The 16th Annual Pull for Kids Classic saw success like none before. This year, more than $670,000 was raised through sponsorships and auction purchases! This significant dollar amount – even after expenses - will ensure more than 300 abused and neglected children receive the services of a court appointed advocate volunteer this year.

Event chairs Cherie and Alan Hassenflu (center) and Child Advocates CEO Sonya Galvan (right) with honoree Arthur Gochman and wife Larissa. (Party photos by Sofia van der Dys Photography)You couldn’t tell it was the first time Cherie and Alan Hassenflu had chaired the Pull for Kids. That could be, in part, to the seasoned committee chairs (all logging their second year in a row!) including: Jeff Birmingham, Sarah Wilbanks, Rachel Owens and Sheryl and Joel Androphy. Together, the group grossed nearly $100,000 more than last year!

Child Advocates, Inc. Board of Directors Chair Barbara Scott and husband Tom. (Party photos by Sofia van der Dys Photography)A beautiful day at American Shooting Centers started off the event. More than 310 individuals were greeted with breakfast from Shipley’s Do-nuts and coffee from Starbuck’s before trying their hands at several games and raffle drawings. The second flight of shooters arrived just in time to grab a burger – hot off the grill at Baker Street Pub in Katy. Once everyone was done for the day, plenty of cold beverages (courtesy of Budweiser/Silver Eagle and Kroger) made this year’s shoot one to remember. The camouflaged hats and Child Advocates t-shirts were a hot commodity as folks left on their way to the evening party.

More than 750 guests were part of the “haute” evening party, each enjoying a Havana-inspired atmosphere, complete with entertainment from Mango Punch. The Cuban-flared meal was delightful, but the Mojito’s nearly stole the show! The Methodist Training Center (aka the Texans Indoor Practice center) was hopping with “Rhythm of the Night…Change a Child’s Life” and when Mr. Gochman said a few moving words, it made the evening perfect.

Mother of a feisty 6-year-old and former Child Advocates client, Peggy Sanders, kicked-off the evening with a moving testimonial, but it was the "Sponsor-a-Child" portion that brought the house down. After kicking off the auction with a record breaking performance, auctioneer Lynn Spell kept the crowd raising their paddles to the tune of nearly $3,000 per minute in the live auction. The brand new 2008 Ford Mustang, compliments of Mac Haik Ford and donated on behalf of Sunny Sue Haik, was only one of the hottest items. Beaver Creek – private jet included – Cayman Islands, Hawaii, a Yellow Labrador puppy, an Orvis endorsed hunt trip to Utah and a beautiful painting rounded out the live auction.

We still have three fantastic auction items still available for purchase (see below). If you have any questions or are interested in any of the remaining items, please email Marla to let her know!

THE GOLF GODS ARE SMILING
Relax, re-connect and get away with this two-night stay for two couples (four people) and four rounds of golf including complimentary cart rentals at Cypress Bend Resort on magnificent Toledo Bend Lake in Louisiana. Featuring a nationally-recognized championship golf course like no other in the region, state-of-the-art spa facilities, fine dining, legendary fishing and plenty of room to relax, Cypress Bend Resort is a fantastic getaway! Arrive in high-style via private plane with a round-trip flight for all four of you (depart and arrive at any greater-Houston-area airport) aboard a King Air turbo prop plane! Fair market value of $5,100; starting bid $2,100.

LIGHT OF MY LIFE
The shadows will scatter when you add a gorgeous, hand-blown Venetian glass lamp to your décor. Designed by Donghia, this Murano, Italy-born piece dazzles in both its form and function. Fair market value of $1,900; starting bid $600.

DONUT DREAMS
Make sure your gym membership is in good standing so you can thoroughly enjoy this donut dream! “Donuts for a year” entitles you to two of Houston’s favorite warm glazed donuts and a hot coffee each morning for 365 days at any Shipley’s Do-nut location. (This item is actually 365 individual certificates - it is not necessary that they are used consecutively, every day of the year! Give them away at the office for a job-well-done or treat the family to a donut feast!) Fair market value of $890; starting bid $280.

All the way down to the party favors donated by Starbuck’s (sweetened with a donation from Accenture), the evening was a smashing success. Make plans to join us in May of 2009!

SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT SCORES
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SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT PHOTOS
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PARTY PHOTOS
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EVENT RECAP SLIDESHOW
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EVENT VIDEO
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