Hearts of Gold

Celebrity hunting trip powers Houston kids charity’s record-breaking night

Sky High for Kids soared to new heights at its annual Sporting Clay Tournament and Better in Boots Gala, raising a record-breaking $1.6 million over two days of festivities dedicated to children battling cancer and other life-threatening conditions.

The action kicked off on March 27 at the Greater Houston Sports Club, where participants took aim at sporting clays in a lively tournament. Held in honor of the late Gary Price, whose passion helped launch Sky High's first Houston clay shoot in 2008, the day culminated in an awards ceremony featuring live music and Texas-worthy eats.

On March 28, the boots got shinier and the cause even closer to the heart as more than 500 guests donned Texan Cocktail attire and gathered at The Revaire for the Better in Boots Gala. Under twinkling lights and rustic-chic decor, the evening unfolded with a silent auction showcasing 49 enticing packages, followed by a seated dinner curated by A Fare Extraordinaire. A live auction offer 12 premium packages, including a hunting trip with Conroe-based country music star Parker McCollum that generated $300,000. Presenting sponsor JD Fields, honored as the Giavanna Sponsor, led the charge for the evening named in tribute to young cancer warriors.

Co-chairs Erica Parker and Lindsey Boatman were celebrated with a touching painting gifted by young fighter Payton. Emcee Taylor Sass kept emotions higher as he recognized guests of honor Iris and Danny Shaftel, with an address from Danny's father, Keith, "the original diamond man." The emotional centerpiece came when Kaelan Brennan, father of cancer warrior Hadley, shared a raw, personal story of their pediatric cancer journey, followed by a stirring Q&A between Sass and young fighter Demy.

The event also made history with the largest gathering of cancer warriors yet, as 10 families joined the celebration, putting faces and stories to the mission that fuels Sky High for Kids.

Among those in the crowd were Jay Fields, Leonard and Abbie Botello, Lolo Lester, Iris and Danny Shaftel, Keith Shaftel, Texas Mattress Makers owner Youval Meicler, and former Houston Texans running back David Johnson.

Photo by Quy Tran

Brittany Franklin, Iris Shaftel, Payton Angelle, Laura Angelle, and Danny Shaftel.

fundraisers sky high for kids

remembering richard flowers

Richard Flowers, mastermind behind Houston's $1 million galas, has died

Houston Ballet Ball Richard Flowers Lynn Wyatt

Photo by Michelle Watson

Richard Flowers with Lynn Wyatt ah the 2026 Houston Ballet Ball.

The man who planned some of Houston’s most fabulous parties has died. Richard Flowers, founder of The Events Company, passed away over the weekend. He was 75.

Part of Fertitta Entertainment, The Events Company executes a wide array celebrations, galas, fundraisers, corporate events, and other experiences. Flowers provided the vision for noteworthy happenings in Houston and beyond, such as the annual San Luis Salute and The Texas Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C.

“We relied on and appreciated Richard’s incredible creative talent across our entire portfolio from hotels to casinos and every special event the company staged for decades,” said Tilman Fertitta, the Houston billionaire owner of Fertitta Entertainment and current U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino, in a statement. “His masterful décor and production left an imprint on every signature event hosted at The Post Oak Hotel from unforgettable weddings to the grandest of galas.”

A native of San Antonio and an alumnus of the University of Texas, Flowers entered the energy business prior to founding The Events Company. He partnered with Fertitta Entertainment in 2003, which led to executing events across the United States, Europe, and Mexico.

Among his many achievements, Flowers created events for the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Alley Theatre, and Houston Ballet, which honored him at its 2026 gala. Overall, he’s helped Houston nonprofits raise millions.

“I’ve lost track of how many events I’ve attended shaped by Richard’s unmistakable touch,” CultureMap society contributor Joel Luks shares. “He saw the world as a canvas, one he transformed into moments of wonder, surprise, and joy. Philanthropy in Houston is stronger because of his generosity, creativity, and vision. And if you walked into a room and felt transported, chances are, it was because of him.”

Flowers earned a number of accolades during his career, including being named the “Ultimate Event Planner in Houston” by the Houston Chronicle and serving on Town & Country magazine’s Wedding Advisory Board. He served on numerous boards for local nonprofits, including the Houston Grand Opera.

Fertitta Entertainment shares that The Events Company will continue, guided by Flowers’ “creative legacy built on imagination, integrity, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.”

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