Houston, Texas – On a warm April evening, Kids’ Meals hosted an extraordinary event that combined golf and goodwill. The Kids’ Meals Champions Dinner benefitting Kids’ Meals, held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the Lakeside Country Club, celebrated the achievements of high school senior golfers, while raising crucial funds for Kids’ Meals, an organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger.

The inaugural fundraiser was a resounding success. Limited tickets were available for the intimate Masters-themed dinner, and the sold-out event resulted in a remarkable $39,000 raised for Kids’ Meals. These funds will directly impact the lives of hungry children in the community, ensuring they receive nutritious meals delivered right to their doorsteps.

Picture 1: Jack Soliman and Brielle Burns; Picture 2: Charlie Epps and Charlie Wylie

The evening began with an invocation by Alf Halvorson, Senior Pastor at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. His words set the tone for an event that combined sportsmanship with compassion. Todd Freed, Executive Director of H-Town High School Sports Program, served as the emcee for the evening.

Brielle Burns, a standout golfer from St. John’s High School, and Charlie Wylie, representing Memorial High School, took center stage as the honorees for the evening. Both young athletes demonstrated exceptional talent on the greens and have bright futures ahead. Brielle will continue her golf career and academics at the University of Illinois, while Charlie has chosen Texas Christian University (TCU) for his next chapter.

Picture 1: Charlie Epps; Picture 2: Jalen Pitre; Picture 3: Todd Freed; Picture 4: Mike Pede and Beth Harp; Picture 5: John Sorrentino and Beth Harp; Picture 6: Pete Delongchamps and Beth Harp; Picture 7: Joe Pogge and Beth Harp

Special guests included:

• Charlie Epps, affectionately known as “The Golf Doctor” and the proud grandfather of honoree Charlie Wylie
• Jalen Pitre, safety for the Houston Texans
• Andrew Gridley, Director of Business at South Texas PGA
• Allie Jarrett, Executive Director of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame
• Mike Martin, golf coach from Memorial High School
• Jack Soliman, golf coach from St. John’s High School

The event’s planning and advisory board featured influential community leaders who championed the cause:

• Pete DeLongchamps, SVP at Group 1 Automotive
• Mike Pede, Associate Vice President at University of Houston Alumni Relations
• John Sorrentino, Director of Sports Marketing and Partnerships at Insperity
• Don Faust, CEO of Faust Distributing
• Greg Grissom, President of the Houston Texans
• Joe Pogge, Director of the Champions Dinner

In the heart of Houston, golfers, honorees, and supporters came together to make a difference. The Kids’ Meals Champions Dinner served as a celebration of hope, compassion, and the power of community capable of leaving a legacy of full bellies and brighter futures for children in need.

Plans are already underway for the 2025 event. If you’re interested in joining the advisory board, donating monetarily or in-kind services, or want to learn more, please contact Joe Pogge at gopogge@comcast.net.