Justin Yu, Chris Shepherd, Robert Del Grande and Hugo Ortega
Lainie Gordon and David Mincberg
Emily and Allen Capps and Ashley and Christian Nelly
The “Hear Our Voices” event, presented at River Oaks Country Club, featured live performances by Nashville singer-songwriters Phillip White, Mark Nesler, Leslie Satcher and Jenn Schott — all with No. 1 hits! Luke Morace also performed, and Johnny Bravo served at emcee.
Live auction items included “a one-of-a-kind guitar signed by many country music legends and handwritten lyrics from Rascal Flatts smash hit ‘I'm Moving On’,” notes a rep for Avondale. Paintings by Avondale House’s adult residents were also auctioned, along with two adorable white lab puppies from Dog Lab TX.
Emily and Allen Capps and Ashley and Christian Nelly chaired the event. Guests included Cadence Bank Chairman and CEO Dan Rollins, who accepted an award for the banks’s long support of Avondale House. Other guests included Rob and Amy Pierce, Greggory Burk, Nicole Davis, Craig and Jennifer Vaughn, Megan Hotze and Semmes Burns.
Per the nonprofit, Avondale House was established in 1976 by a group of parents of children with autism that recognized the vital need for high quality support and care for their children and others alike. From its humble beginnings in a residential section of Montrose, the organization has expanded to nearly eight acres near NRG Stadium. The facility is specifically designed to address the unique sensory, educational and developmental needs of folks with autism.
Amy and Rob Pierce
Avondale House CEO, Steve Vetrano and Cadence Bank Chairman and CEO, Dan Rollins
Craig and Jennifer Vaughn
Greggory Burk and Nicole Davis
Jay and Lisa Salitza
Megan Hotze and Semmes Burns
Sannam Warrender and Amy Pierce
Tim and Stacie Williamson and Dan and Becky Rollins
Robert & Amy Urquhart with Annie & Spencer Kerr
The "Enchanted Forest" evening included dinner and dancing under the stars, but kicked off at dusk with fine wine and views of the Arboretum's spring wildflowers. Clad in floral-inspired attire, the galagoers descended upon the Nature Center courtyard and lawn, greeted by chairs Annie and Spencer Kerr and Amy and Robert Urquhart.
The crowd applauded honorees Marilyn and Harry Kirk, longtime supporters of the Arboretum and its improvement projects over the years, as well as of conservation and nature education in general. After dinner and the silent auction, Infinite Groove took to the stage, and the party continued well into the night. In all, more than $500,000 was raised at this year's gala.
Jason, Meredith and Allyson Kinzel
Steve and Betty Newton and Andrea and Bill White
Bobbi & Jonathan Worbington
Sam & Mary Sommers Pyne
Charles Reynolds & Kelley Stair
Chris and Therese Odell
Nancy Greig and Debbie Markey
David & Katherine Andrew and Kent & Kristen Bayazitoglu
Megan & Joe Keefe
Jason and Stephanie Beauvais
Frank and Amanda Hauser
Marilyn & Harry Kirk
Leyton & Amy Woolf
