Tootsies, whose generous giving to various charities around our town, never ceases to amaze us, was once again the place to be last Thursday night when two Astros power players, 2017 American League MVP, José Altuve, and World Series Champion Pitcher, Lance McCullers Jr joined forces for the annual Team Up Event benefiting causes that were near and dear to their hearts. When you bring two champions together, who also bring their many friends and top social crowd, you can count on something big and that is just what happened. This event, in its third year at Tootsies, is a one-of-a-kind event benefiting various children’s and animal organizations across the Houston community that raised nearly $400,000.
As they arrived for this fun evening, guests were greeted with an array of BMW vehicles and several local stations broadcasting live from this event. The hottest team in the majors turned out in full support for Altuve and McCullers charitable efforts. Many teammates such as George Springer, Justin Verlander, Carlos Correa, Brad Peacock and many others were in attendance casually mixing with all of their many fans in attendance as the store was packed with many supporters eager to visit with their favorite players. The guys were quick to accomodate in this packed crowd. Also dropping by were Astros Hall of Famers, Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell.
Many of the city’s best restaurants such as B.B. Lemon, Benjy’s, Eddie V’s and others were on hand for delish tastings all evening. Ben Berg, owner of Berg Hospitality and most specifically B & B Butchers received rounds of applause as the dinners that he donated for the event with the players had hands flying in the air at the appeal that all gathered for during the second half of the evening. Also, during that appeal that raised much money for the charities, many special custom art pieces, both sculptures and paintings of the players were up for bid. Charities, that the hosts were most passionate about included a focus on animal rescue efforts that Kara and Lance McCullers Foundation is about. Giannina and José Altuve feel passionately about helping children suffering from cancer through the Sunshine Kids. Also a donor for the event that brought out many of its supporters was Citizens for Animal Protection.
Seen in the crowd, in addition to the many Astros players and their gorgeous wives were Amanda Boffone, Reid Ryan, Don Sanders, Kelli and John Weinzierl, DeeDee and Wallis Marsh, Julie and Stephen Chen, Bill King, Donna and Norman Lewis, Patty and Craig Biggio, Soraya and Scott McClelland, Lynn Wyatt and many many more…..it was a great night as the pictures below will show a sampling of………
Jose Altuve, Craig Biggio
photos courtesy of Daniel Ortiz