The Celebration

This year’s Houston SPCA Howl-O-Ween Ball was held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at the Houston SPCA Equine Rescue Arena. Benefiting Houston SPCA, the lively event was cochaired by Cheryl Byington and Brian Teichman. Deborah Duncan, host of KHOU-11’s Great Day Houston, emceed. Chevron was the honoree.

The Story

Whether dressed in cocktail chic or ghoulish grandeur, the nearly 400 guests in attendance gathered with the same purpose in mind: to celebrate the season and support Houston SPCA. Entering the Houston SPCA Equine Rescue Arena, partygoers found it transformed into a glowing haunted mansion. Ghostly purple lighting gently illuminated tables draped in shimmering silver cloths adorned with sparkling crystal and delicate centerpieces of wispy ferns intertwined with pink and white blooms, courtesy of Bergner and Johnson. While enjoying hors d’oeuvres and sipping libations during the cocktail hour, attendees bid on unique silent auction items, including a Texas A&M suite experience at Kyle Field, a bald eagle release, and a Palm Desert getaway. Catered by City Kitchen, the delicious dinner featured pan-seared chicken breast with caramelized shallot and Armagnac jus served with tri-colored fingerling potatoes with rosemary and sea salt haricot vert and pumpkin molasses muffins. Dessert delighted with a vanilla panna cotta with apple compote accompanied by Calvados caramel, white chocolate, and brown butter shortbread cookies. After the tasty repast, partygoers danced the night away to the tunes of Bubba McNeely and friends. Cupcakes, coffee, cocktails, and cuddles also were available in the adoption center.

The Moments

Duncan opened the program by welcoming everyone and recognizing the ball and committee chairs. Byington and Teichman then greeted attendees and thanked them for their lasting support of Houston SPCA and its mission to improve and protect the lives of animals in the community and alleviate their suffering and abuse. Houston SPCA President and CEO, Patricia Mercer, concluded the program by recognizing the generous sponsors of the event. During dinner, Chevron was recognized as this year’s honoree with a short video, after which the raffle, the Paws Up paddle raise, and the live auction commenced.

The annual event raised $850,000 for Houston SPCA.

Guests: Cheryl Byington, Brian Teichman, Jim “Mack” McIngvale, Frances Moody Buzbee and Tony Buzbee, Evelyn Griffin, Laird and Helena Doran, Zane and Brady Carruth, Hershey Grace and Ed McMahon, Patricia Mercer, Kandace and Carlos Longoria, Beth Wolff, Cynthia Wolff, Brittany Clark, Cherry Whitley, Mia Holstead and Tommy Venus, Grace Harrison, Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux, Constable Alan Rosen, Linda and Simon Eyles, and Judge Roberta Lloyd.

About Houston SPCA

The Houston SPCA was established nearly 100 years ago to meet the needs of animals in Houston. It has always put their care and wellbeing first. An iconic Houston nonprofit, the organization has grown along with the city and has continually adapted its efforts to help the animals in the community. Since its inception, Houston SPCA has saved and provided services for millions of animals. Its mission is to promote commitment to, and respect for, all animals and free them from suffering, abuse, and exploitation.