Jackpot! Casino-Themed Cocktail Bash Raises Nearly $700K for Ronald McDonald House

Daniel Ortiz and Dave Rossman
Jackpot! Casino-Themed Cocktail Bash Raises Nearly $700K for Ronald McDonald House

JB and Bridget Brennan, Chelsea Partain and Ryan Haney

MORE THAN 300 charitable Houstonians decided to roll the dice and go all-in for Ronald McDonald House last week — and, it turns out, hit the jackpot on fantastic weather to boot! The open-air Bayou City Events Pavilion was the perfect setting for the cocktail fundraiser, which garnered nearly $700,000 thanks to casino games and an auction.


The evening honored supporters Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook for their contributions to Ronald McDonald House Houston, which provides housing and other amenities for families with children who are long-term and critically ill patients of the Med Center.

Crowd-fave activities included a bourbon pull, Quarter Slots raffle, and a rare-whiskey tasting hosted by hospitality exec Sean Beck.

Cyndy Garza Roberts and Hallie Vanderhider

Damien Taylor , Beverly Welch, and Hannah and Paul Wolfert

Bill LeSage, Ozzie Bauer, Greg Smith and Dave Smith

Madeleine and Larry Hanrahan

Sarah and Aaron Stai

Lee and Seliece Womble

Pooja and Chirag Amin

Chairs Debbie Bauer and Karen Smith

Deanna Barton, Karen Thompson, Maria Bush and Paige Fertitta

Brian and Katie Patterson

Parties
Our Favorite Restaurants Now!

Gulf Red Snapper at The Annie

These CityBook partners are among the best eateries in the most deliciously diverse city.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Duck N Bao's bento boxes are part of Dine Out Rice Village

HOUSTON'S EVER-GENEROUS restaurant scene is already at it in 2025. Here are three ways foodies can dig in, raise a glass, and support important causes in January.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

CHANGE IS A good thing, and with the start of a new year, I always like to reflect on how far I've come and start fresh by setting self-care goals for the coming months. Personal growth is a passion for me, and also something I enjoy. Guiding a business through growth and change is also one of my passions, so I am very pleased to announce that Escape Spa is going to be expanding in 2025! We’re honored that we’ve built such a loyal following since opening in Cypress in July of 2022, and we’re thrilled to be in a position to grow our wellness and recovery sanctuary just outside of Houston.

Keep Reading Show less