Children’s Museum of Houston raises $188,000 during fundraising tournament

Chaired by Richard Hellmann and John Thompson

HOUSTON (May 10, 2024) — Children's Museum Houston is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the Randy Allen Spring Golf Classic, held on April 24, 2024, at Memorial Park Golf Course. The event, a Florida-style scramble tournament, saw enthusiastic participation from 32-teams and garnered overwhelming support from more than 100 attendees.

Under the expert guidance of event chairs Richard Hellmann and John Thompson, the tournament exceeded all expectations, raising an impressive $188,000 in support of Children's Museum Houston's mission to provide innovative educational experiences for children in the Houston community, and commemorating the memory of longtime supporter Randy Allen.

Randy Allen led the Museum for 25years as a member of its executive committee, board, and advisory board and founded the first tournament the Museum ever hosted.  The event was a resounding success thanks to his family and friends who purchased foursomes or made donations to honor his legacy and to support the Museum.  Randy’s mother, Nancy Allen, was in attendance along with his wife Laurie, two brothers Eddie and Wilson Allen, and two daughters Morgan Allen Neal [and husband Cameron Neal] and Kendall Allen Strait, and his grandson.

The day-long tournament was marked by friendly competition, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children. Players had the opportunity to win a lease of a 2024 Lexus during a Hole-in-One challenge.  Jonathan Sloan, Chris Calderwood, Patrick Connelly, and Johnny McCormack had the best day on the green, with their team earning first place overall.  Wally Reid, Jason Tessler, Zach Springer, and Chase Belew earned the best team net scores.  Individual winners for “Closest to the Pin” contest were Diane Modesett and Wally Reid.

Funds raised through the tournament will directly benefit Children's Museum Houston's educational programs, exhibits, and initiatives, empowering the Museum to continue serving as a vital resource for children and families throughout the city. The Museum’s outreach programs are 100% free for families.

Additional supporters included Presenting Sponsor:  The Allen Family.  Eagle Sponsors:  Allen Harrison Company, Andrea Elliott, Jason Endecott, Cherie and Jim Flores, Jackie and John Gaylord, Kate and Steve Gibson, Hildebrand Fund, Scott Martin, Charles Masterson, Diane and David Modesett, Palmer Moldawer, Post Oak Motor Cars, Matthew Rotan, Ellen and Charles Sheedy, Jonathan Sloan, Susser Bank, The Thompson Family.  Birdie Sponsor:  Bradley Bracewell/Rushmore Resource Partners, Cadence Bank, Gordon Carver, Risher Randall, Chicago Title Company/Jimmy Erwin and Jackie Sibley, Susan and Jeff Gray | Grayco Partners, LLC, Edward Griffin, Hastings Family Fund, Indu Mar, Geoff Leach, Craig Massey, David Randall, John Wombwell, Poppi Massey, Merrill Private Wealth Management, J. Mace Meeks/INSGROUP, Wally Reid, Jeff Scofield, Frank Vandiver, Veritex Community Bank.  Lunch Sponsor: Brad Morgan. Hole Sponsors:  Jan Bres, Todd Neal, Tevia and Chris McLaren, Fulton Randolph Neal, NRL Mortgage, Kathleen and Townes Pressler, Katharine, Stuart, Grace and Bailey Randall.