grand slam

Astros Kyle Tucker, Jose Altuve, and Josh Hader team up for charity

In a night filled with Houston pride and charitable spirit, Astros heavy hitters Kyle Tucker, José Altuve, and Josh Hader stepped up to the plate on Sept. 9 to host a star-studded event at the Post Oak Hotel. The trio turned a charitable evening into a grand slam for local causes, benefiting children, animals, and the Houston community.

The event featured live and silent auctions, a champagne wall, and some of Houston's finest. Tucker—the Astros' right fielder and current Roberto Clemente nominee—teamed up with Altuve and Hader to champion their respective foundations, raising a still-climbing total expected to surpass last year’s record of $600,000.

The big-league charity night had a lineup that would make any Astros fan cheer. Teammates like Ryan Pressly and Mauricio Dubon rallied in support, while emcees Julia Morales and Johnny Holloway kept the energy high. A hot-ticket auction item—a private catered dinner with Tucker, Altuve, and Hader — had bids swinging for the fences. Custom artwork honoring the Astros by local artist Skel and signed by legends like Craig Biggio added to the night's excitement.

Guests also had the chance to score big by throwing out the first pitch at an Astros game or sitting in the coveted Diamond Club seats. The event brought awareness to the Astros' charitable foundations, with Tucker’s support for hospice care, Altuve’s efforts through the Sunshine Kids Foundation, and Hader’s work with foster care organizations, including Covenant House and B.E.A.R. Adding to the night’s heart-tugging moments, puppies from local animal shelters were available for adoption, courtesy of the Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation’s commitment to pet rescue.

In the dugout and among the 550-plus teammates were Whitney and Jim Crane, Adrienne and Jared Crane, Samantha Scott, Kat Pressly, Nancy Herrara Dubon, Maria Hader, Dana Brown, Joe Espada, Lisa Helfman and Lee Haverman, Joe Casiano, Cherie and John Lindley, Jenna Lindley, Shelli and Steve Lindley, Matthew Lindley, Randy Bates, Shelley and Lee Boyer, Julie Friedman, Nick and Kristin Johnson, Lori Schultz, John Hohlt and Lindsey Leigh Hohlt, Donna and Norman Lewis, Jennifer and Scott Allison, Julie and Stephen Chen, Courtney and Zac Harmon, Michelle and Chris Durham, and Beth Wolff.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Mauricio and Nancy Dubon.

fundraisers houston-astros

Hunger Ends Here

Culinary stars shine at Houston Food Bank's 25th annual chefs’ dinner

Photo by Emily Jaschke

Hugo Ortega, Marcos Juarez, Brandon Wilhelm, Marie Riddle, Evelyn Garcia, and Aaron Bludorn.

In a city that knows good food and good hearts, the Houston Food Bank’s 25th Annual Chefs’ Dinner proved that the two pair perfectly. Held on May 6 at the Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District, this year’s silver-anniversary soirée brought together a stylish crowd of philanthropists, food lovers, and culinary icons for an unforgettable night of fine dining.

The annual benefit raised $520,000, enough to provide 1.56 million meals to individuals and families across the food bank’s 8-county service area.

That’s not just dinner — it’s a lifeline.

Guests indulged in a five-course wine dinner crafted by a dream team of Houston chefs. Hugo Ortega of H Town Restaurant Group brought his James Beard-winning magic to the mix, joined by Marcos Juarez of Hidden Omakase and Austin Simmons, Brandon Wilhelm of Hotel ZaZa, Evelyn Garcia of Jūn and Kin HTX, and a tag-team effort from Marie Riddle and Aaron Bludorn of Bludorn. With talent like that in the kitchen, attendees knew they were in for a culinary experience.

In addition to the gastronomic glam, the night served up heartfelt honors.

The Keegan Family received the Barbara Falik Humanitarian Award, a touching tribute to their longtime commitment to hunger relief—an effort deeply inspired by the late Mary Barden Keegan, whose legacy continues to nourish the mission of the Houston Food Bank. The event also paid tribute to Jim Mills, co-founder of the chefs’ dinner, recognizing his vision and dedication in helping this now-beloved event reach its 25-year milestone.

Barbara and Steve Retzloff served as event chairs with support of a host committee composed of Jennifer and Tadd Tellepsen, Marci Rosenberg and Ben Samuels, Melissa and Bob Duran, Teresa and Jose Ivo, Jeff and Michelle Dodson, Holly and Jim Baker, Lee and Virginia Lahourcade, and Doe and Henry Florsheim. Among those in the crowd were Colleen and Michael B. Keegan, and Councilmember Twila Carter.

Photo by Emily Jaschke

Hugo Ortega, Marcos Juarez, Brandon Wilhelm, Marie Riddle, Evelyn Garcia, and Aaron Bludorn.

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