paw-sitive vibes

Texas country star Pat Green goes to the dogs at $1 million PetSet gala

The tail-wagging festivities at the 2024 Fierce and Fabulous Soirée offered a night filled with country twang, stylish boots, and plenty of heart at the Post Oak Hotel. Held on Friday, September 6, the event celebrated two decades of Houston PetSet's work to combat the city's homeless animal crisis.

Texas country artist Pat Green, known for his love of animals and electric live performances, stirred the crowd with his music before turning auctioneer. His biggest offer? A private concert that had donors barking for more. From tickets to Paris Fashion Week to glam jewelry, partygoers weren’t shy about putting their paws in the air for the sake of four-legged friends.

The lively Deborah Duncan of Great Day Houston brought her signature enthusiasm to the mic as emcee, keeping the energy high. Duncan introduced a pack of honorees — the 20 for 20, a group of dedicated animal welfare champions who’ve been instrumental in Houston PetSet’s efforts. With their help, the organization has made a big dent in reducing the number of homeless animals roaming the streets.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Houston PetSet party without a luxury silent auction. Animal lovers perused the display of designer handbags, fine jewelry, and family experiences. Co-presidents and event co-chairs Tena Lundquist Faust and Tama Lundquist were at the center of the bidding merriment, winning items and celebrating alongside their supporters as the evening came to a close.

The lively throng of 450 animal-lovers carried on throughout the night, raising more than $1 million and hitting all the right notes for the city’s homeless pets. Sponsors included iTouch Diamonds, de Boulle, Par Avion Ltd., Faust Distributing, River Oaks District, and Van Cleef and Arpels.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kristina and Ross Davidson.

Roaming the ballroom were Jan Duncan, Sidney Faust, Hershey Grace, Trini Mendenhall Royalty, Karen Winston, Alicia Smith, Courtney Hopson, Jamie and John Sparacino, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Joan Huffman, Tyson Faust, Elsie Eckert, Sandra Smith Cooper, Sippi Khurana, Christine and Mike Wicks, and Dan Faust

fundraisers pat green

Winter Dreamscape

Houston nonprofit toasts 35 years with festive North Pole fundraiser

Photo by Al Torres Photography

Anna Katherine Spencer, Holly Colon, Leah Fourmy, Kellie Brumbaugh, Talbott Shaw, Ashley Boyd, and Blaire Johnson.

If you listened closely, you could almost hear sleigh bells at the Four Seasons Houston, where Trees of Hope transformed a classic ballroom into a wintery dreamscape for its 35th anniversary gala. Themed “Hope Guides the Way – A Journey to the North Pole,” the beloved black-tie affair blended holiday magic with philanthropy, raising $631,000 to benefit the Children’s Critical Care Fund at Star of Hope.

The evening chaired by Lisa Battaglia and Joel Thompson, with support from a roomful of Houston’s big-hearted changemakers, doubled as a tribute to the nonprofit’s Life and Advisory Board Members, those behind-the-scenes elves who’ve powered Trees of Hope’s mission for decades.

Emcee Logan Thomas of Money for the Cause kept the energy high as guests sipped cocktails and sized up the main attraction: A holiday auction packed with eye-catching prizes. Think twinkling Christmas trees curated like runway models, including two donated by CrafTex, alongside baubles from Diamonds Direct, exclusive getaways, and original artwork. Yes, Santa himself made an appearance, lending extra jolly to an evening already brimming with cheer.

“We are honored to support Star of Hope’s Children’s Critical Care Fund and proud to mark 35 years of Trees of Hope making a difference,” said Lisa Barth, Trees of Hope president. That legacy is no small feat. The organization has gifted more than $11.9 million over the years, helping Houston’s most vulnerable children and families find light during dark times.

This year’s proceeds will fund critical programs at Star of Hope, Houston’s longest-standing mission for the homeless, ensuring that kids in crisis have access to stability, support, and a better shot at the future.

Seen on the scene were Kellie and Lee Brumbaugh, Carly West, Brooke Stuckey, Anna Katherine Spencer, Holly Colon, Leah Fourmy, Talbott Shaw, Ashley Boyd, Blaire Johnson, Trisha and Alex Figaro, Dena and Omar Musfy, April and Enrique Cruz, Carissa and Hans Barcus, Adrienne and Michael Suttle, Kory and Geoff Blum, Doug Meikle, Whitney and Andrew Touchstone, Sara Black, DeeDee Marsh, Kelly Boyd, Sara Jane Wilson, Alina Schrom, Donna Grehn, Emily Goolsby, Lesha Elsenbrook, Jo Ann Petersen, Nancy Walker, Andrea Dulany, and Kathrin Yokubaitis.

Photo by Al Torres Photography

Anna Katherine Spencer, Holly Colon, Leah Fourmy, Kellie Brumbaugh, Talbott Shaw, Ashley Boyd, and Blaire Johnson.

fundraisers trees of hope