Record-Breaking Out for Good Gala Raises $571,000 Oct 4 (Photo Gallery)

Published Date: October 10, 2025 Category: Uncategorized

12th Annual Gala Breaks All Previous Fundraising Records with Blockbuster Event

The Montrose Center, Greater Houston’s leading LGBTQ+ non-profit, held its 12th annual Out for Good Gala on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis Houston, raising more than $571,000 to fund comprehensive services for the LGBTQ+ community. The event, which began as a simple, free dinner to attract new donors in celebration of National Coming Out Day, marks the most successful fundraising event in the organization’s 47-year history.

“The Montrose Center is incredibly fortunate and appreciative to have such generous donors in our corner,” said Kelly Nicholls, the Center’s chief development officer. “They’re recognizing the immediate challenges our LGBTQ+ community is facing and jumping into action to help. Every gift at the gala allows us to quickly provide resources for our clients and continue to be the safe space for our community at a time they need it most. We’re beyond grateful for our donor family.”

More than 500 guests attended the leather-and-lace-themed celebration, which honored two pillars of Houston’s LGBTQ+ community. Atlantis Narcisse, founder and CEO of Saving Our Sisters United Inc., received the 2025 LGBTQ+ Visionary Award for two decades of transformative work and community care. Brad Pritchett, Interim CEO of Equality Texas, was presented with the 2025 LGBTQ+ Innovator Award in recognition of his contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy and policy work.

“Out for Good represents the best of what our community can accomplish when we come together in solidarity,” said Avery Belyeu, CEO of the Montrose Center. “Honoring leaders like Atlantis Narcisse and Brad Pritchett reminds us that we’re all in this fight together—across organizations, across generations. The funds raised are critical, and so is this moment of celebration and unity. That’s what will carry us through these challenging times.”

The gala’s success was powered by unprecedented generosity from leadership donors. Co-chairs Fran and Susan Smith-Snider and Joe Kaye and Mukhled Alhajri set the tone early with a $50,000 matching challenge. The energy reached a peak when Brad and Jen Gouge took the stage to announce their $200,000 commitment, transforming the evening’s $400,000 goal into an ambitious $500,000 target that attendees enthusiastically surpassed.

“With so many people’s dignity, health, and even lives under attack, we feel it’s more important now than ever to support the Montrose Center and the wide range of incredible services that it provides our LGBTQ+ community,” said Brad and Jen Gouge.

The gala featured a dynamic lineup of entertainment, including performances by Taylar of J&D Entertainment, Bailey Bunnie with a gravity-defying Cirque-style act, Houston favorite Wendy Taylor singing Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful,” and performance artist A’Mya Jackson Ross. Houston Public Media’s Ernie Manouse returned as emcee for his second year, guiding guests through an evening of celebration, inspiration, and community solidarity. During the VIP Reception, a trio from Monarch Chamber Players entertained guests, and DJ Christian Purdy kept the party going during the after-party.

Kicking off a new tradition, the event featured a ‘rainbow carpet’ for guests to show off and discuss their themed outfits. The event is quickly becoming a key moment in Houston’s fashion scene with influencers like Houston Ballet’s principal dancer Harper Watters wearing a leather ensemble by Udeh Co. Lead sponsor Paul Guillory wore a look designed by Gabe Carey of GC Fitted and his husband Leon was styled by Manfred Spencer and G and R Tailoring.

Other notable attendees included Judge Caroline Dozier, former honoree Judge Phyllis Frye (the first openly transgender judge in the nation), Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, and representatives from County Commissioner Leslie Briones’ and Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher’s offices

Huge thanks to our generous sponsors!

Pearl Sponsors
Paul & Leon Guillory

Rhinestone Sponsors
Caleb Burson & Timothy Gug
CORT Furniture

Sequin Sponsors
Luis Adame & Chris Robertson
ConocoPhillips
Ed Finger
H-E-B
Joe Kaye & Mukhled Alhajri
NRG
Fran & Susan Smith-Snider
Mark Sparks, The Ferguson Law Firm
Richard Werner & Tony Bravo

Glitter Sponsors
Jeff Bishop
Houston Methodist

Table Sponsors
AARP Texas
ACLU Texas
David Alcorta & Craig Felderhoff
Amegy Bank
Bering Memorial UCC
Rev Alden Clark
Jeff Falk
Fermeen Fazal & John Holmes
Marvin Fuentes & Juan Lerma
Raed & Carlos Gonzalez
Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
Hettig/Kahn Companies
Leslie LaSorsa
Reliant
Save Our Sisters United Inc
Scott Brogan Enterprises
Nancy Sims
Charles Smith
Tanglewood Behavioral Health Group
Huzefa Tayabali & Douglas Wilson
Jim Taylor
Harper Watters