A Night in Capri: 2025 Pull for Kids Classic

We were thrilled to host our 33rd annual Pull for Kids Classic. This year’s Capri Nights celebration honored longtime supporters Vitol and the Rubbo Family for their extraordinary dedication to Child Advocates and the children we serve.

 The two-part event kicked off on Saturday, September 20, with a sporting clays tournament at American Shooting Centers. Participants competed across three courses, enjoying a morning of friendly competition for a great cause. A highlight of the tournament was the raffle of a Beretta shotgun, generously donated by American Shooting Centers.

The fun continued on Friday, September 26, when nearly 450 guests gathered at Bayou City Event Center for an unforgettable evening inspired by the magic of Capri. The venue was transformed into an Italian dream, setting the stage for a night filled with silent, big board and live auctions, along with a Wine Pull and Whiskey Pull that gave guests the chance to take home bottles selected at random. The live auction featured exciting packages, including a private dinner prepared by Chef Austin Simmons, a one-week getaway to San Miguel and a wine experience in Napa Valley—collectively raising more than $35,000.

Following dinner, Child Advocates CEO Sonya Galvan expressed gratitude for the honorees’ remarkable support, sharing a touching story from twenty years prior. At just eight years old, the Rubbos’ daughter set up a lemonade stand to raise money for Child Advocates, beginning a family legacy of generosity. Their passion for Child Advocates’ mission led to Vitol joining as a corporate sponsor of the Santa’s Wish List program in 2006. Since then, their generosity has only grown. That evening, Joe Rubbo and Fernando Cuartas from Vitol reflected on the program’s impact in bringing joy to children during the holidays.

Guests were especially moved by a powerful video highlighting Alyssa Canedo and her advocate, Heidi Obie. Alyssa entered foster care at six years old and was matched with Heidi as her court-appointed advocate. Now, 20 years later, Alyssa is 26 years old, married, working as an autism behavioral therapist and expecting a baby boy this November. Throughout years of challenges, Heidi remained Alyssa’s constant champion, and continues to be to this day. In a beautiful full-circle moment, Alyssa herself became a court-appointed advocate in 2024, transforming her own experience into hope for other children. Their story inspired the Sponsor a Child appeal, which raised more than $90,000.

By the end of the night, the 2025 Pull for Kids Classic raised nearly $600,000! A special thank you to all sponsors, especially Main Street Capital Corporation and Quanta Services. Continued thanks to Event Chairs Jennifer Kilgore and David Reed, Party Chairs Jessica Matos and Megan Skeuse, Wine and Whiskey Pull Chair Anya Marmuscak and Tournament Chair Dwyane Hyzak for their dedication and support to the 33rd annual Pull for Kids Classic.