Gala 2007

Jose Villarreal told the story of AVANCE - Houston

 Thanks to our supporters and friends, the gala grossed more than $105,000 for AVANCE’s classes in parenting, adult literacy, GED, English, and computer training, as well as our early childhood and family support services.

Maggie Muzikowski, AVANCE-Houston Board Chair, 
and José Villarreal, Executive Director, 
lead the program portion of the gala

Lorena Garcia, AVANCE Graduate and current employee, 
shares her story of what AVANCE has done for her and her family.

Vicente Arenas

KHOU-TV news anchor, Vicente Arenas , did a fantastic job as emcee of our event, which included dinner, silent and live auctions, plus dancing to Yvonne Washington and “The Mix.”

Guests danced the night away

Yvonne Washington and "The Mix"

Pamela O'Rourke (in light pink) Board member and gala co-chair and sponsor, circulates during the silent auction

Guests could choose from a wide variety of silent auction items, including sports memorabilia, artwork, home décor, travel packages, handbags, jewelry, performing arts tickets, and more.

There was much to buy at the silent auction, 
which greatly added to our gala revenue.

Also, AVANCE employees from our parent training /toy making program made a special contribution by selling dolls and toys, while sharing with guests the importance of toy making in our parent training program.

María Sánchez (Left) and Ofelia García, AVANCE Graduate and current employees, 
sold dolls from AVANCE's toymaking class during silent auction

A number of guests took a chance on peering into the future, thanks to services donated by Psychic Jenna !  Others were able to capture gala memories in the “photo corner” due to photography services donated by Pin Lim of Forest Photography.

AVANCE was privileged to honor long-time community volunteers, Penny and John Butler, who truly personify AVANCE’s gala theme “Our Families…Our Future.”  

Throughout their 46-year marriage, Penny and John have modeled their commitment to community service for their entire family, which now includes six adult children and 16 grandchildren. 

Gala honorees, Penny and John Butler, received a shadow box award hand-made by our staff. 
From left-- John Butler, Jose Villarreal, Penny Butler and 

Sylvia García, AVANCE's National Director

Penny is well-known in Houston for her volunteer work in health, politics, and education.  Organizations receiving her time, talent, and expertise include Harris County Hospital District Foundation, the Neuhaus Education Center , Family Service Center of America, Red Cross, Salvation Army and Houston Community College Foundation, among others.

John Butler, while developing a number of businesses, has been active in improving transportation in Houston and Texas as a member of both the METRO Board and Texas Highway Commission.  He has also served as president of the Houston Area Research Center (HARC), a non-profit organization involved in technology development.

AVANCE also recognized one its most generous and loyal friends, John Barbosa, President of Challenge Office Products, whose family-owned business is an on-going AVANCE supporter. 

John Barbosa, President of Challenge Office Products and major AVANCE donor, poses with his lovely wife Debbie

John has made a multi-year financial pledge which will total $70,000 when complete, and is challenging other entrepreneurs to join him.  His gift honors the memory of his late father, Roy Barbosa, founder of Challenge Office Products, who thought it important to reach out to children

And of course, no gala can be successful without volunteers, including our staff who were invaluable in helping with everything from decorations and auction set-up, to gala check-in and clean-up.  A special thank-you goes to Gala Co-Chairs and Board Members, Jean Johnson and Pamela O’Rourke—as well as Auction Co-Chairs, Lillie Aranda and Dr. Dorothy Caram .  We’re also very grateful for the volunteer services of Pauline Solnik, an interior designer recruited by Alana, who made who donated her time and talent to set up our silent auction.

Board member Mike Wallace shows
AVANCE's growth of facilities

Pastor Tony Gamez gave the invocation

Jean Johnson, board member and gala co-chair and sponsor,
poses with grandkids and José Villarreal

From left to right -- John and Penny Butler and Sylvia and José Villarreal