Photos by Samantha Jane Beatty
Styling by Todd Ramos
Model Jerry Raines for Neal Hamil Agency
Grooming by Briana Dai
Photography assistance by John Lewis
Styling assistance by Tyler Treadwell
Shot on location at The Barn at Four Pines Ranch in Crosby
CIS 2024 Gala Honorary Co-Chair Judy Tate, Co-Chair Lauren Brollier, Co-Chair Cassie Milam, Honorary Co-Chair Kirby McCool
Chaired by philanthropists Lauren and John Brollier and Cassie and John Milam, with honorary chairs Kirby and Scott McCool and Judy and Charles Tate, the magical evening supporting the valuable and impactful work of CIS of Houston begins at 6:30pm with a cocktail hour, then dinner and the program. Rounding out the event is live entertainment by the popular Houston-based band Klockwork. Guests can dance the night away, starting at 9pm.
The always diverse crowd makes for a dynamic event. Party-goers are encouraged to dress in “Wonderland Whimsy Cocktail” attire, with the goal of fun and festive. Cocktail attire is also a great option.
Don Friedell and emcee Lisa Malosky at a previous CIS Gala
Attendees at a previous CIS Gala
A full ballroom at a prior CIS Gala
CIS of Houston's Martha Montoya Sanchez with Northbrook High School seniors
CIS of Houston CEO Lisa Descant and CIS of Houston Dir. of Development Donna Watkins with CareSource Foundation
Special guest at the 45th Anniversary Gala is Rey Saldaña, President & CEO of Communities In Schools National in Arlington, VA. During the program, guests will view a powerful video about the life-changing work of CIS Houston, in addition to hearing heartwarming testimonials, bringing a personal touch to the evening.
Funds raised from A Night in Wonderland will support the CIS mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Currently serving 163 campuses across Greater Houston, CIS places at least one full-time CIS Student Support Manager on each partner campus to deliver comprehensive direct services including counseling, academic support and health and human services.
The chairs want to thank the event’s top-tier donors to date: Judy and Charles Tate; CenterPoint Energy; Sharon G. Dies; The Marie and James H. Galloway Foundation; Beth and Bob Gower; and Marathon Oil.
Tickets are going fast! They start at $500, and tables for 10 range from $5,000 through $50,000. Underwriting opportunities are still available.
Judy Tate (photo by Emily Jaschke)
Scott and Kirby McCool
Kit Detering, Cassie Milam, Carl Detering (photo by Jenny Antill)
Sharon G. Dies and Lauren Brollier
John & Amanda Taylor, Stephanie Willis, Jason Weddle
Hosted by Spindletop Community Impact Partners, the energy-industry event supports more than 40 different nonprofits in the area, mostly ones benefiting at-risk children and families. Executives from big-wig oil companies including ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Equinor, Murphy Oil Corporation and many others attended the milestone gala, which honored individuals Dominic Macklon, Terry Bono and Jordan Zaiser for their involvement in the industry and community.
The evening kicked off with the national anthem sung by Etoile Academy Charter Middle School students, and a dance performance courtesy of Ensemble Theatre Young Performers. Throughout the night, artist Fumi McFarland wowed guests with her mesmerizing sand art, and patrons supported a toy drive for Girls Inc. After bidding on silent auction items — deBoulle diamond earrings, Astros and Texans tickets, dinners at Tony's, The Marigold Club and Brasserie 19, and a hunting trip to the Patagonia region — attendees hit the dance floor.
The evening raised a whopping $1 million!
Ann Adamson, Warwick King, Keelan Adamson, Wendy King
Veronica Foley
Billy-Jo Lafortune, Lindsay Weddle, Pragati Mathur
Spindletop Women in STEM BAFTX Scholar Reagan Crow
Constance White Volunteer Service Award Recipient Jordan Zaiser with Lia Vallone, Lindsay Weddle & Bart Cahir
Chad & Cristina Williams
Seliece & Lee Womble
Ensemble Theatre Young Performers
Eric Everett, Richard & Julie Mercer, Kaitlin & Jordan Zaiser
Sara & Ryan Young, Kerry Sedge
Laura Miller, Evan & Stacy Powell
Roger & Jill Jenkins
Liam & Gill Mallon
National Anthem Singers from Etoile Academy Charter School
Luna Rey, Genevieve Carter
Maggie & Greg Sheridan