Rockets, Astros help raise $1.4 million for Hurricane Harvey recovery
Bigger isn’t always better. Just ask Laurel D’Antoni, whose second annual Answering the Call fundraiser raised an astounding $1.4 million Tuesday toward the St. Bernard Project’s mission to rebuild Houston homes that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Harvey.
D’Antoni has lovingly nicknamed the shindig “A Little Cocktail Party.” And with some 300 guests in attendance at the Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston, it was intimate, and it was a cocktail party, though there was nothing petite about the event’s effectiveness.
And that’s partially because Laurel, wife of Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni, had excellent help. She enlisted longtime friend Alicia Smith — who’s also co-chairing the Houston Chronicle’s 2020 Best Dressed Luncheon and Fashion Presentation presented by Neiman Marcus — and Nina Westbrook, wife of Rockets guard Russell Westbrook, to further the cause.
Together, the merry trio proved that the formula to clocking seven figures doesn’t necessarily have to include black-tie, a seated dinner, lengthy program or laundry list of speakers. Instead, D’Antoni, Westbrook and Smith went after deep pockets in the ballroom to fund this year’s “Build A House” appeal — beginning with D’Antoni’s husband.
As a gift to his wife on her birthday (yes, Laurel hosted a fundraiser on her actual birth date), Mike generously donated enough to build one home in her honor. Later, the Astros Foundation surprised the crowd with a $280,000 contribution. Additional support trickled in from Hallie Vanderhider, Citgo and presenting sponsor Reliant.
Auctioneer Stephen Lewis capitalized on the crowd’s giving spirit. He drove hard bargains and fetched $13,000 for a $10,000 IW Marks gift card and
$42,500 for a Rockets away game “Coach for a Day” package.
Funds will help SBP complete its 200th Houston home rebuild by the end of this year and enable the organization to continue serving local families through 2025.
The evening wasn’t all business. As any good host knows, good old-fashioned fun is equally important.
To that end, partygoers posed for photos with Rockets players, Power Dancers and Clutch, the team’s mascot. J. Martini’s Flair bartenders mixed specialty Rudolf and Poinsettia cocktails for a festive pop of red. And Landry’s Inc. waitstaff passed savory snacks including mini beef Wellington and truffle croquettes.
A raging success by all accounts, this year’s Answering the Call reinforced two truths: that Houstonians are still in need of Hurricane Harvey recovery aid and the D’Antonis’ fast and furious approach to fundraising is a winner.