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

Reyna Group Owner Leads Real Estate Market with Passion and Excellence

MICHELLE REYNA WYMES, a distinguished name in the Houston real estate market, is the owner of the successful boutique brokerage, Reyna Group. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Michelle has deep-rooted connections to the community she serves with dedication and pride.

Keep Reading Show less

AN ICONIC RESTAURANT space on West Gray, once home to La Griglia and a hopping patio scene, will soon be vivacious once again. In March, Goode Company will opens the fourth outpost of its popular Tex-Mex spot Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina on West Gray at McDuffie.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

MUTINY WINE ROOM in the Heights is celebrating five years with a bash this month. Opening just months before the pandemic, the tasting-room-style bar and restaurant is run by Emily Trout and Mark Ellenberger, who also own Kagan Cellars in Napa Valley.

Keep Reading Show less
Food