BEAR’s Stetsons & Stilettos Gala Raises Record $750,000 to Support Houston’s At-Risk and CPS-Involved Children

Former NFL player and children’s advocate Quan Cosby delivered a powerful keynote at BEAR's Stetson's & Stilettos gala, sharing his personal journey and passion for supporting youth in foster care.

These donations help children feel seen, valued, and supported. Every clean outfit, every backpack, every wrapped gift is a message that this community cares deeply about them.”

— Tammy Hetmaniak, Executive Director at BEAR

HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES, October 21, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- BEAR (BE A Resource for CPS Kids) celebrated a record-breaking evening at the 4th Annual Stetsons & Stilettos Gala on October 12, 2025, held at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria. The “Deep in

the Heart of Texas”-themed event raised more than $750,000 to support Houston’s at-risk and CPS-involved children through BEAR’s year-round programs.

This year’s event featured a spirited “Deep in the Heart of Texas” theme, welcoming nearly 600 guests for an evening of gourmet dining, live acrobatic entertainment by The DB Duo, and an exciting live auction. Guests also participated in various engaging activities throughout the evening, including a Wine and Whiskey Pull, Kendra Scott Jewelry Pull, the Branded Hat Bar, and a one-of-a-kind AI Photo Booth experience. The luxurious Tenenbaum Jewelers Champagne Wall offered guests a chance to win sparkling prizes while supporting BEAR’s mission, with winners announced throughout the night.

The event honored Betsy Mercer, a Legacy Chair and BEAR Board Member of over 20 years, and Kori Gough, Director of Heart Galleries of Texas, for their lasting dedication to improving the lives of Houston’s most vulnerable children. Former NFL player and children’s advocate Quan Cosby delivered a powerful keynote, sharing his personal journey and passion for supporting youth in foster care. Additionally, guests heard moving testimony from a foster mother of six children who were served by BEAR.

“Each year, this event reminds us how strong our community is when it comes together for children who need us most,” said Tammy Hetmaniak, Executive Director of BEAR. “The funds raised from Stetsons & Stilettos allow BEAR to stock emergency BEAR Rooms with clothing, shoes, diapers, hygiene kits, and comfort items, like the teddy bears that often become a child’s first sense of security after entering care. But more than that, these donations help children feel seen, valued, and supported. Every clean outfit, every backpack, every wrapped gift is a message that their lives matter and that this community cares deeply about them.”

The evening was chaired by Meredith and Ben Marshall, Amy and Rob Pierce, and Kelli and John Weinzierl, whose leadership, along with the presenting sponsors Kinetik and Vitol, helped make the night BEAR’s most successful fundraiser to date. Additional sponsors included Vanessa and Chuck Ames, Dylan and Jordan Seff, and numerous generous underwriters and donors recognized throughout the night.

In 2024 alone, BEAR provided more than 90,000 services to children across the Greater Houston area, ranging from basic necessities and school supplies to holiday gifts and adoption support. This fundraising event supports the organization’s unwavering commitment to helping children in crisis find stability, comfort, and hope.