A hot and summery afternoon set the stage for the seventh annual Derby event Hats, Hearts, & Horseshoes benefiting Bo’s Place. The Houston Polo Club lawn was the venue with an impressive polo display delighting the crowd. 375 supporters in their Derby finest attire, most with fabulous hats in tribute to the “Run for the Roses”, attended the event held on Saturday, May 6. Chairs of this successful event were Drs. Julie and Stephen Chen and Alice and J.W. Lodge who, along with Honorary Chairs, Megan and Luke Hotze, Carol Lee and Allen Lyons, Alissa and Kevin Maples, Hannah and Cal McNair, Sheridan and Robert Plumb, Millette and Haag Sherman, Christie and Mark Sullivan, Hallie Vanderhider, and Kelli and John Weinzierl were thrilled to raise $335,000. Mary Beth Staine, Executive Director of Bo’s Place, presented the Champion of Hope award to Dorothy and Ronny Cuenod who through sharing their own grief journey provide hope and healing to others in need of comfort and support. Dorothy and Ronny are long-time supporters of Bo’s Place, as well as many other organizations addressing the mental health needs of children and families. Dorothy and Ronny experienced the death of their son Grayson in 2007 and their family benefitted from the grief support groups that Bo’s Place provides. They continue to support Bo’s Place and are advocates for the bereaved.
The afternoon was led by emcee Stephen Lewis, who kept the attention of the lively crowd. Guests socialized, sipping champagne from the Madame Zero Champagne cart and traditional mint juleps, and sampling the variety of delectable bites provided by Cotton Culinary. Silent auction bidding, a racing wall raffle, heads or tails game, bourbon pull, and Mission Market entertained the guests during the event.
Mary Beth Staine, Executive Director of Bo’s Place, said, “Bo’s Place offers children and families the tools to be resilient after experiencing the death of a loved one, and a support network as they navigate their grief journey.”
Heads or Tails had everyone cheering and clapping with the winner receiving a $1,000 gift card to IW Marks. Multiple large screens allowed everyone to catch the greatest 2 minutes in sports – the Kentucky Derby race. Marcey Heschel was one of the few to place her raffle ticket on the racing wall for Mage and was excited to win the 1st place prize of a $1,500 gift card to IW Marks, a long-time supporter of the organization.
