By Benjamin Rosas
To call our 2025 Miracles Gala season successful would be an understatement. Held at the gorgeous Brenner’s on the Bayou on June 21, this is the first time Kidsave has held a Miracles Gala in Houston, Texas. It was a night to be remembered and inspired by. “Hosting this gala was an unforgettable experience, and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support we received,” said Tabitha Charlton, director of Weekend Miracles Houston.
Staying true to the theme, a World of Possibility, the last of Kidsave’s three galas highlighted our work in Houston which began in 2020. The star of the program was Jada Flitton, a former Kidsave kid who personally experienced our Weekend Miracles program. “I realized my story is something I can't change, and no matter what its part of who I am, and it has helped me be who I’ve become.” She is building a future for herself with a supportive family for the first time in her life.
Radio and TV personality Mason Moussette served as the Emcee for the night. Her presence was electrifying and set the standard for future emcees to come. With heartfelt words of thanks from our Board of Trustees Co-Chair Joni Noel and our Co-Founder Randi Thompson, we came together to celebrate over 25 years of Kidsave. With no sign of slowing down, the sky is our limit to a brighter future for foster kids. Then, Charlton highlighted the many accomplishments of the Weekend Miracles program throughout the years and the promising future ahead of us in Houston.
Connecting with the local hero, Larry Finley, is certainly one of these accomplishments. Our Inaugural Champion for Children in Houston, Larry has been many things: a pilot, medic, police lieutenant and a fireman. But on that night, he celebrated his most important role of all: Dad.
“Kids in foster care are not bad kids” Larry knows from personal experience how true this statement is. “All they need is guidance and someone willing to commit their whole heart to them.” Now an adoptive father to three teenage boys, Larry has given them the love and guidance that has allowed his sons to thrive.
In a special video message from the International Space Station, Colonel Anne McClain sent her regards to Kidsave from orbit, officially taking Kidsave’s impact on outer space! Colonel McClain has been a dedicated volunteer and mentor in the Weekend Miracles Houston program, and she has done everything she can to continue supporting the work while serving the United States as an astronaut. It was a true honor to have her as a part of this year's Houston Gala.
Finally, Charlton present our Houston program’s inaugural Inspirational Voices award to her very own mentor, Dr. Mary Ann Wilkins. As an educator and positive influence in the local community, Wilkins has been a fierce advocate for children throughout her career. But it was her connection with Charlton as a middle school principal that planted the seed for future growth. Charlton, a former foster youth herself, credits Wilkins with saving her life. The story of their connection is a powerful reminder that mentoring and supporting youth in foster care does more than change a child’s life—it rewrites a legacy.
“The Houston Gala was an inspiring and emotional evening that brought our community together in support of the older foster youth we serve,” said Ashlee Evans, program coordinator. “Seeing some of our Kidsave youth and their families in the room made the night especially meaningful and reminded us why this work is so important.”
“The generosity of our community—and the energy in that room—was nothing short of inspiring,” Charlton added. “This event, Kidsave’s first gala in Texas, proved what’s possible when people come together for a cause that matters.”
When the night came to a close, so did our 2025 Miracles Gala season. To everyone who supported us in any way, thank you. Your support allows us to continue changing lives and helping older youth in foster care discover the world of possibility that lies within each of them.
See the photos from the 2025 Kidsave Miracles Gala in Houston.
Visit kidsave.org/weekend-miracles-texas/, to learn more about our program.
