Chaired byJessica and Michael Bertuccio and Bahareh and James Flavin
HOUSTON (Oct. 20, 2026) — Once upon a time, Houston’s philanthropic royalty gathered for a night of fairytale fashion, fabulous auction treasures and a happily-ever-after impact. Children’s Museum Houston’s “Once Upon a Time: A Fairytale Fashion Gala,” held Saturday, Oct. 17, at Corinthian Houston, raised a record $1.3 million to support the Museum’s mission to improve the trajectories of all children through innovative, child-centered learning. More than 500 guests stepped into a storybook setting for an evening of imagination, elegance and generosity, showing what’s possible when our community comes together to turn magic into reality for Houston’s children.
Leading the evening’s royal court were event chairs Jessica and Michael Bertuccio and Bahareh and James Flavin, alongside underwriting chairs Lauren and Max Barrett and Lilly and Harrison Cullen, and auction chairs Alex Butt and Claire Virga. Together with the Museum’s generous supporters, they helped turn a night of wonder into a landmark moment for children and families across Greater Houston.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their potential, explore their world and imagine a future without limits,” said Rayanne Darensbourg, CEO of Children’s Museum Houston. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this night of enchantment so special. Our gala is a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when our community comes together for its children. Together, we’re making sure that for Houston’s children, the possibilities are as limitless as their imaginations.”
Corinthian Houston got its happily-ever-after makeover by Rebekah Johnson of Bergner & Johnson Design. Cascading ceiling vines, glittering glass chandeliers, a centerpiece fountain and lush floral arrangements transformed the venue into a storybook dreamscape where fairytale fantasy met black-tie sophistication.
Guests made grand entrances through a dreamy, fog-filled welcome experience and stopped for a carriage-themed photo opportunity before stepping into the festivities. They encountered characters including Snow White, Prince Charming, Maleficent and Captain Hook. And when it comes to fairytale fashion, the glass slipper fits more than one style. From whimsical interpretations to elegant eveningwear, the fashion was every bit as spellbinding, with guests drawing inspiration from beloved fairytale characters and stories, including Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Peter Pan, and Sleeping Beauty.
Darensbourg welcomed the gathering, and the event chairs shared special remarks, celebrating the community which made the evening possible and the children who will benefit rom its generosity. Guests settled in for a memorable dinner featuring beef tenderloin prepared by Jackson & Company, followed by a storybook-inspired dessert which was almost too enchanting to eat!
From the first toast to the final dance, every detail set the stage for an evening filled with wonder, connection and generosity. When the bidding began, guests showed they were ready to make some serious magic happen. Auctioneer Brittany Franklin kept the excitement building as extraordinary experiences and coveted treasures inspired generous bids, all in support of a cause that is anything but make-believe.
Among the evening’s standout auction results:
The sparkle continued beyond the auction stage. A raffle featuring 14-karat yellow gold diamond earrings with 1.45-carat diamonds, donated by Deutsch Fine Jewelry, went to lucky winner Cassie Brothers. In a separate paddle sweep, board member Nina Rand took home a pair of 2 carat total weight diamond studs donated by Reimer Fine Jewelry.
Then came the royal command to hit the dance floor. The Avondale Orchestra filled the ballroom with music, and guests danced the night away in a celebration worthy of a storybook finale. As the evening continued, late-night bites of chicken and waffles and truffle fries kept the festivities going.
The gala’s fairytale theme may have celebrated enchanted forests, glass slippers and storybook dreams, but its impact will reach far beyond the ballroom. All proceeds from the event will support Children’s Museum Houston’s mission to improve the trajectories of all children through innovative, child-centered learning. The Museum serves approximately 750,000 children and families annually, bringing learning to life through hands-on exhibits, engaging educational programs and community outreach that reaches children in schools, libraries and community centers.
Notable guests in attendance included: Kat and Ryan Pressly, Julia Morales, Alex and Jeff Beck, Andrew and Rochelle Deiso, Brad and Brittany Dinerstein, Annabel and Alex Florescu, Devorah and David Krieger, Liz McIngvale Mackey and Matt Mackey, Monica and Brad Radoff, Britany Sakowitz Kushner, Mona and Andrew Sarofim, Lily Schnitzer, Lexi Sakowitz Marek, Ashley and Jonathan Sloan, Natalie and James Steen, Krystal and Garrett Thompson, Jessica and Fletch Trammell, Mayleen and Michael Tsang, Allison and Ivan Chavez, Virginia and Cramer Williams, Frances Lummis, Lauren Zlotnick, Winnie and Nic Phillips, Morgan and Cameron Neal, Anna Hobby, Kendall and Andrew Strait, Rebecca and Bill Adler, June and Steve Barth, Kathryn and Travis Boeker, Meredith Flores-Baker, Rekha Muddaraj and Dr. Neil Badlani.
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