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    No Barriers

    Brenham party bubbles over with support for Camp For All

    Joel Luks
    Oct 24, 2025 | 10:30 am

    Camp For All supporters gathered in Brenham on October 9 for a night that sparkled with purpose. The annual “Bubbles and Brews – A Toast For All” gala at the Fireman’s Training Center raised more than $500,000, setting a new record for the beloved nonprofit that empowers children and adults with challenging illnesses, disabilities, or special needs through barrier-free camp experiences.

    Guests were greeted with warm smiles, an uplifting atmosphere, and the comforting aromas of dinner prepared by local favorite Smitty’s Café and Bakery. The evening flowed with laughter, champagne toasts, and the steady rhythm of a crowd united by compassion.

    Among the night’s highlights was a moving speech from former camper Kenzie Kelley, who shared her journey of hope after a stage four cancer diagnosis. Her words — equal parts vulnerable and triumphant — reminded the nearly 400 attendees why the mission of Camp For All resonates deeply.

    “Every child and adult whose life will be changed because of your support,” Kelley told the crowd.”

    Pat Prior Sorrells, Camp For All president and CEO, praised the evening’s success and the leadership of gala co-chairs Karen Bunger and Ashley Gumbert. The gala also honored Marita and Robert Mikeska, longtime champions of Camp For All, for their decades of service.

    Bidding grew spirited during the auction, which featured weekend getaways, culinary adventures, and other exclusive experiences that fueled the record-breaking total.

    On the camp grounds were Julie Taetz, Jack Maddox, Laurie Bruce Maddox, Cathleen and Bob Davis, Linda O’Neal and Rob Rosenbaum, Michelle and Jonathan Zschech, Rod and Stacie Pitts, Sandi and Gary Appelt, and Tee and Sunny Dippel.

    Camp for All Bubbles and Brews

    Photo by James Pharaon Creative

    Linda O’Neal and Rob Rosenbaum.

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    Fiery Fête

    Houston’s bravest set the night aflame at the Red Hot Gala

    Joel Luks
    Oct 23, 2025 | 12:00 pm
    Houston fire fighters red hot gala 2025
    Photo by Catchlight Group
    Meet the models in the 2026 Houston Fire Fighters' calendar.

    It was a night where courage met couture as guests turned up the heat at the Houston Fire Fighters “Red Hot Gala,” celebrating its eighth anniversary at the Royal Sonesta Houston. Benefiting the Houston Professional Firefighters Charitable Foundation, the fiery fête honored Houston’s bravest while raising more than $500,000 before the first champagne cork even popped.

    Hosted by Patrick “Marty” Lancton and media maven Courtney Zavala, the evening balanced reverence with revelry, saluting everyday heroes in turnout gear instead of tuxedos.

    Gala chairs Elizabeth and Alan Stein led the charge, welcoming sponsors ExxonMobil’s Alvin Abraham, Bobbie Nau, and Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, along with dinner sponsor Edna Meyer-Nelson. The foundation’s 2025 Community Partner, United Airlines, received special recognition as Noemi Scantlebury accepted the award on behalf of the airline.

    A 12-foot faux bronze firefighter sculpture by artist Rodney Davis commanded attention, as did the crowd itself: A mix of gala glam and firehouse comfort. Some guests opted for sequined sparkle, while others kept it cool and casual. The program brimmed with emotion, especially during a video montage featuring firefighters waking up, saying goodbye to loved ones, and heading into uncertainty with quiet bravery. The room fell silent, then erupted in applause.

    Later, Elizabeth and Alan Stein were gifted personalized firefighter jackets before the heat truly rose during the 2026 Houston Firefighter Calendar reveal. For the fourth time, a female firefighter joined the lineup, and the crowd’s response was thunderous. Amid the cheers and flashes, the message remained clear: These men and women may look runway-ready, but they’re not entertainers.

    They’re heroes.

    The evening also featured a high-energy live auction led by Vincent Montalbano, with standout prizes including a Steak 48 dinner, United Polaris round-trip tickets, and a Snowmass adventure. Tony Bradfield of Tenenbaum Jewelers added sparkle with luxury drawings for Dom Pérignon and gift certificates up to $5,000.

    CultureMap seen were Pat Mann and Tim Phillips, Shantell and Brian Wischnewsky, Aimee and Jerry Bingham, Carolina Oliveira, Brigitte Kalai, Bill Baldwin, Jo Ann Petersen and Mike Taylor, Gaye Lynn and Stuart Zarrow, Dee and James Darby, Cynthia Wolff, Alicia Smith, Patti Murphy, Beth Muecke, Mayor John Whitmire, Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux, Carol and Bill Lawler, Tori and Ed DeCora, Houston Fire Chief Thomas Munoz, Commissioner Dawn Buckingham and Dr. Ed Buckingham, Robert Tijerina, Texas State Representative Lacy Hull, George Dodge, Allison and Jack Jensen, Betty and Daniel DuBose, Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook, Elyse Elsenbrook and Drew Tolson, Kate and Evan Elsenbrook, Michele and Youval Meicler, Joanna Marks, Lynden and Jacob Stein, Clay and Jay McKenna, Darrik Dillard, and Randi and Chris Boleman.

    Houston fire fighters red hot gala 2025

    Photo by Catchlight Group

    Meet the models in the 2026 Houston Fire Fighters' calendar.

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