News Summary
The annual gala ‘A Night at the Moulin Rouge’ in Houston raised $1.8 million for cancer research. Over 700 guests attended the lavish event filled with entertainment and activities. Organizers Hallie Vanderhider and Cissy Abel ensured an engaging atmosphere with auctions, musical performances, and culinary delights. The event showcased the community’s dedication to supporting cancer initiatives, featuring notable attendees and activities, including the bidding for a Labrador puppy.
Houston – The annual gala “A Night at the Moulin Rouge,” hosted by Victory at 713 Music Hall, successfully raised $1.8 million for cancer research and initiatives in the Greater Houston Area. This year’s event brought together over 700 participants, all embracing a lavish French-inspired ambiance that featured crystal chandeliers, decorative windmills, and red lighting, courtesy of event designer Let It Fly Events.
The gala’s chairs, Hallie Vanderhider and Cissy Abel, ensured an evening filled with excitement and entertainment. Guests engaged in various activities, including bidding on auction items, enjoying tequila tastings, and participating in casino games such as craps and blackjack. Catering was provided by Cotton Culinary, which received accolades for its diverse and high-quality buffet offerings. An unexpected yet delightful appearance was made by the Chick-fil-A cow, who handed out chicken biscuits to attendees.
The night was enlivened by musical entertainment from Q The Band, who had guests dancing before the start of the live auction. Serving as the emcee for the evening was PBS personality Frank Billingsley. The live auction was led by Johnny Holloway, famously known as Johnny Bravo. The auction featured high-ticket items that attracted competitive bids, including two 2025 Ford F-150 King Ranch trucks won by high bidders Bebe and John Falik. Other notable auction winners included Becky Edmondson, who took home a 19-carat London blue topaz necklace, and Jody Merritt, who secured an exclusive reception at Steak 48.
One of the highlights of the evening was the bidding for a 9-week-old Labrador Retriever puppy, named Jack, along with an obedience training package provided by DogLab TX. The winning bid for Jack came from Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, who will now welcome the new puppy into their home.
The event underscored the ongoing commitment of Victory, a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting cancer research, in their mission to combat cancer and improve patient services in the community. Among the notable attendees were Diane Watson Cain, the president of Victory, Cyvia Wolff, Jo Ann Petersen, Mike Taylor, and numerous representatives from the Texas Children’s Cancer Center.
“A Night at the Moulin Rouge” not only raised significant funds for an important cause but also created an unforgettable experience for attendees, reflecting the community’s dedication to advancing cancer research and patient support. The gala, highlighted by its immersive theme, spirited activities, and generous donations, showcased the passion and commitment of Houston’s residents in their fight against cancer.
As the night concluded, it became evident that events like these play a vital role in elevating awareness and funding for cancer research, while also bringing the community together in support of a common cause.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Houston Set to Establish Kinder Children’s Cancer Center with Major Donation
New Pediatric Cancer Program in Houston
Houston’s Charitable Season Raises Millions for Local Causes
Additional Resources
- PaperCity Magazine: Victory at Moulin Rouge Gala
- Wikipedia: Cancer Research
- PaperCity Magazine: Emmitt Smith Invitational
- Google Search: Cancer Fundraising Events
- Rolling Stone: Nicole Kidman AFI Award
- Google Scholar: Cancer Research Fundraising
- The Globe and Mail: Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cancer Awareness
- AmoMama: Nicole Kidman on Keith Urban
- Google News: Moulin Rouge Houston Event
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
