Butterfly Magic

Colorful Houston gala lifts spirits and $2.5 Million for diabetes cure

With the spirit of spring in full bloom, philanthropists at Breakthrough T1D's Annual Promise Ball unfurled their social wings for an evening of butterfly wonder. Held at Hilton Americas-Houston, the "Mariposa: Spread Your Wings" gala whisked attendees into a colorful garden party that was anything but ordinary.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jeff and Brooke Gunst; Wellesley and Geoff Fraser.

The April 5 gala transformed the ballroom into a springtime reverie, thanks to Bergner and Johnson's vision and décor. Think blooming branch trees, technicolor florals, and a swirling cascade of silver and vibrant butterflies overhead.

Houston Texans TV host Drew Dougherty emceed the evening, welcoming guests and thanking the night's generous sponsors before guests tucked into a carb-count-friendly feast. On stage, Breakthrough T1D Houston board president Travis Lauritsen and executive director Rick Byrd honored the late Leon Ullrich and spotlighted the organization’s latest wins. Chairs Kellie and Randy Johnson and their children shared their family's emotional journey with T1D before presenting honorees Erin and Chris Dyer alongside Ronda and Dan Feeney.

Adding a touch of inspiration, Patricia Wright received the Meredith and Fielding Cocke Visionary Award, lovingly presented by daughters Lindsay Wright Brett and Molly Wright.

The evening's silent and live auctions, curated by Jance and William Hagans and spirited along by auctioneer Johnny Holloway, featured everything from luxury trips to South Africa to a bourbon lover's dream collection. The night’s "Fund A Cure" moment, led by 2025 Fund A Cure Family Victoria and Chris Wright, sparked $1.7 million in research funding alone.

The Casino After Party, hosted by Liskow, saw guests testing their luck at poker and roulette, with bites from Frenchy's ensuring no one gambled on an empty stomach. The $2.5 million raised for the pursuit of improved treatments and a cure for Type 1 diabetes? That’s a sure bet.

Among the 650 spreading their wings were Fred Hagans, Rosalyn and Barry Margolis, Robert Biffle, Nelly and Blanton White, Patricia and Larry Wright, and Sue Sue and Don Aron, alongside a full slate of Breakthrough T1D board members.

fundraisers breakthrough t1d

Costume Party

Houston nonprofit raises $1 million at spooky Halloween party

Photo by Wilson Parish

Everyone danced at the afterparty.

Houston’s most philanthropic animal lovers traded pumpkin spice for paw prints at the fifth annual Howl-O-Ween Ball, hosted by Houston SPCA on October 24. More than 400 guests braved the moody magic of the Into the Haunted Forest-themed gala held at the Equine Rescue Arena on the William and Evelyn Griffin Campus for All Animals — a fitting venue for a night devoted to four-legged friends and festive fright.

Chaired by Annie Graham, Tommy Harper, and Tracy LeRoy, the event kicked off with a an energetic reception featuring a Halloween-chic crowd sipping cocktails, bidding big in the silent auction, and soaking up spooky sights. Think costumed stilt walkers, a musical trio, and a singing quartet that set the eerie-elegant tone. Emcee duties went to KHOU 11’s Ilona Carson, who kept the crowd howling (in a good way).

Guests took a haunting detour through the Equine Rescue Center to meet rehabilitated horses and hear their rescue tales before settling in for a three-course dinner. Theatre Under The Stars dancers dazzled with a bewitching welcome performance, paving the way for a live auction that conjured up serious funds. Top bids flew for luxe experiences like an owl and bald eagle release, a stay in Puerto Vallarta, and a black onyx and diamond necklace from de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry. Honorees Hershey Grace and Enterprise Mobility were recognized for their vital support.

The night wrapped with a fang-tastic after-party inside the Adoption Center, where DJ L Boogie spun beats while guests snacked on desserts, sipped spooky sips, and cuddled with adoptable puppies and kittens.

By the time the witching hour hit, the event had raised more than $1 million to support Houston SPCA’s programs, including cruelty investigations, wildlife rehabilitation, and emergency rescue.

In the wild were Bob Graham, Brandon Rottinghaus, Brian Smyth, Bruce and Marty Lundstrom, Carlos and Kandace G. Longoria, Cheryl Byington, Cindi Bohannon, Connie M. Bergen, Constable Alan Rosen, Dr. Roberta Westbrook, Ed McMahon, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Frank Billingsley, Jennifer Schechter Rosen, Judge Roberta Lloyd, Kevin Gilliard, L.D. Eckermann, Martha Seng, Patricia E. Mercer, Tricia Hika, and Zane and Brady Carruth.

Photo by Wilson Parish

Everyone danced at the afterparty.

fundraisers spca houston