Houston Astros George Springer All-Star Bowling Benefit Kick Off Party

It was a grand slam as SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young opened its season in Space City at the Houston Astros George Springer All-Star Bowling Benefit Kick Off Party on Monday, June 22, 2015. SAY along with the Host Committee welcomed team players at Peli Peli in the Galleria for the upcoming main attraction, which will blast off in its inaugural year on Monday, July 20, 2015 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Lucky Strike Houston.

Peli Peli scored a home run with guests’ palate as they enjoyed the fusion flavors of the chicken sosaties, South African flatbread, bacon wrapped chicken, stuffed mushrooms and stuffed peppadews along with a refreshing South African mojito, a traditional mojito made with mint, lime, sugar cane and Chef Paul Friedman’s secret ingredient. Other savory beverages included Peli Peli private label Sauvignon Blanc 2014, wine from Anura Vineyards in South Africa, bubbles and beer.

Khambrel Marshall, Noah Cornman

With a perfect pitch, Noah Cormnan, the executive director of SAY expressed his appreciation for southern hospitality and cheered with excitement in a play that will strike the home of the beloved Astros with empowering SAY programs in Houston. Guests were encouraged to load up the bases by purchasing sponsorship, benefit tickets, and make a run for a raffle. Scoring big with the steal was Gabriel Leichen, the raffle winner of four field level tickets to the Houston Astros vs. NY Yankees game.

George Springer, a celebrated Houston Astros outfielder, is a person who stutters and has recently became a spokesperson for Camp SAY, a life-changing summer camp for young people who stutter. Springer is hosting the Bowling Benefit to establish the George Springer Kids Fund. All proceeds from the event will send children from families-in-need to Camp SAY. Fellow Astros, pro athletes and celebrity friends will join Springer as Celebrity Lane Captains. The event will take full swing with master of ceremonies Bob Allen of KHOU and a cocktail reception followed by a night of bowling. Stepping up to the plate as Celebrity Lane Captains include Springer with several of his teammates, Musician Everett Bradley, Houston Dynamo Michael Chabala, Philanthropist Carolyn Farb, “Louisiana Lightning” Ron Guidry, Former Houston Oiler Haywood Jeffires, KPRC’s Khambrel Marshall and Former Houston Oiler Dan Pastorini and others. To join Springer for his All-Star Bowling Benefit, visit www.SAY.org/JoinGeorge.

Celebrating the victory of the kick off party: Roy Marsh, Sonia Soto, Magen Pastor, Lanny and Debbie Griffith, Sheila Aron, Brad and Melissa Carter, Matthew and Melissa Deayala, Kathy Swiney, Alexandra Gintoli, Tony and Jessy Melendez, Doug and Kathy Wright, Jim Colasanto, Tony Sullivan, Ed Brown, Larry Nauss, Gary Cohen, Lyndell Massengale, and Abby Clarke.

Photos by Daniel Ortiz