The Houston Astros weren’t the only ones celebrating on Saturday night, as supporters turned out to commemorate the 19th annual Jeans & Jewels Gala, themed City Lights & Cowboy Nights, benefitting Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM).
The event, which took place on Saturday, October 21 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, raised more than $240,000 that night, pushing the total Jeans & Jewels contributions for NAM’s programs and services to over $745,000.
This year’s gala honored Jeannie and Nolan Lehmann, along with Corporate Honoree, Citation Oil & Gas, with Margie and Rick Crump leading the way as honorary chairs. KRIV FOX 26’s morning news anchor Melissa Wilson served as emcee and delighted gala attendees with her captivating smile and lively banter with Nolan Lehmann, who also acted as auctioneer.
On one side of the ballroom decorated in a modern rustic elegance, a life-size replica of a horse made of disco ball-like mosaic tiles greeted guests and tables with midnight-blue linens shimmered beneath candles hanging from centerpieces of large rustic sprigs. On the other side, a dance floor and lounge area beckoned guests to let loose and relax. A full bar and silent auction tables divided the room.
Approximately 500 guests were in attendance, including members of the Cajun Navy and local first-responders from the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, Klein ISD Police and Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, who worked tirelessly in their service to the community following Hurricane Harvey.
Among the top-selling auction items were two round-trip, first-class tickets to anywhere United Airlines flies, for $20,000; a 5-night stay in a in a beautiful home in the Hamptons for $20,000; a week-long getaway at a beautiful and cozy 4-bedroom townhouse in Breckenridge, Colorado for $10,000; a luxury suite for the Texans vs. Arizona Cardinals game complete with catered lunch and bar service, for $10,000; and a framed, autographed JJ Watt jersey and framed, autographed photo of JJ holding the Texas flag, for $5,000. After the live auction guests had the opportunity to “Stand Up for NAM” and make cash donations via smartphones. In a matter of minutes more than $103,000 was raised to support NAM’s programs and services.
Following dinner and the live auction guests crowded the dance floor as The Drywater Band took the stage. Throughout the night word had spread that a celebration at Minute Maid Park appeared imminent, and screens throughout the ballroom were tuned to the American League Championship Series game 7. Shortly after 10 p.m. a deafening roar erupted as the Astros clinched the ALCS title, securing their spot in the World Series – and giving a little extra sparkle to an already-brilliant evening.
Northwest Assistance Ministries is a non-profit, community-based social service agency that strives to meet basic human needs through Neighbors Helping Neighbors. NAM provides assistance in areas such as food, shelter, health, education and domestic violence awareness and intervention. During its last fiscal year, NAM touched the lives of more than 114,000 people through its many programs and services.
To view additional photos, visit our 2017 Jeans & Jewels Facebook Album.
