Never Alone

Standing ovations and support shine at Texas EquuSearch’s first gala

The inaugural “Lost Is Not Alone” gala proved that compassion still fills Houston’s heart and The Post Oak Hotel’s ballroom as locals gathered to celebrate 25 years of Texas EquuSearch.

Founded by Tim Miller in 2000 after the heartbreaking loss of his daughter Laura Miller, Texas EquuSearch has grown from a small horse-mounted team into a global volunteer force dedicated to finding missing loved ones and bringing closure to their families.

The emotional evening, emceed by Johnny Bravo, carried both gravitas and grace. Title Sponsor Gary Petersen opened the night by introducing honorary chairs Roger and Debbie Clemens (Roger’s son Kacy Clemens stood in for Debbie), Andre Johnson, and Dan Pastorini.

Each was greeted with loud cheers and a few trademark Houston whistles. Beautiful florals donated by H-E-B transformed the room into a warm, elegant space that mirrored the spirit of the evening.

The honorees — Roy Moffitt of Moffitt Services (award accepted by Ryan Moffitt), Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, and Robert Tijerina — were recognized for their deep commitment to Texas EquuSearch’s work.

Powerful moments punctuated the program: Tim Miller’s emotional remarks drew the evening’s first standing ovation, while fathers Thad Heartfield and Mike McCown brought the room to tears recounting their children’s stories from the Hill Country floods and the solace Texas EquuSearch offered in their darkest hours.

Guests bid enthusiastically during live and silent auctions, with a sports memorabilia package sparking spirited competition, overall raising an impressive $750,000 for the nonprofit’s mission.

The evening closed with a soulful performance by Sundance Head, The Voice winner and American Idol finalist, whose original song about the Hill Country floods left guests visibly moved.

On the scene were Dana and Blake Fertitta, Katie and Patrick Fertitta, Blayne Fertitta, Paige Fertitta, Ann and Ted Kergan, Aimee Snoots, Carin and Todd Barth, Gina and Dr. Devinder Bhatia, Larry Satterwhite, Laura Ward, Richard Tijerina, Pamela Morse, Samantha Kennedy, Jody Merritt, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Michel Hoctor, Paula Goldstein, Debbye Crofoot, Kim and Todd Nelms, Lori and JJ Isbell, Jennifer and Constable Alan Rosen, Christine and Steve Johnson, Linda and David Johnson, Mechelle Tran, Duke Ensell, Christine and Andy Kahan, Tom Butler and The Honorable Linda Garcia, Beth Holloway, Chief J. Noe Diaz and Sheila Diaz, Joy and Stewart Morris, and Shayna Andrews.

Photo by Jacob Power

Omar and Maria Moncada Alaoui.

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Pretty in Pink

Hoda Kotb brings the razzle dazzle to Houston hospital luncheon

Memorial Hermann Foundation Razzle Dazzle 2025

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Anne Neeson, Hoda Kotb, and Zhanna Golodryga.

When Emmy-winning journalist Hoda Kotb made her entrance at the Memorial Hermann Foundation’s 16th annual Razzle Dazzle Luncheon, she didn’t just walk in — she second-lined. Waving pink handkerchiefs and surrounded by a feathered flourish designed by luncheon co-founder Ann Cazalot, Kotb led a New Orleans–style parade through The Post Oak Hotel, setting a joyful tone for the philanthropic fête.

This high-energy tradition has long been one of Houston’s most beloved charity affairs, and this year’s edition hit all the right notes. The luncheon raised $1 million in support of breast cancer outreach, early detection, and care at Memorial Hermann, including the Bobetta C. Lindig Breast Care Center at Memorial City. The funds will provide 1,000 potentially life-saving mammograms for women who otherwise might not have access, an achievement that earned luncheon chair Zhanna Golodryga a well-deserved round of applause.

The spotlight also shone on honoree SheSpace, the empowering female-focused workspace and community hub co-founded by Stephanie Tsuru and Katie Tsuru. Stephanie Tsuru, a former luncheon co-chair herself, kept the momentum lively as she joined Kotb on stage for an intimate conversation that blended humor, heart, and a splash of Houston flair.

Kotb, ever the gifted storyteller, shared candid reflections on her career shift after leaving Today, along with new ventures like her podcast, book, and wellness app.

“No matter how old you are, it’s fun to be a beginner again,” she told the crowd, before adding a note on resilience: “You are stronger in the broken places.”

KTRK’s Samica Knight welcomed attendees and Meghan Leggett and Kathleen Perley offered touching remarks honoring their mother, past honoree Eileen Campbell. Between courses, Tony Bradfield of Tenenbaum Jewelers — a past honoree himself — added sparkle with a raffle of exquisite jewelry pieces.

Among those in pink spirit were Lisa Helfman, Stacey and Al Lindseth, Renee Ash, Laurie Lashier, Gretchen Sheirr, Nina and Edd Hendee, Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, Angie Matula, Melissa Juneau, Courtney Meadows, and Dancie Ware.