A Day of Elegance and Philanthropy
A rainbow of fascinators fluttered, linen suits caught the breeze, and guests sipped mint juleps as if Churchill Downs had taken a stylish detour through the Galleria. More than 350 partygoers turned out at the Post Oak Hotel for Bo’s Place’s ninth annual Hats, Hearts and Horseshoes at the Houston Polo Club, a Derby day celebration as vibrant as a jockey’s silks.
Record-Breaking Fundraiser
The afternoon affair was chaired by Christina and David McAllen and Maddy and Patrick Moffitt, who set the tone for a day full of festivity, philanthropy, and a touch of Southern pageantry. The event raised a record-breaking $362,000, making it a significant success.
Honorary Chairs and Supporters
A full slate of honorary chairs turned out in support, including Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, Amanda and Terry Boffone, Julie and Stephen Chen, Megan and Luke Hotze, Jayne and Garrett Johnston, Alice and J.W. Lodge, 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. These individuals helped to crown Bo’s Place as a winning cause.
Elegant Decor and Entertainment
Inside, the decor nodded to bluegrass charm with racing-themed tapestries, umbrellaed garden tables, and a life-size horse draped in a lush blanket of red roses. H-E-B’s red rose centerpieces bloomed from every table, and the whole space shimmered with a “wait, are we still in Houston?” energy. The crowd, decked in full Derby dazzle, leaned into the theme, with wide-brimmed hats, feathered fascinators, and seersucker suits making the room look like a couture-clad stampede.
Special Moments and Awards
David McAllen took a quiet moment to present Carol Lee and Allen Lyons with the Champion of Hope Award, a poignant pause in an otherwise high-spirited afternoon. Lee shared her moving story of how Bo’s Place supported her and her daughter two decades ago, reminding attendees why they came dressed to the nines. Emcee Stephen Lewis kept things rolling while attendees bid on auction packages and cheered on their Derby picks.
Attendees and Celebrations
Among those spotted beneath the plumes and pastels were Debbie and Mark Gregg, Rick Smith, Stacey and Al Lindseth, Julia and Harvin Lawhon, Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook, Gaye Lynn and Stuart Zarrow, Lauren and Rob Gray, Tammie and Andy Johnson, Jenn and Nick Altman, Kaci and Abraham Garza, Heather and Wade Clark, and Jordan and Cliff Vaughn. When Sovereignty sprinted across the finish line to win the 2025 Kentucky Derby, the cheers could have shaken the chandeliers.
Conclusion
The ninth annual Hats, Hearts and Horseshoes at the Houston Polo Club was a resounding success, raising a record-breaking amount for Bo’s Place and bringing together a vibrant community of supporters. With its unique blend of elegance, entertainment, and philanthropy, this event is sure to be remembered for years to come.
