The 15th Annual Pull for Kids Classic event was a record-breaker all around – with the money raised through sponsorships and auction purchases combined totaling more than $580,000! This significant dollar amount will ensure that more than 300 abused and neglected children receive the services of a court appointed advocate volunteer this year.

Our seasoned Pull for Kids event chairs Dolly and Jeff Thomas (on their second year in a row!) led a fabulous committee including Jeff Birmingham, Hildegarde and Barry Ballard, Sarah Wilbanks, Rachel Owens, Nolan Lehmann and Sheryl and Joel Androphy.

Amazing lighting and breath-taking decorations transformed the Methodist Training Facility into "A Sea of Endless Possibilities." (Party photos by Sofia van der Dys Photography)

A fantastic, humidity-free day, a new location (American Shooting Centers), gourmet coffee (by Flavia Coffee), fantastic brisket sandwiches (by Demeris Bar-B-Q) and plenty of cold beverages (courtesy of Budweiser/Silver Eagle and Kroger) made this year’s shoot one to remember for the 300 participants.

Event chairs Jeff and Dolly Thomas and Child Advocates CEO Sonya Galvan present an award to Accenture's Bill Mearse. (Party photos by Sofia van der Dys Photography)

The 700+ guests at the evening party were treated to an underwater experience from the moment they arrived. Darryl Murchison Design and an army of dedicated volunteers – together with the lighting magic of J&S Audio Visual – truly transformed the Methodist Training Facility into “A Sea of Endless Possibilities…” Guests were greeted by a 250-gallon, customized freestanding aquarium filled with an array of exotic fish provided by Aquarium Environments, Inc., before passing through an underwater cave and emerging in a school of fish, sea horses and giant jellyfish seemingly swimming over the party.

Guests bid the night away with thrilling live and silent auctions, enjoyed a formidable spread by Cordua Catering and grooved to the live music by Accent. Long-time Pull for Kids supporter Nolan Lehmann demonstrated his passion for the work of Child Advocates through his role as live auctioneer for the evening. A moving video presentation featured several employees of Accenture – the honoree for the event – who work closely with Child Advocates and recognized the company for their outstanding corporate community involvement.

A unique highlight of the evening came in the form of “party favors.” Attached to a beautifully wrapped, ocean-themed cookie was a printed card letting guests know that in lieu of favors, Accenture would be giving back to Child Advocates – by throwing a party at a summer Astros home game for all of “our” teens who celebrate their 15th birthdays in 2007, in honor of the 15th anniversary of the event.

For general information about the 2007 Pull for Kids Classic event, simply shoot us an email.

Event photos:

Shoot photos (no log-in required)

Party photos (no log-in required)