The 2010 Keller Williams Viva Las Vegas Gala committee announced that it raised $33,000 for FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center at the charity event on September 25 at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
“We raised around $10,000 more than last year’s gala,” stated Keller Williams Realty Northeast Senior Team Leader Lisa Dempsey. “With the state of the economy this year, that’s quite an accomplishment and a credit to the hard work of our Gala committee.”
The third time was a charm for the Gala co-chairs Diana Heffner and Letitia Whipple, who really out did themselves this year. The pair has put on three fund-raising events for Keller Williams since New Year’s Eve 2009, raising more than $80,000 for charity. They were supported by the 2010 Gala committee of Terri Blewett, Michelle Otteman, Lisa Dempsey, James Hargrove, Kathy Ward, Lizz Thompson, Shelley Munday and Kim Kirsch.
While the guests at the Gala tried their skills at the casino gaming tables, they were entertained by the baritone voice of singer Tony Mac, who also happens to be a Realtor at Keller Williams in The Woodlands. His oldies-but-goodies music was able to tear away even the most die-hard gamblers from the tables to the dance floor.
In addition to the games and dancing, an amazing assortment of silent auction items was set up outside the hotel ballroom. Artist Richard Nunez painted a portrait of Frank Sinatra in one corner of the lobby and auctioned off a blank canvas to be painted later, which was snapped up by KWNE co-owner Judy Hopkins. A finished Nunez original black and white painting of John Belushi went home with C.J. Johnson.
Another unique element of the evening was the Wine Pull. For a $20 donation, guests could pick from an exhibit of wine bottles hidden in brown paper bags. Some of the bottles were worth up to $100 each.
FamilyTime Executive Director Judy Cox was on hand to talk to the attendees about the work that the organization is doing to help victims of domestic violence, including The Door, an emergency shelter for battered women and their children. Also in attendance to support the cause were several FamilyTime Board Members, including Chester Harris, Susan Meinholz and Tamara Paul.
Most of the sponsors of the Gala also sent their representatives to enjoy the fun-filled, Las Vegas-style evening. Viva Las Vegas Gala sponsors were: Keller Williams Realty Northeast, Keller Williams High Rollers Club, Administaff, Byrd Graphx, Comfort Concepts, Farmers Insurance – Ken Pickett, First American Title, The Forest Image, Friendswood Development Company, FSR Services, Genesis Mortgage Company, The Observer Newspapers, Lone Star Home Maintenance, The Mint National Bank, Stewart Title, Summerwood and Eagle Springs by Newland Communities, The Tribune newspaper and Zach Jones Memorial Fund. Members of the KW High Rollers Club who contributed $1,000 each are: Terri and Bob Blewett, Judy Hopkins, Buddy Wall, Tina Leigh, Denise Hernandez, Suzanna Cheek, Diana Coleman, Lisa Dempsey, Kathy Ward, Cliff Collins and Mark Heinrich.
Bon Voyage to Diana Heffner and Letitia Whipple and several members of their gala committee as they embark on a cruise to Mexico next week for some well-deserved rest and relaxation!
*Photos courtesy of Pat and Ray’s Studio