Virtual Best Buddies Gala and Fashion Show + Champion of the Year

On Saturday, December 5th, Mr. and Mrs. Craig Howard hosted The Best Buddies Gala & Fashion Show at the elegant Ballroom at Bayou Place. This year’s virtual event showcased prominent Houstonians and Best Buddies Ambassadors in a whole new way. The ambassadors hit the virtual runway in the latest fashions, while the Champion of the Year candidates competed to raise funds and generate new opportunities of inclusion. Although 2020 was not the year anyone had expected and hoped for, Best Buddies and the Houston community came together and began “Shaping Our Future” to overcome these new challenges. The Conrad O. Johnson Youth Orchestra entertained a small group of invited guests in the beautiful Ballroom. The guests included family and friends who were participants in a spectacular virtual event that others were able to watch from the comfort of their home.The evening also featured special guests and an online auction. Funds from this event benefited local Best Buddies programs.

Anyone wishing to help Best Buddies continue to provide meaningful opportunities to people with IDD may do so by becoming a corporate sponsor, or by making a general donation to the cause. Go to https://www.bestbuddies.org/texas for more information.

The Conrad O. Johnson Regional Youth Orchestra has a history of rousing performances at the world famous Carnegie Hall, the New York City Jazz Festival in Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. They are currently seeking to expand their  participant roster for what promises to be a very eventful and challenging season with many upcoming local and national performances. The program is only $300 a year for students of all ages. Rehearsals are held at the Ballroom at Bayou Place. Go to http://www.conradjohnsonfoundation.org/ for more information.

Heidi PP
Editor in Chief iF Magazine