A Night Among the Stars: St. Jude Gala Soars to $1.65 Million with Out-of-This-World Celebration

Jacob Powers and Priscilla Dickson
A Night Among the Stars: St. Jude Gala Soars to $1.65 Million with Out-of-This-World Celebration

SpaceX Crew - Scott Poteet, Sarah Gillis, Anna Memon, Jared Isaacman

STREAMERS FILLED THE air at the end of the night as 500 guests at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital gala celebrated raising a record $1.65 million.


Set against a celestial backdrop, the outer-space-themed gala launched with a cocktail reception that sparkled with star power. VIPs—including the Polaris Dawn space crew—mingled with St. Jude families and supporters while sipping the evening’s signature cocktail: the Miracle Mule, a shimmering purple twist on the classic.

After floating through a constellation of silent auction items, the crowd made their way into the ballroom at The Revaire for a program hosted by event chairs Erika and Neil Billingsley-Michaelsen. One of the night’s most moving moments came as Amal Zakhem Nassar was presented with the Mission Maker Award, lovingly introduced by her daughters, Natalia and Daniella.

Emotions continued to soar as Shane and Shari Anne took the stage to share the journey of their son, Slater, a St. Jude patient. Diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma at age 4, Slater’s odds were daunting—but thanks to therapies pioneered by St. Jude, his survival rate increased from 51% to an astounding 74%. As Slater and his brother Sawyer joined their parents on stage, the crowd was reminded exactly why they were there.

The lively auction included a Polaris Dawn jacket with St. Jude patient artwork and a space-flown flight tag selling for $30,000. A luxury watchmaking class for four, paired with an exclusive IWC timepiece, clocked in at another $30,000.

The celebration turned festive as the band Infinite Groove took the stage. The UH vs. Duke game was projected on two large screens and the second big cheers of the night erupted when the Cougars beat the Blue Devils.

George Zakhem and Amal Zakhem Nassar

Aliza Dutt, Laura Mafrige, Debbie Pakzaban

Steve Froelich

Sarah Pappas and Julia Wang

Neil & Erika Billingsley-Michaelsen

Norman Abdallah, Andy "Riggs" Riggle, Rea Foster and Joe Sauger

Dr. Tze Lyn Stephanie Tseeng & Brian Gallagher

Rea Foster, Matt & Ann McCabe

Suzy Godwin & Tamara Mannen

With Expertise in Blondes, Extensions and More, the Janelle Alexis Team Is a Go-To Salon

YOU CAN'T LIMIT Janelle to one title – Hairdresser. Her career and business has been established and built on a strong foundation. Using her two business degrees + one more in-process, this enables Janelle and the team to deliver not only a customer-focused experience, but a foundationally solid business. There is much more than meets the eye, and in sharing a little bit about Janelle, she was not only an international hair extension educator for over 14 years, but brings extensive expertise to blondes. She rounds this out with her previously launched namesake cosmetic line, which is a perfect complement to her belief that “Beauty is our Business”.

Keep Reading Show less

Baber and Robart of The Well Pilates Studio

A NEW BOUTIQUE-fitness concept has sprung to life in West Houston. The Well Pilates Studio, founded by two Houstonians, opened this weekend on Memorial near Wilcrest, in the heart of a community noticeably lacking in studio-style gyms.

Keep Reading Show less
Style

JUN is hosting a special Lunar New Year dinner (photo by Luke Chang)

THE CHILLY WINTER months aren’t slowing Houston chefs down from hosting hot events. Grab some friends, your appetite and a calendar and plan on attending one of these fetes for foodies.

Keep Reading Show less
Food