Sky High for Kids gala raises record $2.6 million for childhood cancer fight

Sky High for Kids raised a record $2.6 million at its sold-out Ladies Who Brunch in Houston on Sept. 27, drawing more than 700 guests during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. The money will support the nonprofit’s work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital as the group nears its 20th anniversary.

Why it matters: - The $2.6 million total gives Sky High for Kids a record fundraising result for an event that directly supports children with cancer and research toward a cure. - The proceeds fund patient support and research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital. - The result comes as Sky High for Kids nears its 20th anniversary in 2027 and continues closing out two $20 million commitments.

What happened: - Sky High for Kids raised $2.6 million at its 11th annual Ladies Who Brunch on Sunday, Sept. 27, at The Revaire in Houston. - The sold-out event drew more than 700 guests during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. - The afternoon featured a fashion show, live and silent auctions, brunch, cocktails and appearances by Sky High Cancer Warriors and their families. - Co-chairs Alex Joven Kinsey and Peyton Wallace led the event. - Brittany Hebert Franklin, founder and CEO of Sky High for Kids, led the live auction. - Sterling Dio, Houston custom suit designer and founder of The Studio Mayfair, served as guest of honor.

The details: - The event opened with an 11 a.m. cocktail hour and silent auction shopping at The Revaire. - The venue used a Ralph Lauren-inspired theme. - The crowd included people from Houston’s philanthropic, business, media, fashion, sports and cultural communities. - Jessica Morrison, president of Sky High for Kids’ board of directors, led prayer before the program. - Emcee Logan Lester Tafelski hosted the afternoon. - The annual runway show paired 16 Cancer Warriors with event hosts and family members. - Cancer Warrior Payton A. emceed the runway show. - The 2026 featured Cancer Warrior was 19-year-old Dylan Probe. - Probe was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in her right heel at age 9. - Probe went through 14 rounds of chemotherapy, blood transfusions, repeated hospitalizations and the amputation of her right leg before finishing treatment in 2017. - Probe is now nine years cancer-free and studies kinesiology at Texas A&M University with plans to pursue nursing. - Quinn L. walked the runway after her brother RJ recently died. - Quinn and her family later received Waffles, a mini goldendoodle puppy, during the live auction. - The Studio Mayfair outfitted nine bid spotters for the live auction, who were nicknamed “the Cowboys.” - The live auction included experiences, travel, jewelry, Cancer Warrior artwork and other ways to support the organization. - A fertility preservation treatment cycle for Probe drew two competing $100,000 bids, which became two $100,000 gifts from Allie LaForce and Michelle Ciaravino. - Those gifts funded treatment for Probe and a future young woman Cancer Warrior. - Sky High for Kids’ annual Christmas Carnival drew two $75,000 pledges, totaling $150,000. - A Sapphire Smiles and Ciaravino Total Beauty package sold for $35,000. - The package included a smile upgrade, access to a full-service med spa and a one-year pink card membership at Ciaravino Total Beauty. - A painting by nine-year-old Marlee M. sold for $100,000. - The artwork showed a gold ribbon against a pink backdrop and centered on pediatric cancer awareness and hope. - A custom home package from Living Designs Furniture and Texas Mattress Makers sold for $40,000. - The package included custom living room furniture, new mattresses throughout the home and more. - A Sip, Shop & Saddle Up weekend in Round Top sold for $45,000. - The package included a stay at Lucky Sunrise Ranch, Lucchese boots, Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott necklaces, Christina Greene scarves, custom hats from The Hat Chick, tickets to the 2027 Cowboy Couture Fashion Show and an all-day sprinter van. - A private, multi-course Zanti dinner for 10 sold for $35,000. - An 11.18-carat natural oval-cut green sapphire from Shaftel Diamonds sold for $40,000. - Two winning bids at $160,000 each secured a private plane and seven nights at a family compound on Martha’s Vineyard. - The silent auction brought in more than $200,000. - Guests also entered to win a Lady Datejust Rolex watch.

Between the lines: - The afternoon showed how Sky High for Kids uses high-end social events to turn Houston fundraising energy into direct medical and family support. - The strongest bids focused on emotionally personal needs, including fertility preservation and Cancer Warrior art, not just luxury experiences. - The organization’s fundraising base appears to be widening through corporate campaigns, major donors and partnerships tied to everyday spending. - The event also reinforced Sky High for Kids’ identity as both a charity and a community network for families facing childhood cancer.

What’s next: - Sky High for Kids will continue raising money through its Charity of Choice campaign with Houston businesses. - The organization will keep building toward its 20th anniversary in 2027. - Sky High for Kids will also continue work tied to its commitments at Texas Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. - The group is expanding its partnership with Noble Impact™, the philanthropic strategy of The Noble Group, as another channel for support. - The organization will keep serving families with Cancer Warrior Packs, family experiences and Sunday Suppers.

The bottom line: - Sky High for Kids turned a sold-out Houston brunch into a record-setting $2.6 million push for childhood cancer research, treatment and family support.