Houston Astros Stars and Their Wives Party at Tootsies in the Ultimate Team Up Event: Carlos Correa, Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole All Show to Lend Support to Lance McCullers

Forget the designer labels. Astros mania ruled at luxury retailer Tootsies when Lance McCullers Jr., Dallas Keuchel and Jose Altuve teamed up to raise funds for their favorite charities. The two World Series Champion pitchers and the 2017 American League MVP were joined by enough of their Astros brethren to practically fill the dugout at Minute Maid park.

Count Carlos Correa, George Springer, Gerrit Cole, Justin Verlander, Brad Peacock, Collin McHugh, Joe Smith and wives among the party contingent. And they brought along their World Series championship trophy for coveted photo ops. Even MLB Hall of Famer Craig Biggio made the scene as did Houston Texans center Greg Mancz and former Houston Texan Kevin Walter.

After the selfies, autograph signing and schmoozing was done, the night had raised $360,000. The proceeds will be divided between the Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation, dedicated to pet rescue, adoptions and a no-kill world, and the Sunshine Kids Foundation, which will benefit through the José Altuve Foundation at Athletes and Causes and through the Dallas Keuchel Foundation at Athletes and Causes.

Funds were raised through ticket sales, silent auction and a killer live auction. The hottest item of the night was dinner at B&B Butchers with McCullers and wife Kara. When that one went on the auction block Verlander, Altuve and Keuchel stepped in and volunteered to join the dinner party. The item sold three times.

Guests that weren’t swooning over the World Series Champs found their hearts melting as they got up close and personal with puppies from BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions, a winner in McCullers book. “Rather than letting the storm (Hurricane Harvey) win, our foundation rallied to take action and help animals in need by immediately purchasing and providing beds, food, shelter and even relocating animals to shelters throughout the country when our local facilities couldn’t accommodate them.”

Movers & Shakers: Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and wife Gwen, Terri and John Havens, Leticia and Steve Trauber, Bobbie Nau, Caroline Walter, Hallie Vanderhider, DeeDee and Wallis Marsh, Hannah McNair, Joanna and Brad Marks, Vivian Wise, Alicia Smith, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, and Julie and Stephen Chen.