mikemcguff.com: The 22nd Annual Houston Children’s Charity Gala photos

Jan Carson, Dave Ward, Gina Gaston

HOUSTON, TX (February 16, 2019) – Houston Children’s Charity held its 22 nd Annual Gala at the stunning Post Oak Hotel in Uptown Houston on Friday, February 15, 2019.

BMW of West Houston and Momentum BMW Southwest returned as the Title Sponsors for an unprecedented 11 years of the event, which honored one of Houston’s most philanthropic duos, Jana and Richard Fant, for their continued generosity, compassion and devotion to support children in need.

In a surprise move, that even surprised Laura Ward, Jana and Richard challenged her to make a call for ‘wheelchair van’ donations that would each be matched by the Fant Foundation. Within moments, 5 vans were donated which were then matched by Jana and Richard, making that a total of 10 vans for the children of Houston!

When all was done and astounding $1.9 million had been added to the coffers for the children.

Approximately 650 guests arrived on the red carpet, received a red rose and enjoyed an energetic evening that is known to never disappoint. A signature libation created specifically for the evening added to the romance.

In the ballroom, Houston Media Icon Dave Ward opened the evening which he has done for the past 22 years and introduced his esteemed colleague Gina Gaston who served as the emcee. Guests enjoyed a five-star meal, created by Executive Chef Jean Luc Royere, before kicking off the night’s purpose of fundraising for Houston’s special children.

Following dinner, guests participated in exciting live and big board auctions. Sought-after items included a trip to the home plant of the BMW Group in Munich, Germany to pick out your 2019 all new M850i xDrive Coupe; Jeff Hanson Art, Dinner with Jeff Bagwell and Alex Bregman, A Scotch adventure in Scotland, and a road trip with the Rockets.

The excitement didn’t stop there! The highlight of the night was a live performance by the award-winning band STYX. Dance floor mania completed the evening.

GUESTS: Laura & Dave Ward; Maria Moncada Alaoui & Omar Alaoui; Veronica & Tommy Kuranoff; Jana & Richard Fant; Tony Buzbee; Rachel & Jeff Bagwell; Amy & Gary Becker; Melissa Juneau; Stephanie Fleck, Kristina & Paul Somerville; Edna Meyer-Nelson; John Johnson; Grant Guthrie; Trini Mendenhall; Sue Smith; Bobby Nau; Hallie Vanderhider; Margaret Alkek Williams.

PHOTO CREDIT: Michelle Watson, Catchlight Group
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