The weather was hot, but the chefs were hotter. Ready to compete for the savoriest cuisine of the day, chefs from some of Houston’s top restaurants prepped and served their favorite fare at The Big Brunch. Hosted by statewide nonprofit CHILDREN AT RISK, guests dined on delicious small bites from Andiron/Candente/The Pit Room, Cadillac Bar, CIEL, Dumpling Haus, Marmo, King Ranch, Milo’s Meals, Momma’s Tamales, Ostia, The Ballroom at Bayou Place, Meat + Cheese Project, and Thunderbirds HTX. The crowd favorite: Momma’s Tamales!

Texans came from Dallas, and as far west as El Paso to support CHILDREN AT RISK as they celebrated Texas Pediatric Advocates Dr. Hilda Loria, Dr. Karla Fredricks, and Dr. Anu Partap. Emceed by CHILDREN AT RISK president and CEO Dr. Bob Sanborn, and KPRC-2 journalist and meteorologist Khambrel Marshall, the annual event was inspiring to the 300 plus guests.

Dr. Peter Hotez and Dr. Jean Raphael served as honorary chairs. Marissa and Chris Kiefer, and Dan and JoAnn Longoria were the co-chairs of Houston’s premier brunch event which raised over $130,000 for programs that benefit children and families in Texas. One auction item, a 7-night trip for two to Bali was the best seller. It sold for $3,100 four times!

Guests also wore their most stylish hats for the “Best Hat Contest.” Houston Hip & Haute editor Jana Phillips was crowned first place.

In the crowd: Marcus & Heather Malonson, Cynthia Wolff, Donald & Shawn Bowers, Tammy Spence, and Jasmine Turner.