A Night Around Our Table: The Beacon's annual gala raises more than $550,000 in support of its mission to help end homelessness.

On Thursday, September 17, more than 340 friends of The Beacon came to the table and raised more than $550,000 to advance our mission to restore hope and help end homelessness in Houston.

Come to the Table is unlike any other gala in the city. Guests don't gather in a hotel ballroom; they dine in the Ardell Ray Day Center, the same room where 200-300 neighbors experiencing homelessness come five days a week for a hot meal, a shower, clean laundry, and a path forward toward stability. For one evening, the place where we serve becomes the place where we celebrate.

Houston's Best Chefs, Our Best Room

The evening began with a cocktail reception in Reynolds Hall at Christ Church Cathedral, catered by Swift + Company, this year’s Body, Mind, and Soul sponsor. From there, guests made the short walk to The Beacon for a four-course dinner prepared by some of Houston's most celebrated chefs:

• Maurizio Ferrarese of Remi at Hotel Granduca

• Christine Hà, Owner and Executive Chef of The Blind Goat and Stuffed Belly

• Hugo Ortega of H Town Restaurant Group ~ Backstreet, Caracol, Hugo’s, URBE, Xochi, and Zaranda

• Claire Smith of chrôma

Chef Richard Huber (Swift + Company), Claire Smith (chrôma), and Christine Ha (The Blind Goat & Stuffed Belly)

Jeff Weinstock and Max Torres of Cake & Bacon provided bread service and a takeaway croissant to pair with a bag of Katz Coffee “Beacon Blend” beans for the next morning. We're deeply grateful to every chef, vendor, and their teams who gave their talent and time to make the night delicious.

The Moment of the Night

Ursula Hernandez shares her story.

The moment that stayed with everyone came from Ursula Hernandez. Ursula is a graduate of Brigid's Hope, our 12-month program for women rebuilding their lives after homelessness and incarceration. Today, she serves on The Beacon's Board of Directors.

Ursula shared her own story of lived experience and how her journey reaffirmed her faith and taught her how to receive help and support – not just give it. When she finished, the room rose to its feet. Her standing ovation was a reminder of what this work makes possible, and why we gather every year.

A Live Auction to Remember

The Cathedral Quilt stole the show. Its 63 hand-stitched squares were made by 150 parishioners of Christ Church Cathedral over nine months. Thanks to a generous winning bidder and an incredible contribution from Cathedral members close to the project, the quilt raised more than $40,000.

The night also introduced The Beacon Champion, a new perpetual title created in memory of Beacon Law co-founder Robert Thurmond. Our Board Chair The Very Rev. Nathaniel Katz and Board Vice President Bradley Dennison presented the belt and robe to the Rocky theme, and Robert’s wife Julie and friend Andy Vickery offered remarks about what Beacon Law meant to Bob and how the program came to be.

Matt and Amy Matusek

Dean Katz and Bradley Dennison introducing "Bob's Belt" and the championship robe.

With their winning bid, Matt and Amy Matusek became our first titleholders, taking home a custom championship robe and becoming the first champion to get their name added to “Bob’s Belt.” It was a fun moment with a serious point: just like The Beacon shows up for those experiencing homelessness, our supporters show up to defend our mission.

Thank You for Coming to the Table

Thank you to our event co-chairs, Susan Reeves, Rev. Dr. Brett McCleneghan, and Judy Brown, for their leadership and hospitality. We are deeply appreciative of Swift + Company for their leading sponsorship and partnership to make the night a success. Thank you to our host committee, sponsors, underwriters, staff members, and every guest who bid, gave, and cheered.

The Very Rev. Nathaniel Katz (Beacon Board Chair) and Ana Rausch (Beacon CEO) with event co-chairs Judy Brown, Susan Reeves, and Rev. Dr. Brett McCleneghan

Your generosity goes straight to work. Last year, The Beacon served more than 7,600 people. That included 106,254 meals, 28,689 showers, 1,990 closed legal aid cases, and 201 people placed in housing through Diversion. The $550,000 raised at Come to the Table helps make every one of those moments possible again this year.

Missed the gala, or want to keep the momentum going? You can still make a contribution through our online form or by contacting Sara Martinez, Chief Advancement Officer, at smartinez@beaconhomeless.org or 713-220-9736.

We can't wait to see you at the table in 2027.