Shriner Magazine – Spring 2023

Celebration of the Century

WESTERN-THEMED GALA IN HOUSTON, TEXAS, RAISES FUNDS FOR THE PHILANTHROPY

It was a Texas-sized good time at the Celebration of the Century gala in Houston, Texas.

A BIG THANK YOU!

The star-studded event, held last November at Minute Maid Park, was the highlight of Shriners Children’s centennial year celebrations. Throughout the evening, patients and families shared inspiring stories about how Shriners Children’s has changed their lives – and the lives of more than 1.5 million children since 1922. Nearly 1,000 nobles, guests and Shriners Children’s representa- tives attended in Texas chic attire. The group known for its distinctive headgear switched things up for the night, with many donning a cowboy hat instead of the fez. The gala was emceed by Houston meteorologist and local personality Frank Billingsley, and featured welcome remarks from Imperial Potentate Kenny Craven and First Lady JJ Craven. The always-entertaining Cowboy Auctioneer Heath Hale and his team led attendees through an auction of incredible experiences – from an eight-day vacation in an oceanfront St. Martin villa to a seven–night stay in the tower wing of a chateau in Normandy, France, and even an evening with Cole Hauser of the hit TV show Yellowstone – to raise funds for Shriners Children’s. Country music singer-songwriter superstar Dierks Bentley closed the evening with a high-octane musical extravaganza. The event raised more than $1.6 million for Shriners Children’s. The gala was chaired by Maria and Eduardo Morales, who were accompanied that evening by their daughters Valentina and Victoria. Centennial Sponsors included the Morales’ company Mexcor Inter- national; Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods; and Moore.

Shriners Children’s is grateful to Celebration of the Century Centennial Sponsors Mexcor International; Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods; and Moore.

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