Costume Party

Houston nonprofit raises $1 million at spooky Halloween party

Houston’s most philanthropic animal lovers traded pumpkin spice for paw prints at the fifth annual Howl-O-Ween Ball, hosted by Houston SPCA on October 24. More than 400 guests braved the moody magic of the Into the Haunted Forest-themed gala held at the Equine Rescue Arena on the William and Evelyn Griffin Campus for All Animals — a fitting venue for a night devoted to four-legged friends and festive fright.

Chaired by Annie Graham, Tommy Harper, and Tracy LeRoy, the event kicked off with a an energetic reception featuring a Halloween-chic crowd sipping cocktails, bidding big in the silent auction, and soaking up spooky sights. Think costumed stilt walkers, a musical trio, and a singing quartet that set the eerie-elegant tone. Emcee duties went to KHOU 11’s Ilona Carson, who kept the crowd howling (in a good way).

Guests took a haunting detour through the Equine Rescue Center to meet rehabilitated horses and hear their rescue tales before settling in for a three-course dinner. Theatre Under The Stars dancers dazzled with a bewitching welcome performance, paving the way for a live auction that conjured up serious funds. Top bids flew for luxe experiences like an owl and bald eagle release, a stay in Puerto Vallarta, and a black onyx and diamond necklace from de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry. Honorees Hershey Grace and Enterprise Mobility were recognized for their vital support.

The night wrapped with a fang-tastic after-party inside the Adoption Center, where DJ L Boogie spun beats while guests snacked on desserts, sipped spooky sips, and cuddled with adoptable puppies and kittens.

By the time the witching hour hit, the event had raised more than $1 million to support Houston SPCA’s programs, including cruelty investigations, wildlife rehabilitation, and emergency rescue.

In the wild were Bob Graham, Brandon Rottinghaus, Brian Smyth, Bruce and Marty Lundstrom, Carlos and Kandace G. Longoria, Cheryl Byington, Cindi Bohannon, Connie M. Bergen, Constable Alan Rosen, Dr. Roberta Westbrook, Ed McMahon, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Frank Billingsley, Jennifer Schechter Rosen, Judge Roberta Lloyd, Kevin Gilliard, L.D. Eckermann, Martha Seng, Patricia E. Mercer, Tricia Hika, and Zane and Brady Carruth.

Photo by Wilson Parish

Jim and Trisha Zucker.

fundraisers spca houston

Chic Medicine

Ambassadors pack Houston club for Texas Children’s Kangaroo Crew

Texas Children's Hospital Holiday Party 2025

Photo by Jenny Antill for Texas Children’s Hospital

Katie Dillon, Kelli Kickerillo, Todd Forrester, and Julia TenHoeve.

It was giving glamour and giving back.

More than 400 guests stepped into a nine-room wonderland as the Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital staged a full-blown, deck-the-halls takeover of members-only club Park House for their annual holiday fête. Chaired by Mary and John Steen, the evening raised spirits and awareness for Texas Children’s Kangaroo Crew, the elite medical transport team that might just give Santa’s sleigh a run for its money.

From the jump, the scene sparkled with oversized branded ornaments and a toy drive that set a festive, philanthropic tone. Each of the nine themed rooms offered a peek into the world of pediatric care, blending interactive workshops with unexpected touches, like editorial-style Vogue Vignettes and a tectonic plate simulation courtesy of the orthopedic crew. Who says medicine can’t be chic and competitive?

Guests grazed their way through a culinary passport of sushi, Italian bites, and tacos while learning about the hospital’s use of virtual reality to ease young patients’ anxiety. Memberships were even available on-site — tied to LEGO helicopter kits — as a nod to next year’s fundraising efforts.

Dr. Debra F. Sukin delivered heartfelt thanks before the dance floor lit up with a performance from Austin’s Down Hazy, whose members include former Texas Children’s patients.

Spotted spreading holiday cheer were Carolyn and David Anderson, Martha and Marc Carnes, Adoina and Kevin Cokinos, Megan Cushing, Heather and Kevin Faske, Ben and Jen Fink, Julie Friedman, Suzanne and Danny Grant, Erin and Boyd Heath, Lisa and Sanjay Kalavar, Kelli Kickerillo and Todd Forrester, Alice and J.W. Lodge, Tiffany Masterson, Kusum and Cody Patel, Ben and April Renberg, Carolyn Sabat, Dr. Lara Shekerdemian, Leah and Brice Simpson, Mary and John Steen, Alicia and Matthew Summers, Claudia and David Walkup, Dr. Huda Zoghbi, Shiela and Ron Hulme, Brooke and Scott Hutson.

Photo by Jenny Antill for Texas Children’s Hospital

Katie Dillon, Kelli Kickerillo, Todd Forrester, and Julia TenHoeve.

fundraisers texas children's hospital