Photos by Samantha Beatty
Models Alissa Sugawara and Kevin Mize for Neal Hamil Agency
Styling by Elizabeth Farrell
Hair by Zackery Chapa for Hue Salon
Makeup by Yeraldi Contreras for Arched Beauty
Photography Assistance by John Lewis
Styling Assistance by Greta Connolly and Natalie Abbott
The 37th annual gala took over the fourth floor of the Hilton-Americas hotel Downtown, where more than 800 guests gathered for the "Neon Lights and Bayou Nights"-themed event. Chairs Robin Klaes, Janette Marx and Stephen Toups, the night was bright, indeed! There were pig races; a wine, whiskey and spirits pull; a hat bar from The Hat Chick; and tons of Texas-themed bites, naturally.
In addition to an exciting raffle — which featured five sweepstakes packages! — the live auction made serious waves. Beck & Masten Buick GMC donated two (two!) 2024 GMC Hummer EVs, and each one went for $130,000.
The funds raised go not only to cancer research, but also to programs dedicated to helping patients and their families navigate the diagnosis and treatment, which is often costly and emotionally draining. For example, Hope Lodge is a place where patients can stay at no cost to them for the duration of treatment. Abbigail Guana has been a resident there since May, and sent a video message emphasizing the importance of access to care. After that, a special paddle raise took place, and names of those who donate $1,000 or more during the event will be commemorated on a special plaque accompanying a custom piece of art by Taft McWhorter.
The evening's musical entertainment was dynamic, with Demola the Violinist welcoming galagoers with electric-violin versions of country hits. And country hitmakers Easton Corbin and Roger Creager got everyone out on the dance floor!
Ben and Maureen Lucas
Tricia Verbois, Jill Watson, Karen Remington
Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman
Brian and Nora Jarrard
Thomas Roberts and Cyndy Garza Roberts
Casidy and Patricia Welch
Tany and Chaz Klaes
Davis Hance and Kittsie Klaes
Steve and Paula Winter, Cyndy Garza Roberts and Thomas Roberts
Easton Corbin
Stephen Toups, Robin Klaes, Easton Corbin and Janette Marx
Jennifer Champion and Kevin Scroggins
Stephanie and Frank Tsuru
Jenny and Matt Todd
Pete and Jana Delongchamps
Joey Delongchamps, Danny Klaes and Michael Deis
Johnny Bravo
Mike and Teresa Cook, Erin and Andrew Kramer
Riggs, Chita Craft and Ron Trevino
Joi Lecznar, Robin Klaes, Dana Miller
Jonathan and Ann Ayres, Valerie and Tracy Dietrich
Marilu Garza and Leila Perrin
Judy Labrasca, Heather Holmes, Mary Stone
Maegan Toups, Carson Joachim
Katie and Seth Tsuru
Landon and Brenna Agabaldon
Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman and Shavonnah Roberts
Dennis Quaid-autographed 'Gordo' guitar by Tra' Slaughter
These alarming statistics compelled the Houston nonprofit StellaNova Foundation, whose mission is to provide funding for local organizations that support mental health care, to partner with Guitars for Vets (G4V) as the beneficiary of the charity fundraising event “Operation: Stars, Stripes, and Strings.” The Foundation aims to raise $50,000 during “Operation: Stars, Stripes, and Strings” in support of activating G4V’s Houston chapter.
On Sept. 20, a collection of celebrity-autographed and artist-adorned guitars will be available online to purchase at three different donation levels. The donated instruments include autographed guitars from Alan Jackson, Paul Rodgers, Night Ranger, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds; a BuzzFest guitar signed by Bush, Godsmack, Live, Our Lady Peace and others; six guitars hand-painted with Houston artist Tra’ Slaughter’s interpretations of movie roles played by Houston Dennis Quaid, who autographed all of the guitars; and an acoustic guitar autographed by Latin Grammy winners Banda Los Recoditos.
Donors at other various levels can also purchase works by Houston artists Taft McWhorter, Joni Zavitsanos, and Deasa Turner. You can check out the guitars in person on Sept. 22 from 11-5pm at Christian’s Tailgate, and Sept. 28 at 1pm at Hardy & Nance Studios.
Founded in 2007, G4V provides veterans free in-person and online guitar instruction and a new acoustic guitar and guitar accessory kit through programs run by volunteers in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs health care systems and community-based outpatient clinics. The nonprofit organization operates more than 150 chapters across the nation with the help of over 1,000 volunteers. Thanks to the StellaNova Foundation, Houston veterans will soon benefit from these resources.
“The outpouring of support from the music industry and Houston’s arts community has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Doug Harris, Executive Director of the StellaNova Foundation. “It seems there are no ‘politics’ when it comes to helping our veterans and people have gone out of their way to get us what we need to engage donors.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Dennis Quaid-autographed 'Ronald Reagan' guitar by Tra' Slaughter
Deasa Turner's 'Barbie' guitar
Dennis Quaid-autographed 'Jerry Lee' guitar by Tra' Slaughter