The 37th annual gala took over the fourth floor of the Hilton-Americas hotel Downtown, where more than 800 guests gathered for the "Neon Lights and Bayou Nights"-themed event. Chairs Robin Klaes, Janette Marx and Stephen Toups, the night was bright, indeed! There were pig races; a wine, whiskey and spirits pull; a hat bar from The Hat Chick; and tons of Texas-themed bites, naturally.
In addition to an exciting raffle — which featured five sweepstakes packages! — the live auction made serious waves. Beck & Masten Buick GMC donated two (two!) 2024 GMC Hummer EVs, and each one went for $130,000.
The funds raised go not only to cancer research, but also to programs dedicated to helping patients and their families navigate the diagnosis and treatment, which is often costly and emotionally draining. For example, Hope Lodge is a place where patients can stay at no cost to them for the duration of treatment. Abbigail Guana has been a resident there since May, and sent a video message emphasizing the importance of access to care. After that, a special paddle raise took place, and names of those who donate $1,000 or more during the event will be commemorated on a special plaque accompanying a custom piece of art by Taft McWhorter.
The evening's musical entertainment was dynamic, with Demola the Violinist welcoming galagoers with electric-violin versions of country hits. And country hitmakers Easton Corbin and Roger Creager got everyone out on the dance floor!
Ben and Maureen Lucas
Tricia Verbois, Jill Watson, Karen Remington
Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman
Brian and Nora Jarrard
Thomas Roberts and Cyndy Garza Roberts
Casidy and Patricia Welch
Tany and Chaz Klaes
Davis Hance and Kittsie Klaes
Steve and Paula Winter, Cyndy Garza Roberts and Thomas Roberts
Easton Corbin
Stephen Toups, Robin Klaes, Easton Corbin and Janette Marx
Jennifer Champion and Kevin Scroggins
Stephanie and Frank Tsuru
Jenny and Matt Todd
Pete and Jana Delongchamps
Joey Delongchamps, Danny Klaes and Michael Deis
Johnny Bravo
Mike and Teresa Cook, Erin and Andrew Kramer
Riggs, Chita Craft and Ron Trevino
Joi Lecznar, Robin Klaes, Dana Miller
Jonathan and Ann Ayres, Valerie and Tracy Dietrich
Marilu Garza and Leila Perrin
Judy Labrasca, Heather Holmes, Mary Stone
Maegan Toups, Carson Joachim
Katie and Seth Tsuru
Landon and Brenna Agabaldon
Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman and Shavonnah Roberts
Nancy and Mauricio Dubon
José Altuve, Kyle Tucker and Josh Hader hosted the event — attended by many of their teammates and more than 500 other guests — at Post Oak Hotel and won big for their charities. Tucker supports Hospice care organizations, while Altuve's foundation donates to several groups, including the Sunshine Kids Foundation. And Hader backs foster-care nonprofits like Covenant House and Be a Resource (B.E.A.R.). The Lance McCullers, Jr. Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for pet rescue and adoption groups, also received proceeds from the party.
This year's Team Up bash was more of an expo-style soiree, with an entrance flanked by Rolls Royce and Bentley vehicles and a towering Champagne Wall. With an open bar courtesy of Maven — which is also co-owned by Astros players — and stations serving bites from some of the best restaurants in town, the party was a hit. And who wouldn't want to pet the precious puppies who are up for adoption? Reps from local nonprofits brought their furry friends to promote the cause.
But add in a raucous live auction emceed by Johnny Holloway and touting all-star prizes, and it's no wonder that the Team Up fundraising record of $600,000 was topped! One of the most sought-after items was a private catered dinner with hosts Tucker, Altuve and Hader; the trio also donated autographed gear and custom art created by Skel and signed by the players. There was also the chance to throw the first pitch at a game, and to sit in owner Jim Crane's personal Diamond Club seats to cheer on the 'Stros.
Adonis Braithwaite and Jose Altuve
Josh and Maria Hader
Trevor and Emily Finnan
Audrey White, Kathy DeLamora and Julie Chen
Tammy and Tim Andreas
Brian Ching and Lindsey Yates
Susan and Mike Plank
Courtney McKinney and Samantha Tucker
Shooting Stars dancers
Craig Biggio
Shelli Lindley, Jenna Lindley, Adonis Braithwaite, Steve Lindley, Amber Braithwaite
Emily George, Lindsey Leigh, Natalie Jobe
Sam and Kyle Tucker
Eugene and Caroline Zhadanov
Rita Shuma, Marian Harper and Jennifer Wisler
Garrett and Jayne Johnston, Jennifer and Scott Allison
Peter and Helen Crain
Jim and Whitney Crane
Nick and Kristin Johnson, Lori Schultz, John and Lindsey Leigh Hohlt
Joe and Pamela Espada
Nancy and Mauricio Dubon
John and Terri Havens
Morgan Bourque, Jasmine Wilcoxson
Kat and Ryan Pressly
Tootsies models
Katie MaGee, Samantha Tucker, Maria Hader, Lauren Whidden
Mike Lowenberg, Daphne and Stephen Savva
Kyle Tucker, Skel and Johnny Bravo
Michelle and Chris Durham
Matthew Lindley, Jayme Hunt, Peter and Helen Crain