Can-Can Glam

Victory Houston’s lavish Parisian bash brings in $1.8 million

Paris, anyone? Bien sûr que oui!

Photo by Jacob Power

Victory Houston transported more than 700 guests to Paris via 713 Music Hall for a glittery, Moulin Rouge-themed fundraiser that raised $1.8 million for cancer research and local initiatives.

Presented by Sonic Automotive, "A Night in Moulin Rouge" turned the downtown venue into a crimson-drenched cabaret, all under the chic orchestration of ball chairs Cissy Abel and Hallie Vanderhider, with decor by Let It Fly Events. Think crystal chandeliers, velvet draping, decorative windmills, and just enough feathers to make the Can-Can blush.

Cotton Culinary rolled out grazing stations stacked with artisanal cheeses, grilled vegetables, and charcuterie, alongside hearty options like beef tenderloin, pulled short rib tacos, and roasted corn tamales. Guests floated from tequila tastings to the glitter bar before placing bets at pop-up craps and blackjack tables, channeling their inner high rollers.

The real show, however, was the auction. Johnny Holloway led the charge with paddle-raising fervor, offering up an eclectic mix: A private dinner with Nobel Prize-winning immunotherapy pioneer Dr. James P. Allison, a VIP pass to a "Dancing with the Stars" taping, and a 19-carat London blue topaz necklace that found its forever home with high bidder Becky Edmondson. Jody Merritt nabbed an exclusive reception for 100 at Steak 48, while John and Bebe Falik scored matching 2025 Ford F-150 King Ranch trucks.

And because no swanky gala is complete without a puppy, Vanderhider adopted a nine-week-old Labrador from DogLab TX, charmingly named Jack.

Frank Billingsley emceed the night with wit, as Q The Band kept energy levels high on the dance floor. As guests departed, they were sent off with black quilted swag bags and late-night Chick-fil-A biscuits.

Among those in the crowd were Cyvia Wolff, Jo Ann Petersen and Mike Taylor, Diane Watson Cain, Lisa and Joel Bender, Susan Plank, Rob Dale, Maria Moncada-Alaoui, Jackie and Monty Eubank, Dr. Michael Taylor, Lisa and Sean McCoy, Joni and John Ballis, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Bill Baldwin and Fady Armanious, Elaine Finger, Betty and Jess Tutor, Sandra Burgess, Miriam Overton and Dr. Sujith Joseph, Tammy and Kim Norman, Davis Hance and Kittsie Klaes, Robin and Alex Brennan Martin, Khynnedi Wright, Lauren Smith Devadanam, Jim Jordan and Shawn Stephens, Danny Rolph, and Denise Monteleone.

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