League of Her Own

Astros wives and fans rally at all-star fundraiser for Houston girls

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.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Kat Pressly, Treopia Cannon, Janet Gurwitch, Sheila Gurwitch, and Sue Rogers.

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.

fundraisers girls inc of greater houston'

Stories of Strength

Lights of love shine during Houston cancer charity’s emotional gathering

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Darcie Wells, Meredith Beaupre, and Nick Adam.

There wasn’t a dry eye or an empty seat in the house as 400 guests filled River Oaks Country Club for CanCare’s annual Hope Survivorship Luncheon. The gathering, chaired by Michele Leal Farah and Tony Bradfield, raised more than $350,000 to fuel CanCare’s mission of providing peer support to those facing cancer.

In a show of community continuity, six years of former luncheon chairs joined in celebration, including Donna and Norman Lewis, Jordan Seff, Kelley Lubanko, Stephanie Tsuru, honorary chair Frank Tsuru, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, and 2026 luncheon chair Kristy Bradshaw.

Emceed by longtime supporter Lisa Malosky, the program introduced CanCare’s newest literary endeavor — Hope in the Face of Cancer — a moving collection of stories from survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. President and CEO Darcie Wells framed the book as both inspiration and action, echoing the nonprofit’s mission to pair cancer patients and caregivers with trained survivors.

Generosity flowed early, with Giving Tree gift cards snatched up before lunch began and a glittering raffle sponsored by Tenenbaum Jewelers offering winners the pick of dazzling jewelry or coveted Astros Diamond Club seats.

This year’s honorees reflected the many sides of the cancer fight. Corporate Honoree JP Morgan Chase was represented by Nick Adam and Meredith Beaupre, who spoke to the bank’s commitment to local impact. Healthcare Honoree Dr. Katy Rezvani, a pioneering force at MD Anderson Cancer Center, also delivered the keynote address, sharing breakthroughs from her work as vice president of the Cell Therapy Institute. Community Honorees, the Mir Family, embodied resilience with Marisa Mir, Beckie Mir, Marcie Mir, Gasper Mir III, and Gasper Mir IV all recognized for their shared journey.

The emotional centerpiece of the afternoon was the candle lighting ceremony, which filled the room with flickering flames held high in memory of loved ones. Keith Saathoff followed with a powerful testimonial, and nearly every attendee gave in the appeal that followed.

Part of the luminous gathering were Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith, Jordan Seff, Vanessa Ames, Megan Vondra, Fady Armanious, Titus Harris, Kristen Cannon, Leigh Smith, Whitney Kuhn Lawson, Vicki Luna, Anne Neeson, Ileana and Michael Trevino, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Jennifer Allison, Lesha Elsenbrook, Denise Monteleone, Katie Tsuru, Cathy Brock, Creighton Edwards, Christy Lynn, Michael Fife, John Nau, Martiza Gonzales, and Heidi Rockcharlie.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Darcie Wells, Meredith Beaupre, and Nick Adam.

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