of chairs Rudy and Cameron Cano, the midday affair honored the resilience of students, their life-changing accomplishments, and the transformative power of combining education with recovery.

Archway Academy, the nation’s largest sober high school, provides students a safe and supportive environment to excel academically while maintaining sobriety.

One of the most impactful moments came from keynote speaker Brian Cuban. The Dallas-based attorney, author, and addiction recovery advocate — perhaps best known as the younger brother of entrepreneur Mark Cuban — captivated the audience with his raw personal story. His journey from addiction to recovery mirrored the school’s mission, underscoring the significance of the nonprofit’s core objective: offering second chances to students battling substance abuse.

"At Archway Academy, we're not just educating students—we're saving lives," said Clifton Gillock, director of marketing and communications. His words, filled with gratitude, resonated throughout the room, reminding everyone of the profound impact their support makes. The funds will allow more students to walk the path of sobriety, no matter the challenges they face

The emotional pinnacle of the day arose from moving testimonials shared by Archway alumni, parents, and recovery professionals. Each account painted a vivid picture of challenges transformed into triumphs, illustrating the critical role Archway has played in rebuilding lives. Through a blend of academic rigor and recovery support, the school fosters both academic achievement and profound personal growth. These heartfelt accounts revealed the strength of community, resilience, and the unwavering dedication of the staff.

"This school is more than just a place for education—it’s a lifeline," said one alumnus. "I don’t know where I’d be today without Archway."

The fundraiser exceeded expectations, yielding more than $140,000 to support the school’s programs. This equates to nearly 20 scholarships, ensuring that students from all financial backgrounds can benefit from Archway’s life-saving initiatives.

Among the 260 attendees were George Joseph, CEO of Positive Recovery Centers and Common Bond; Ally and Randy Lack, Sally and John Fenoglio, George Youngblood of Teen and Family Services, Rebekah and Hugh Guill of the Guill Family Foundation, and Pinkerton's Barbecue owners Sarah and Grant Pinkerton. Sponsors include H-E-B, Origin Bank, Linbeck Group, Luna Recovery Services, and Family First.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Tosha Washington, Jomoso Wilson, Isabell Scott, and David Claunch.

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Michelin Stars

Superstar Spanish chefs return to Houston for dinners with a purpose

Hope and Opportunity Dinner Texas Children's Hospital

Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital

Jordi Roca, Ignacio Torras, and Joan Roca.

Leave it to Houston to blend avant-garde gastronomy with generosity, stirring up a one-two punch of flavor and philanthropy.

Over two intimate evenings, Isabel and Ignacio “Nacho” Torras opened their private home for the Hope and Opportunity Dinners,an affair that embraced the neurodiverse community with epicurean delight.

The dinners, limited to 100 guests per night, were a collaborative recipe honoring the missions of Texas Children’s Duncan Neurological Research Institute and The Genuine Cup, the nonprofit arm of The Genuine Foundation. With a thematic throughline of “Hope” and “Opportunity,” guests were treated to a nine-course menu..

The culinary talent? Flying in from their famed El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain, Michelin-starred brothers Joan Roca (head chef) and Jordi Roca (pastry chef), along with sommelier Marta Cortizas, teamed up with chef Luis Roger of Houston’s Michelin-starred BCN Taste & Tradition. The menu, a poetic composition of bold Spanish flavors and delicate textures, was elevated further by thoughtful wine pairings.

Far from a solo act, the Roca brothers worked in sync with some of Houston’s culinary luminaries: Felipe Riccio (March), Mayank Istwal (Mussafer), David Skinner (Eculent), Felipe Botero (Le Jardinier), Mary Cuclis (Kriti Kitchen), and Emmanuel Chavez (Tatemó). Service each evening was led by 27 young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supported by 10 coaches.

One dinner honored Whitney and Jim Crane, whose Astros Foundation has become a pillar of Houston philanthropy, and Dr. Huda Y. Zoghbi, whose groundbreaking neuroscience work continues to shape the future of medicine. The second dinner spotlight fell on Laura Arnold, co-founder of Arnold Ventures LLC, and Dr. Debra F. Sukin, president and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital, both champions for equity and innovation in their fields.

The evenings ended with cookbook signings by the Roca brothers, a fitting souvenir from two nights where food was both an experience and a vehicle for change. The events raised more than $400,000.

Showing up for science and inclusion were Monica and Yordon Alvarez, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Carlos Correa, Molly and Crownover, Paula and Reginald DesRoches, Pam and Keith Fullenweider, Adrienne and Jared Crane, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Phoebe Tudor and Tudor, Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught, and Penny and Paul Layne.

Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital

Jordi Roca, Ignacio Torras, and Joan Roca.

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