Horns Up High

Burnt orange spirit lights up Houston at Texas Exes scholarship gala

It was an elevated burnt orange night at River Oaks Country Club as more than 300 Longhorn faithful gathered for the Texas Exes Houston Chapter’s Longhorn Legacy Scholarship Gala on April 10. The evening’s honorees, Kisha Itkin, Jason Itkin, Tara Arnold, and Kurt Arnold, were celebrated for their generosity and spirited support of The University of Texas at Austin.

Photo by Wilson Parish

Luisa and Lucky Chopra.

Greeting guests at valet was none other than Bevo, the famed Longhorn steer and unofficial mascot. Inside, a sculpted ice bar featuring the honorees' names and the Longhorn logo in vibrant burnt orange wowed the crowd. Underwritten by Mike Lowenberg of Lowenberg Law Firm, the frosty centerpiece offered a fitting nod to the honorees’ indelible mark on UT’s legacy. Meanwhile, a UT Tower ice sculpture, framed by a festive balloon wall by Topped Off Co., provided yet another irresistible photo op.

Leading the evening’s program was Cyndy Garza Roberts, who kicked off festivities with a stirring video. Athletics director Chris Del Conte praised Jason Itkin and Kurt Arnoldfor their invaluable ideas and steadfast support, reinforcing the honorees’ impact beyond just philanthropy. Texas Exes Houston Chapter president Kyle Griffin and event chair Tawnya Bell also shared personal stories, with Bell's emotional scholarship journey underscoring the night’s purpose.

Personal testimonies from UT grads and scholarship recipients Janelle Chavez and Will Florer inspired more generosity, culminating in a $330,000 fundraising triumph. Houston City Council Member Sallie Alcorn capped off the tributes with a mayoral proclamation from Mayor John Whitmire, officially declaring April 10 as Kisha and Jason Itkin and Tara and Kurt Arnold Day in Houston.

In true Longhorn tradition, the evening closed with all guests standing, horns up, singing "The Eyes of Texas, a fitting finale to a night brimming with spirit.

Spotted were Chuck Harris, Brien Smith, Rick Harsch, June Deadrick, Brock Niezgoda and Meg Hayward, Jackie and Scott Freeman, Luisa and Dr. Lucky Chopra, Ginger Cearley, Erin and Nathan Phelps, Kristen Griffin, Adam Pulaski, Stephanie Wilcox, Catherine Campbell, Al Riddle, Lauren Riddle, Michele Leal and George Farah, Winell and Doug Herron, Kristen Cannon, Niki and James Lassiter, and Amy and Segev Zadok.

Mission Continues

Spirit of Spring Gala honors 30 years of healing and hope in Houston

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Ed Emmett and Adrian Garcia.

The ballroom at The Houstonian welcomed more than 400 guests gathered for the Spirit of Spring 30th Anniversary Gala, celebrating the enduring mission of The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC). The evening proved both a tribute to three decades of service and a forward-looking pledge, culminating in a fundraising total that exceeded expectations.

$Children\u2019s Assessment Center Gala 2025$

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Ed Emmett and Adrian Garcia.

Chaired by philanthropic duo Sam and Kasteena Parikh, the night began with a swirl of activity. A lively social hour offered a kaleidoscope of attractions — raffles, a photobooth, a caricature artist, and coveted wine and jewelry pulls — designed to loosen up wallets while lifting spirits. It was a lighthearted start to an evening rooted in something far more profound: the protection and healing of children affected by sexual abuse in Harris County.

Former sports broadcaster Lisa Malosky emceed the program, guiding the audience through stirring testimonials and community honors. More than 20 individuals and partner organizations were spotlighted for their unwavering support of The CAC’s work over the past 30 years, a testament to the collaborative muscle it takes to protect the most vulnerable.

“We are grateful to our dedicated community partners and individual supporters for their unwavering belief in our mission, collaboration and support of our services,” said Kerry McCracken, executive director. “Our vital work can only be sustained through the generosity of all those who deeply care about the children and families we serve. With their help, we can continue to bring hope to children who have experienced sexual abuse in Houston.”

In attendance were Russell and Glenda Gordy, Christopher DeClaire, Elaine Stolte, Honorable Ed Emmett, Ken and Kathy Wells, Lisa Helfman and Lee Haverman, Mike Lowenberg, Rob Wilson, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Adrian Garcia, Joan Huffman, Teneshia Hudspeth, Honorable Ted Poe, Honorable Julian Ramirez, Honorable Bruce Bain, Kieth Seaous, Brady Crosswell, Adam Peters, and David Key.

fundraisers children's assessment center