In The News
Services we provided: Auctioneer
Partying With Yellowstone Stars, Astros’ World Series Moments and Music Legends — Houston’s Best 2022 Party Scenes
PaperCity | Dec 30, 2022
fter three years of limited partying and muted charitable fundraising in Houston, exuberance returned in 2022 as did ballgowns, multi-million dollar fundraising galas and dreamy party decorations. It was a year of financial record setting. The Menil Collection returned with its once every five-year gala to raise a record $2.1 million while records were set with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston earning $2.37 million, Houston Zoo’s 100th anniversary gala closing out the night with a record $2.3 million, the Orange Show pulling in $1.1 million, Crime Stoppers bringing in $1.35 million and much much more.
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Services we provided: Auctioneer
Jumping Johnny Bravo, Dancing Roller Skaters & Confetti Cannons — This $1 Million Ronald McDonald House Night Shows Houston’s Heart
PaperCity | Nov 09, 2022
Jumping auctioneer Johnny Bravo, costumed roller skaters rocking to “Dancing Queen,” confetti canons spewing glitter and $1 million in proceeds — gala chairs Allison and Dan Connally could not have been more pleased with the results of the evening that saw more than 700 partygoers pack the hotel ballroom.
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Services we provided: Auctioneer
Houston Texans hold inaugural Season Premiere to benefit charitable foundation
Click2Houston | Aug 28, 2022
The Texans held their inaugural Season Premiere red carpet event Saturday night with all proceeds benefiting their charitable foundation.
It was attended by chairman and CEO Cal McNair, his wife, Hannah McNair, the vice president of the team’s foundation, coach Lovie Smith and his wife, MaryAnne Smith, Texans general manager Nick Caserio and his wife, Kathleen Caserio, Texans team president Greg Grissom and his wife, Jamie Grissom, Texans players, staff and fans.
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer, DJ, Fundraising
A Woodlands World of Wonder with two galas last weekend
Woodlands Online | Aug 24, 2022
There was a gaggle of galas last weekend as two venerable Woodlands-area organizations held their showcase events to thousands of festive attendees. On Friday, Interfaith of The Woodlands held its inaugural runway-themed event, The Walk. The next night at the same location of The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Chairman’s Ball. Woodlands Online was at both.
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Services we provided: Auctioneer
Three Nights of Fun Add Up to $900,000 Crucial Funds for Houston’s Junior League
PaperCity | Feb 07, 2022
Three performances by league members, three seated dinners and three nights of celebratory fundraising resulted in Junior League coffers being enriched by $900,000. The annual Charity Ball events began on Thursday night with a preview titled “Under the Marfa Lights,” a Texas-themed dinner, the Charity Ball Celebration video and entertainment from former American Idol contestant and touring musician Kate Watson.
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Services we provided: Auctioneer
Symphony Ball welcomes Alex Bregman, Van Halen star and raises $1.1 million at Post Oak Hotel
Houston Chronicle | Jan 31, 2022
It's been awhile since galas in Houston have looked like galas. With Bayou City's 24,000 and counting non-profits, organizations have long relied on this town's robust social calendar for fundraising support. Those cocktail parties and black-tie balls have a purpose -- more often than not, they underwrite operating budgets and community programming.
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer, Video Recap
Handsome Houston hunks and celebs rock the runway in raucous, record-breaking gala
Houston Culture Map | Nov 22, 2021
By day, the stylish and socially minded Houston power couple Rudy and Debbie Festari run their uber-chic style house Festari for Men, where they dress the city’s top professionals and athletes and quietly give back to the city without any desire for attention or accolades.
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer, Video Recap
Simone Biles Cheers on Football-Star-Turned-Male-Model Boyfriend at Festaris’ Fash Bash
Houston CityBook | Nov 22, 2021
SIMONE BILES TURNED up at one of the city's most raucous fall events, to cheer on BF Jonathan Owens, formerly of the Houston Texans, in a men's fashion show. For many of the city's most party-hearty philanthropists and socialites, clothiers Debbie and Rudy Festari's annual Una Notte in Italia "celebrity" men's fashion show to-do is as much a part of the autumn as al fresco dinners, droptop drives and cheering on the Astros in the playoffs.
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer, Video Recap
An Olympic Athlete Surprises Guests at the Annual Una Notte in Italia “Celebrity” Men's Fashion Show
The Social Book | Nov 22, 2021
For over a quarter-century, Debbie and Rudy Festari and their men’s fashion store Festari for Men, have annually created a fun and festive gathering, where guests enjoy having dinner and seeing recognizable athletes and familiar socially conscious men walk the runway in the latest fashions from this renowned clothing retailer.
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer, Video Recap
Celebrities Own the Catwalk and Everything Italian is Celebrated to Help Those Most at Risk
CKW Luxe | Nov 12, 2021
On November 12, 2021, the Royal Sonesta Hotel opened its doors to guests attending Una Notte in Italia. This year, the much anticipated annual celebrity men’s fashion show was completely sold out eight weeks prior to invitations being printed. Melissa Holman Juneau and Jennifer Pinkerton cohosted the spirited event. Debbie Festari was the honorary chair. Popular entertainer Johnny Bravo emceed. Proceeds benefit CHILDREN AT RISK, an organization that works to drive change so that every child receives equitable opportunities, a quality education, and access to nutrition and healthcare and is free from the dangers of sex trafficking and exploitation.
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Services we provided: Auctioneer, Board Member
TUTS 'Lights Up' Gala Raises More Than $735,000
Broadway World | Oct 28, 2021
Theatre Under The Stars Lights Up Gala was a smashing success!
Guests entered the beautiful space at The Post Oak Hotel, greeted by custom cocktails and mocktails and fun music by Divisi Strings that set the tone for a light and bright evening celebrating TUTS return after nearly 600 days away from the stage, and the 25th anniversary of The River.
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer, A/V, Fundraising Consultant
Sexy Crowd of Next-Gen Socialites Go Country-Club Chic for Homemade Hope
Houston CityBook | Oct 13, 2021
A POLISHED, SEXY crowd of next-gen socialites and philanthropists — cleavage was de rigueur — filled River Oaks Country Club's grand foyer and adjacent sprawling terrace, making great use of a mild fall evening, in support of Homemade Hope's work with underserved children throughout Houston.
Organizing the sold-out affair was a sister act. Blair Bentley is Homemade Hope's founder and executive director, and her sister Brooke Bentley Gunst, is the development director. And they're not the only family members to get involved.
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer
Astros Stars and Their Wives Turn Out in Force to Support Ex-Teammate Joe Smith and Allie LaForce’s Foundation
The PaperCity | Aug 27, 2021
Former Houston Astros relief pitcher Joe Smith may have been traded to the Seattle Mariners in late July, but his ex-teammates turned out in force this week to support Smith and his wife, Allie LaForce of TNT Sports, in their fundraising effort to find a cure for Huntington’s disease. Even team owner Jim Crane joined the dinner throng at Union Station at Minute Maid Park.
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Child Advocates Of Fort Bend Gears Up For 30th Birthday Gala Celebration
Ft Bend Independent | Apr 09, 2021
Child Advocates of Fort Bend is marking 30 years of serving child victims of abuse and their families with a 30th Birthday Gala Celebration on Saturday, May 8, 2021. This fun, adult event, will take place at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square and will feature a live band, live and silent auctions, a raffle and wine and gift card pulls. Michele Fisher will serve as emcee for the evening and Johnny Bravo will join her as auctioneer.
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer
Houston's Women of Distinction honored in $400,000 virtual Winter Ball
Culture Map | Jan 26, 2021
More than 250 guests gathered virtually from the comfort of their homes for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation 2021 Winter Ball, Uniting to Care & Cure, Hollywood-Style. The annual, cherished event was chaired by Amy Pierce, Kristina Somerville, and Stephanie Tsuru, who are all past Women of Distinction.
The Winter Ball was the culminating event honoring the Women of Distinction Class of 2021. The ball raked in more than $400,000 and received sizable support from sponsors.
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer
Gena and Chuck Norris Receive the Bonhoeffer Angel Award
Philanthropy Lifestyles | Jan 06, 2021
Gena and Chuck Norris received the Bonhoeffer Angel Award at Mercury One’s first ever Virtual Event: America Goes Back to Work hosted by founders Tania and Glenn Beck. Mercury One is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit humanitarian aid and education organization focused on restoring the human spirit based in Dallas, Texas.
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Services we provided: Auctioneer, Co-MC with Deborah Duncan
PetSet Celebrates With Virtual Gala Watch Party
Society Texas | Nov 09, 2020
Even a global pandemic could not stop animal lovers’ kindness, as they rallied around a hybrid format of fundraising. Part virtual gala, part V.I.P. watch party on the much-loved Annie Café & Bar’s outdoor patio, PetSet’s first virtual Fierce and Fabulous Gala raised nearly $200,000 to support the Greater Houston area’s animal welfare groups.
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer
Houstonians rock out support for furry friends in virtual Beatles-themed bash
Culture Map | Oct 28, 2020
Citizens for Animal Protection, the local organization dedicated to local animal welfare, recently held a live, virtual gala. The Beatles-themed event was appropriately titled, “All You Need is Love for CAP,” and featured performances by noted Beatles cover band, The Fab 5.
More than 750 followers tuned in for the livestreamed soiree emceed by Houston personality Johnny Bravo Holloway. Things kicked off with a nod to dearly departed CAP members, Trisha Royal and Bailey Moriarty, who both played meaningful roles at the organization. The Fab 5 then rocked out a 15-minute Beatles set full of sing-along hits.
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer
Darling Rescue Dog, The Beatles and More Step Up for Citizens for Animal Protection
PaperCity | Oct 26, 2020
There was no chance that Friday night’s Citizens for Animal Protection virtual evening was going to be a sleeper. How could it be with with the convincing Fab 5 performing live and a live program and auction with a darling rescue pooch carrying the winning raffle card?
More than 750 from across the country and even a few internationally tuned in for the party that began with a 15-minute set of The Beatles’ greatest hits. Think “Yesterday” and “Twist and Shout.” And, yes, from home with the volume up high, you could share the energy of the night.
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer, A/V, Fundraising Consultant
Katy ISD Education Foundation Announces Reimagined GROOVE Event August 29
The Katy News | Jul 30, 2020
The Katy ISD Education Foundation announces its annual GROOVE fundraiser, reimagined. “Our GROOVE planning committee has completely transformed our traditional GROOVE gala, creating a new, dynamic and inclusive format sure to be a hit with the Katy/West Houston community,” says Foundation Board President, Mike Van Hoozer. A donation to the foundation’s teacher grant program secures a house party for up to 10 guests and includes Whiskey Cake grab and go dinner, online auction and live broadcast celebration with Johnny Bravo, a professional entertainer known for bringing communities together through VirtualUnGalas.
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Services we provided: Auctioneer
Winter Ball paints a fashionable and philanthropic scene downtown at Hilton Americas-Houston
Houston Chronicle | Jan 28, 2020
It's award season, alright. And Houstonians aren't restricted to Hollywood red carpets to get their gown fix. As illustrated on Friday at Hilton Americas-Houston during the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's 2020 Winter Ball, the Bayou City's most fashionable and philanthropic residents know how to turn up the heat.
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer
Sports Power Couple Allie LaForce and Joe Smith Embraced by Astros Wives and Stars in Emotional Fundraiser
PaperCity | Aug 23, 2019
The solemnity and tears that defined the early moments of the HelpCureHD luncheon, chaired by Astros pitcher Joe Smith and his wife, TNT sports reporter Allie LaForce, gave way to exuberant cheers and jubilation as the throng, led by pitcher Justin Verlander, emptied their pockets in support of a cause that strikes at the heart of the popular duo.
By the time celebrity auctioneer Johnny Bravo had completed his task, the event at River Oaks Country Club had raised $265,000 for the nonprofit founded by LaForce and Smith, whose mother is suffering from Huntington’s Disease (the HD in HelpCureHD),
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer
Astros stars rally around Allie LaForce and Joe Smith, raise $265,000 for Huntington's disease
Houston Chronicle | Aug 22, 2019
How long does it take for a fundraiser to hit its stride? For Allie LaForce and Joe Smith, two years proved plenty of time for the married couple to knock their HelpCureHD Luncheon out of the park.
In 2018, the TNT sports reporter and Astros pitcher hosted an intimate group of 70 supporters in Tootsies's private gown room. At the time, it was the perfect venue to educate Houstonians on Huntington's disease, a fatal genetic disorder which causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. And because the condition is dominant, there's a 50 percent chance that the offspring of carriers will inherit the gene, too.
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Services we provided: Auctioneer
Joe Niekro Foundation's Knuckle Ball Scores Big
Society Texas | Jun 28, 2019
This year’s event, chaired by Tricia Bonilla Harrison and Mark D. Sullivan, who both have a personal connection to brain aneurysms, raised nearly $300,000. The auction was a spectacular success and featured original art items, a Steak 48 culinary group experience, exquisite jewelry by Mariquita Masterson, and rare finds in sports memorabilia. Proceeds from this year’s event go toward the advancement and expansion of the foundation’s Patient Services and Education Program, as well as the establishment of a localized clinical research grant for applicants in the Houston area.
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer
“Betting On Courage” Gala raises $325,000 for Children’s Safe Harbor
Hello Woodlands | May 03, 2017
More than 500 guests came together to support a serious topic as Children’s Safe Harbor held its 11th annual dinner fundraiser April 1st at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel.
Themed “Betting On Courage – Under The Big Top”, the event raised $325,000 for the child advocacy center that serves children ages two to 18 who have the courage to battle sexual abuse or severe physical abuse.
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Services we provided: MC
Tour de Houston Presented by Apache
City of Houston | Mar 18, 2012
Johnny Bravo, EMCEE KSBJ, God Listens Radio, Senator Rodney Ellis, Mayor Parker
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Services we provided: MC, Auctioneer
Painting a pretty picture at Artista means colorful charity fundraising
Culture Map | Jun 16, 2010
Artists in action — that was the scene at Artista in the Hobby Center when Kari Govin and Laura La Rue chaired ARTcetera II benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
More than 200 art enthusiasts turned out to observe emerging visual artists at work and bid on their pieces. It was a unique opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the artists and discuss their work as the canvasses slowly took on artful meaning. The talent painted for three hours starting from blank or partially-painted, oversized canvasses.
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