Goblins, Witches and Zombies Join the Real Animals for $1 Million Houston Night — Howl-O-Ween is Here

Maybe not as over-the-top as the Orange Show Gala, but not as understated as the following night’s Zoo Ball, the Houston SPCA Howl-O-Ween Ball did its share of contributing to the fundraising fun while rollicking and raising more than $1 million.

Miniature ponies welcomed guests, many in costumes, as they strolled to the SPCA Equine Rescue Arena where the party was held. Inside, puppies in the arms of costumed revelers inspired the “awes” while presentation of a pair of endangered owls commanded total silence from the sellout throng of more than 350.

Applause, applause for chairs SPCA board member Zane Carruth and Brady Carruth and Ann and Leslie Doggett, who helmed the record-breaking evening.

In keeping with the Halloween theme, Bergner & Johnson draped the area in cobwebs, gauzy ghosts and ghouls while pumpkins and candelabras filled in the decor. Theatre Under the Stars students surprised guests by creeping onto the dance floor for three intermittent ghoulish dance presentations, one based on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” one on The Adams Family finger-clicking theme song and the finale on  “Monster Mash.” City Kitchen delivered on a signature superb dinner.

Taking bows as honorees were Linda McIngvale, community honoree; Mission Honorees Westbury Animal Hospital along with Jennifer Schechter Rosen and Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen, and media honoree KHOU TV-11. The latter was represented by news anchor Kimberly Davis, who served as emcee.

Franco Valobra of Valobra Master Jewelers contributed significantly to the bottom line by contributing pair of custom drop earrings designed by Valobra specifically for the ball.

PC Seen: Houston SPCA President and CEO Patti Mercer, Carol and Mark Glasser, Debbie and John Putman, Adam Adams, Dancie and Jim Ware, Diann and Fred Burns, Carol and Tommy Harper, Janine K. Iannarelli, Cheryl and Dr. Gregg Knape, Kandace and Carlos Longoria, Roz and Byron Cooley, Jeanne and Ed Daniels, Kimberly Davis, Helena and Laird Doran.