Mum's the Word! Inside ‘Barrier-Free’ Summer Camp’s Million-Dollar High School Heyday

Mum's the Word! Inside ‘Barrier-Free’ Summer Camp’s Million-Dollar High School Heyday

Ginger Bertrand, Susan Walker, Sherwin Gill and Pat Prior Sorrells

THE JOYS OF summer camp are the makings of childhood memories, and contribute to a sense of self-worth and confidence — a fact that is doubly true for those who attend Camp For All, a Houston nonprofit that runs a “barrier-free” camp for children and adults with special needs in the Hill Country town of Burton.


More than 500 supporters, decked out in nostalgic high school-themed attire, attended Camp For All’s “Homecoming” gala at The Revaire. The evening, emceed by Emmy-winning journalist Richelle Carey, included a live auction and remarks by Andrew Simms of The Arc of Greater Houston, who discussed his experiences living with autism and how transformative an experience like Camp For All can be.

The gala also honored Laurie and Jack Maddox, who were dubbed the Homecoming Queen and King thanks to their ongoing support of the organization, and included rousing entertainment by Plush Party Band. The night garnered an impressive $1.1 million.

This year, Camp For All will once again welcome around 10,000 campers — who attend for free! — to its 206-acre site, where a roster of favorite camp activities and a compassionate staff await.

Jack and Laurie Maddox

Gary and Cindy Gerson

Heath and Jennifer Sechrist

Toni Miller, Allison Leibman and Jennifer Zach

Les and Vaughn Clark and John Hastings

Susan Wilson and Barbie Hermis

Louis and Marilyn Mogas

Melinda and Matt Mogas

Stacy and Rickie Duke

Mike and Diann Lewter, Mandy and Philip LeBlanc

Stacie and Rod Pitts

Roman and April McIntosh

Parties
Fall Philanthropy Report: Be An Angel Improves Quality of Life for Children with Special Needs

What year was your organization launched? 1986 by a small group of committee community members that believed special needs children were not receiving basic life services.

Keep Reading Show less

John Bryan, Mary Jon Bryan, Billy Bob Thornton, J.P. Bryan

MORE THAN 500 guests gathered in Galveston for the Bryan Museum Gala, an evening that celebrated both the 10th anniversary of the museum and some of the most influential names in Texas oil and gas. Titled the Wildcatters Gala, the event honored Ernie H. Cockrell, Mary Ralph Lowe, Trevor Rees-Jones and the families of Eddy C. Scurlock and R.E. “Bob” Smith — all recognized for their legacy of leadership and philanthropy in the industry.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Chairs Elia and Michael Gabbanelli

ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER sold-out Wine Dinner and Collector's Auction for the Houston Symphony. This year's event was chaired by Elia and Michael Gabbanelli, and raised more than $900,000 for the Symphony's education and community programs.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment