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In The News

Houston galas, premieres and fundraisers as the press covered them — 27 clippings from 2010 through 2022.

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27 press clippings
2010 – 2022
Auctioneer · MC · DJ · A/V

PaperCity · Dec 30, 2022

In The News

Two decades of Houston fundraising nights, as they were reported

27 Press clippings collected in this archive
17 Publications and outlets credited in these clippings
2010 – 2022 Years covered, from Culture Map to PaperCity

Services we provided:

Auctioneer, MC, DJ and fundraising consulting — as the papers told it

Every clipping below ran in print or online after a Johnny Bravo Entertainment engagement.

PaperCity · Dec 30, 2022 · Auctioneer

Partying With Yellowstone Stars, Astros’ World Series Moments and Music Legends — Houston’s Best 2022 Party Scenes

fter three years of limited partying and muted charitable fundraising in Houston, exuberance returned in 2022 as did ballgowns, multi-million dollar fundraising galas and dreamy party decorations. It was a year of financial record setting. The Menil Collection returned with its once every five-year gala to raise a record $2.1 million while records were set with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston earning $2.37 million, Houston Zoo’s 100th anniversary gala closing out the night with a record $2.3 million, the Orange Show pulling in $1.1 million, Crime Stoppers bringing in $1.35 million and much much more.

PaperCity · Nov 09, 2022 · Auctioneer

Jumping Johnny Bravo, Dancing Roller Skaters & Confetti Cannons — This $1 Million Ronald McDonald House Night Shows Houston’s Heart

Jumping auctioneer Johnny Bravo, costumed roller skaters rocking to “Dancing Queen,” confetti canons spewing glitter and $1 million in proceeds — gala chairs Allison and Dan Connally could not have been more pleased with the results of the evening that saw more than 700 partygoers pack the hotel ballroom.

Click2Houston · Aug 28, 2022 · Auctioneer

Houston Texans hold inaugural Season Premiere to benefit charitable foundation

The Texans held their inaugural Season Premiere red carpet event Saturday night with all proceeds benefiting their charitable foundation.

Woodlands Online · Aug 24, 2022 · MC, Auctioneer, DJ, Fundraising

A Woodlands World of Wonder with two galas last weekend

There was a gaggle of galas last weekend as two venerable Woodlands-area organizations held their showcase events to thousands of festive attendees. On Friday, Interfaith of The Woodlands held its inaugural runway-themed event, The Walk. The next night at the same location of The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Chairman’s Ball. Woodlands Online was at both.

PaperCity · Feb 07, 2022 · Auctioneer

Three Nights of Fun Add Up to $900,000 Crucial Funds for Houston’s Junior League

Three performances by league members, three seated dinners and three nights of celebratory fundraising resulted in Junior League coffers being enriched by $900,000. The annual Charity Ball events began on Thursday night with a preview titled “Under the Marfa Lights,” a Texas-themed dinner, the Charity Ball Celebration video and entertainment from former American Idol contestant and touring musician Kate Watson.

Houston Chronicle · Jan 31, 2022 · Auctioneer

Symphony Ball welcomes Alex Bregman, Van Halen star and raises $1.1 million at Post Oak Hotel

It's been awhile since galas in Houston have looked like galas. With Bayou City's 24,000 and counting non-profits, organizations have long relied on this town's robust social calendar for fundraising support. Those cocktail parties and black-tie balls have a purpose -- more often than not, they underwrite operating budgets and community programming.

Houston Culture Map · Nov 22, 2021 · MC, Auctioneer, Video Recap

Handsome Houston hunks and celebs rock the runway in raucous, record-breaking gala

By day, the stylish and socially minded Houston power couple Rudy and Debbie Festari run their uber-chic style house Festari for Men, where they dress the city’s top professionals and athletes and quietly give back to the city without any desire for attention or accolades.

Houston CityBook · Nov 22, 2021 · MC, Auctioneer, Video Recap

Simone Biles Cheers on Football-Star-Turned-Male-Model Boyfriend at Festaris’ Fash Bash

SIMONE BILES TURNED up at one of the city's most raucous fall events, to cheer on BF Jonathan Owens, formerly of the Houston Texans, in a men's fashion show. For many of the city's most party-hearty philanthropists and socialites, clothiers Debbie and Rudy Festari's annual Una Notte in Italia "celebrity" men's fashion show to-do is as much a part of the autumn as al fresco dinners, droptop drives and cheering on the Astros in the playoffs.

The Social Book · Nov 22, 2021 · MC, Auctioneer, Video Recap

An Olympic Athlete Surprises Guests at the Annual Una Notte in Italia “Celebrity” Men's Fashion Show

For over a quarter-century, Debbie and Rudy Festari and their men’s fashion store Festari for Men, have annually created a fun and festive gathering, where guests enjoy having dinner and seeing recognizable athletes and familiar socially conscious men walk the runway in the latest fashions from this renowned clothing retailer.

CKW Luxe · Nov 12, 2021 · MC, Auctioneer, Video Recap

Celebrities Own the Catwalk and Everything Italian is Celebrated to Help Those Most at Risk

On November 12, 2021, the Royal Sonesta Hotel opened its doors to guests attending Una Notte in Italia. This year, the much anticipated annual celebrity men’s fashion show was completely sold out eight weeks prior to invitations being printed. Melissa Holman Juneau and Jennifer Pinkerton cohosted the spirited event. Debbie Festari was the honorary chair. Popular entertainer Johnny Bravo emceed. Proceeds benefit CHILDREN AT RISK, an organization that works to drive change so that every child receives equitable opportunities, a quality education, and access to nutrition and healthcare and is free from the dangers of sex trafficking and exploitation.

Broadway World · Oct 28, 2021 · Auctioneer, Board Member

TUTS 'Lights Up' Gala Raises More Than $735,000

Theatre Under The Stars Lights Up Gala was a smashing success!

Houston CityBook · Oct 13, 2021 · MC, Auctioneer, A/V, Fundraising Consultant

Sexy Crowd of Next-Gen Socialites Go Country-Club Chic for Homemade Hope

A POLISHED, SEXY crowd of next-gen socialites and philanthropists — cleavage was de rigueur — filled River Oaks Country Club's grand foyer and adjacent sprawling terrace, making great use of a mild fall evening, in support of Homemade Hope's work with underserved children throughout Houston.

The PaperCity · Aug 27, 2021 · MC, Auctioneer

Astros Stars and Their Wives Turn Out in Force to Support Ex-Teammate Joe Smith and Allie LaForce’s Foundation

Former Houston Astros relief pitcher Joe Smith may have been traded to the Seattle Mariners in late July, but his ex-teammates turned out in force this week to support Smith and his wife, Allie LaForce of TNT Sports, in their fundraising effort to find a cure for Huntington’s disease. Even team owner Jim Crane joined the dinner throng at Union Station at Minute Maid Park.

Ft Bend Independent · Apr 09, 2021 · Auctioneer

Child Advocates Of Fort Bend Gears Up For 30th Birthday Gala Celebration

Child Advocates of Fort Bend is marking 30 years of serving child victims of abuse and their families with a 30th Birthday Gala Celebration on Saturday, May 8, 2021. This fun, adult event, will take place at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square and will feature a live band, live and silent auctions, a raffle and wine and gift card pulls. Michele Fisher will serve as emcee for the evening and Johnny Bravo will join her as auctioneer.

Culture Map · Jan 26, 2021 · MC, Auctioneer

Houston's Women of Distinction honored in $400,000 virtual Winter Ball

More than 250 guests gathered virtually from the comfort of their homes for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation 2021 Winter Ball, Uniting to Care & Cure, Hollywood-Style. The annual, cherished event was chaired by Amy Pierce, Kristina Somerville, and Stephanie Tsuru, who are all past Women of Distinction.

Philanthropy Lifestyles · Jan 06, 2021 · MC, Auctioneer

Gena and Chuck Norris Receive the Bonhoeffer Angel Award

Gena and Chuck Norris received the Bonhoeffer Angel Award at Mercury One’s first ever Virtual Event: America Goes Back to Work hosted by founders Tania and Glenn Beck. Mercury One is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit humanitarian aid and education organization focused on restoring the human spirit based in Dallas, Texas.

Society Texas · Nov 09, 2020 · Auctioneer, Co-MC with Deborah Duncan

PetSet Celebrates With Virtual Gala Watch Party

Even a global pandemic could not stop animal lovers’ kindness, as they rallied around a hybrid format of fundraising. Part virtual gala, part V.I.P. watch party on the much-loved Annie Café & Bar’s outdoor patio, PetSet’s first virtual Fierce and Fabulous Gala raised nearly $200,000 to support the Greater Houston area’s animal welfare groups.

Culture Map · Oct 28, 2020 · MC, Auctioneer

Houstonians rock out support for furry friends in virtual Beatles-themed bash

Citizens for Animal Protection, the local organization dedicated to local animal welfare, recently held a live, virtual gala. The Beatles-themed event was appropriately titled, “All You Need is Love for CAP,” and featured performances by noted Beatles cover band, The Fab 5.

PaperCity · Oct 26, 2020 · MC, Auctioneer

Darling Rescue Dog, The Beatles and More Step Up for Citizens for Animal Protection

There was no chance that Friday night’s Citizens for Animal Protection virtual evening was going to be a sleeper. How could it be with with the convincing Fab 5 performing live and a live program and auction with a darling rescue pooch carrying the winning raffle card?

The Katy News · Jul 30, 2020 · MC, Auctioneer, A/V, Fundraising Consultant

Katy ISD Education Foundation Announces Reimagined GROOVE Event August 29

The Katy ISD Education Foundation announces its annual GROOVE fundraiser, reimagined. “Our GROOVE planning committee has completely transformed our traditional GROOVE gala, creating a new, dynamic and inclusive format sure to be a hit with the Katy/West Houston community,” says Foundation Board President, Mike Van Hoozer. A donation to the foundation’s teacher grant program secures a house party for up to 10 guests and includes Whiskey Cake grab and go dinner, online auction and live broadcast celebration with Johnny Bravo, a professional entertainer known for bringing communities together through VirtualUnGalas.

Houston Chronicle · Jan 28, 2020 · Auctioneer

Winter Ball paints a fashionable and philanthropic scene downtown at Hilton Americas-Houston

It's award season, alright. And Houstonians aren't restricted to Hollywood red carpets to get their gown fix. As illustrated on Friday at Hilton Americas-Houston during the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's 2020 Winter Ball, the Bayou City's most fashionable and philanthropic residents know how to turn up the heat.

PaperCity · Aug 23, 2019 · MC, Auctioneer

Sports Power Couple Allie LaForce and Joe Smith Embraced by Astros Wives and Stars in Emotional Fundraiser

The solemnity and tears that defined the early moments of the HelpCureHD luncheon, chaired by Astros pitcher Joe Smith and his wife, TNT sports reporter Allie LaForce, gave way to exuberant cheers and jubilation as the throng, led by pitcher Justin Verlander, emptied their pockets in support of a cause that strikes at the heart of the popular duo.

Houston Chronicle · Aug 22, 2019 · MC, Auctioneer

Astros stars rally around Allie LaForce and Joe Smith, raise $265,000 for Huntington's disease

How long does it take for a fundraiser to hit its stride? For Allie LaForce and Joe Smith, two years proved plenty of time for the married couple to knock their HelpCureHD Luncheon out of the park.

Society Texas · Jun 28, 2019 · Auctioneer

Joe Niekro Foundation's Knuckle Ball Scores Big

This year’s event, chaired by Tricia Bonilla Harrison and Mark D. Sullivan, who both have a personal connection to brain aneurysms, raised nearly $300,000. The auction was a spectacular success and featured original art items, a Steak 48 culinary group experience, exquisite jewelry by Mariquita Masterson, and rare finds in sports memorabilia.

Hello Woodlands · May 03, 2017 · MC, Auctioneer

“Betting On Courage” Gala raises $325,000 for Children’s Safe Harbor

More than 500 guests came together to support a serious topic as Children’s Safe Harbor held its 11th annual dinner fundraiser April 1st at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel.

City of Houston · Mar 18, 2012 · MC

Tour de Houston Presented by Apache

Johnny Bravo, EMCEE KSBJ, God Listens Radio, Senator Rodney Ellis, Mayor Parker

Culture Map · Jun 16, 2010 · MC, Auctioneer

Painting a pretty picture at Artista means colorful charity fundraising

Artists in action — that was the scene at Artista in the Hobby Center when Kari Govin and Laura La Rue chaired ARTcetera II benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

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