Of all the hell that humanity has to endure, childhood cancer just might be the worst. These little souls don't ask for this scourge, but as a simple trip to places like Texas Children's Hospital or MD Anderson reminds, they're bravely fighting the good fight.
The ladies of Victory too have been fighting this good fight. Since 1987, the women-founded nonprofit has raised more than $60 million dollars for cancer research and initiatives across the United States. Now, the local, all-volunteer chapter Victory Houston, Inc., will throw an energetic bash to bash childhood cancer. A noble effort, indeed.
This year's inaugural Victory Rally Ballwill be held Saturday, April 29 at 713 Music Hall in the red- hot downtown destination Post Houston. Chaired by trio Elizabeth Fulghum, Melissa Hobbs, and Stephanie Morris, the energetic night is a true rally: Expect an all-out party, with live music by all-out party band favorites Yacht Rock Revue and Disco Expressions.
A tasty dinner comes courtesy of Churrascos with friendly weatherman/respected meteorologist Frank Billingsley serving as the night's emcee. Get your Vegas on with casino-style gaming, plus spirited fun with wine, whiskey and tequila pulls. Connoisseurs are sure to enjoy the tequila and whiskey tastings.
Then comes the “Blaze for a Cure,” where local showman/auctioneer Johnny Bravo will hype the crowd in a fast-paced live auction. Up for grabs: a Ford F-150 Truck courtesy of Sonic Automotive, a hunt to South America, elegant jewelry, experiential dinners and cocktail parties and vacation getaways to Deer Valley.
More auction items include enviable dinners and hotel stays, a trip to Vail, a diamond and sapphire necklace, plus tickets to sporting events among other items, according to the organization. Rock star milliner/hat maven Teressa Foglia has also donated to the cause.
Surely to be a lively party, the Rally Ball is deeply personal for the co-chairs. “Cancer has affected me personally, as well as others in my immediate family and close friends,” said Fulghum, in a statement about the event. “A cancer diagnosis is incredibly scary; it derails your life and affects everyone around you. It is particularly devastating when it affects your child. Victory Houston, Inc. will be donating all proceeds raised at the Victory Rally Ball to pediatric cancer research and services for underserved communities keeping all funds in the local Houston area.”
Co-chair Hobbs adds that she's grateful to chair the event with her two dear friends. “The cancer fight that so many of my friends and family have endured, has motivated me to do what I can,” she says. “My wonderful father-in-law, Bill Hobbs, lost his battle with brain cancer from a glioblastoma in 2021. Our family so wishes we would have had more time with him! My hope is that the money we raise will help make an impact to find treatments and cures so families can give loved one’s extra days, months, and years of hugs.”
Morris, meanwhile, has been greatly affected personally by cancer, hence her drive to raise funds and awareness. “Like most people," she says, “I have lost loved ones to this terrible disease including both my father and stepfather who died a few weeks ago in January. Working tirelessly in the fight against cancer is what drives me as a human being, so I am blessed to have had the opportunity to volunteer with Victory for the last 23 years. Since our recent re-organization as Victory Houston, Inc., we are now an all-volunteer group with no office space or staff. This dedicated group of ladies is committed to making a difference in the lives of other people by raising the most amount of money at the least cost to fund cancer research and initiatives in the local Houston area. This year, it has been amazing to watch our group rally together to create a new fundraising event, the Victory Rally Ball. We hope that you will join us while we will raise money, eat, drink, and dance the night away.”
Table sponsorships and poignant dedications like a Tribute Wall donations are still available. The party kicks off at 6:30 pm at 713 Music Hall at Post Houston (401 Franklin St.).
For more information on the party at Victory Houston, visit the official site.
