Giving Season

Astros legend Jeff Bagwell helps Houston nonprofit raise $1 million

Anyone wondering when Houston officially shifts into holiday mode got their answer the moment guests stepped into the Hilton Americas for the Gift of Compassion Gala. Santa was already holding court for photos — naughty, nice, and everything in between — while a very committed Grinch lurked nearby, and a juggler on stilts made it clear this wasn’t going to be another beige ballroom night.

Salvation Army Gift of Compassion Gala 2025

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Brigitte Kalai, Maria Moncada, Deborah Duncan, and Alicia Smith.

Held November 10, the event pulled together supporters of The Salvation Army of Greater Houston to rally behind the organization’s year-round mission. Chaired by Deborah Duncan of KHOU’s Great Day Houston, the evening honored Jeff Bagwell as Community Honoree and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation, represented by June Deadrick, as Corporate Honoree. Red (read: Salvation Army red) washed the room, giving the whole evening a festive glow.

The program brought the crowd from holiday cheer straight into the heart of the nonprofit’s purpose. Three speakers — Connie Rankin, Skyler Gordan, and John Romaka — shared journeys that cut through the usual gala gloss. Homelessness to stability, addiction to recovery, at-risk to empowered: Each story landed with such sincerity that the room fell into complete silence. Their vulnerability was a reminder that the organization’s work is less about abstract “services” and more about transforming human lives.

Underwriters CenterPoint Foundation, Forney Construction (which underwrote the gala), HEB, Nathalie and Charles Roff, Porsche River Oaks, and others helped shape the night, which supported The Salvation Army’s essential programs — shelter, food access, youth development, rehabilitation, and disaster relief. By the end of the evening more than $1 million was raised.

CultureMap seen were Captain Jeremy and Michelle Walker, Holly and Tom Forney, Rachel Bagwell, Brigette Kalai, Alica Smith, Ghada Ali, Jane and Jim Wise, Jenny Elkins, Susan and Dick Stasney, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Lilly and Thurmon Andress, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, Dorothy Nicholson, Leslie and Jack Blanton, Alice and Risher Randall, John Romaka, Dr. Walter and Linda McReynolds, and Steve and Kate Gibson.

salvation army fundraisers

Party Watch

Scholarly Houston nonprofit brings big news to the polo field

Atlas Scholars Sunday for Scholars polo club 2025

Photo by Annie Mulligan

Nearly 200 people attended the event.

What: Sunday for Scholars

Where: Houston Polo Club

The Scoop: Sunday afternoons don’t usually come with a side of polo and philanthropic plot twists, but nearly 200 guests proved the exception at Atlas Scholars’ annual Sunday for Scholars fundraiser. Set against clear skies and manicured fields, the afternoon mixed casual elegance with Houston charm.

The gathering delivered more than just good vibes. Executive director Kamari Brewer dropped the headline moment of the day: Atlas Scholars is doubling its program. Beginning in 2026, the nonprofit will expand from serving 12 to 24 Scholars annually, a response to increasing demand after receiving more than 300 applications this year alone.

Between polo matches, guests circulated through a magazine-style photo booth, browsed the silent auction, and leaned into a competitive bingo fundraiser.

Alumni spotlights anchored the heart of the afternoon. Mai Pham, from the inaugural cohort, announced the creation of the Grit Award, a $1,000 scholarship for a graduating Scholar, while Rakesh Oberoi, class of 2014, shared how alumni now return each summer to mentor students through the program’s four-week institute.

The emotional peak came courtesy of Israel Garcia, an Atlas alum and MIT aerospace engineering sophomore, who reflected on finding his voice through the program, a full-circle moment that earned more than a few nods and misty eyes.

By day’s end, sponsorships, auctions, and paddle raises pushed the total past $300,000, funding scholarships, stipends, and Atlas Scholars’ expanding reach.

Who: Craig Taylor, Tejpal Singh, Mary Anne Brelinsky, Jack Miglioretti II, Rick Peña, Dylan Seff, and Zamir Rauf.

Photo by Annie Mulligan

Nearly 200 people attended the event.

fundraisers