Paws Up

Houston nonprofit's 'Howl-O-Ween' ball fetches $1.2 million for animals

Who let the dogs out?

At the Houston SPCA’s sixth annual Howl-O-Ween Ball on October 23, the answer was everyone.

Chaired by Grace and George Lane, the Halloween fête transformed the Equine Rescue Arena on the William and Evelyn Griffin Campus for All Animals into an enchanted setting of lush greenery and dramatic lighting. Actor Dennis Quaid and his English bulldog, Peaches, served as honorary chairs, while emcee Deborah Duncan kept the festivities moving. Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen received the evening’s honors.

Costumed revelers mingled over cocktails, visited rehabilitated horses, and perused a silent auction featuring an $8,000 pink diamond necklace. Stilt walkers, a strolling singing trio, and The Doppelgangers supplied the entertainment, while auctioneer Johnny Bravo coaxed bids for everything from an owl release to a Hunt Slonem original. A spirited “Paws Up” appeal brought the mission home.

The night ended with desserts, specialty cocktails, and some irresistible puppy-and-kitten cuddles at the Adoption Center. The tail-wagging affair drew 459 guests and raised $1.2 million for animal rescue, rehabilitation, and protection.

Spotted were Zane and Brady Carruth, Patricia E. Mercer, Frank Billingsley and Kevin Gilliard, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Hershey Grace, Michelle Mantor, Kandace G. Longoria, Amy Hoechstetter, Roberta Lloyd, Don McWilliams, Tommy Harper, Tracy LeRoy, L.D. Eckermann, Connie M. Bergen, Bob and Annie Graham, Amy Gould, Fady Armanious, Joanna Marks, and Jeff and Heather Firestone.

Photo by Wilson Parish Photography

Dennis Quaid and Peaches.

fundraisers spca houston

Plenty to Cheer

Rice Athletics supporters give a hoot at spirited River Oaks soirée

Photo by Jeff Fitlow

Meghan and Ben Westcott, Willis T. Wilson, Jr. and Vicki Wilson.

Who gives a hoot? Rice University supporters, that’s who. And they had plenty to cheer about as An Evening for Rice’s Honour brought Owl pride to River Oaks Country Club on September 30.

Photo by Jeff Fitlow

Meghan and Ben Westcott, Willis T. Wilson, Jr. and Vicki Wilson.

The Rice Marching Owl Band, affectionately known as the MOB, and Rice cheerleaders welcomed guests with a spirited reception. Chairs Cynthia and Bucky Allshouse, alongside honorary chairs Walter and Linda McReynolds, led the biennial celebration benefiting Rice Athletics.

The tradition honors those whose dedication keeps the Owls soaring. Board of Trustees Chair Robert Ladd, and Eric George, the Distinguished Owl Club Awards recognized Elle and Clarke Anderson, Brian Patterson, the late Karen Hess Rogers, Ben Westcott, and Willis T. Wilson Jr. Rice President Reginald DesRoches delivered closing remarks.

More than 300 guests attended the celebration, which has generated nearly $7.5 million over the years for athletic scholarships, special projects, and Rice Athletics initiatives.

Flying the blue-and-gray flag were Paula DesRoches, Georgiana Ladd, Melinda Spaulding Chevalier, Jen and J.C. Kneale, Bobby and Phoebe Tudor, Anne Duncan, Jarett Dillard, Jon and Merritt Marinelli, Channing and Chance Allshouse, Molly and Jim Crownover, Barbara and David Gibbs, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, and Nicole and William Hepner.

fundraisers rice university