Houston Energy Leaders Help Sky High for Kids Raise $3 Million for Pediatric Cancer Initiatives
Houston’s energy and industrial communities came together to make a historic impact for children battling cancer, as Sky High for Kids raised a record $3 million during its annual Sporting Clay Tournament and Better in Boots Gala, held March 26–27.
The two-day event drew more than 700 attendees, marking the largest fundraising total in the organization’s history and highlighting the strong connection between Houston’s business leaders and Sky High’s mission to end Childhood Cancer.
Presenting Sponsors Lead the Way
The event was made possible by presenting sponsors FuelTrax, SMP Supply, and Smile Texas, whose leadership and generosity helped set the tone for the weekend. During the gala, Dr. Dooley of Smile Texas challenged donors to “donate a smile” for Cancer Warriors around the world, resulting in a $30,000 pledge and 10 smiles donated—a symbolic and meaningful way to show support for children fighting cancer.
Celebrating the Warriors
A special highlight of the evening was the Cancer Warrior Ledger bell ringing, marking the end of treatment for participating children. These moments reminded attendees why their contributions matter and why Sky High for Kids exists: to honor, support, and celebrate the bravery of every Cancer Warrior.
Houston’s Energy Community in Action
Founder and CEO Brittany Hebert Franklin spent nearly a decade in the oil and gas industry while building Sky High for Kids, and that connection continues to shape the organization’s partnerships across Houston’s energy and industrial sectors.
Industry leaders—including Ensign Natural Resources, Spitzer Industries, Vestal Family Foundation, Texas Mattress Makers, Living Designs Furniture, and JD Fields & Company—supported the event through sponsorships, auctions, and direct contributions, reflecting the energy sector’s ongoing commitment to pediatric cancer research and family support programs.
Event Highlights
The weekend began with the Sporting Clay Tournament at Greater Houston Sports Club, bringing together professionals across energy, construction, retail, medical, and industrial sectors. The funds raised will directly support critical care programs at Texas Children’s Hospital, including immunotherapy initiatives.
The weekend also celebrated Guests of Honor Brett and Shelley Pennington and their family, who were recognized for their ongoing support of Sky High for Kids including the first ever Major Gift commitment to Sky High. Their presence highlighted the personal connections and community commitment that make events like Better in Boots possible.
A standout auction moment featured a $350,000 winning bid for a hunting experience with a Cancer Warrior and special guest country artist Parker McCullum, hosted at Spitzer Industries’ CJ4 Ranch. Jimmy Palma, CEO of SMP Supply, secured the top item, underscoring the strong philanthropic engagement of Houston’s industrial leaders.
Gratitude for Supporters
Sky High for Kids could not have reached this milestone without its supporters—those who have been alongside the organization from the beginning and those joining for the first time. Every contribution, big or small, helps fund research, provide comfort, and give children a chance to thrive.
“This level of support from Houston’s business and energy communities is critical to advancing life-saving research,” said Brittany Hebert Franklin. “These partnerships are helping drive real progress for families facing pediatric cancer.”
About Sky High for Kids
Founded in 2007 by Louisiana native Brittany Hebert, Sky High for Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research and supporting families. Since its founding, the organization has invested more than $43 millionin partnerships with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital, and Saint Francis Camp Strong. Key initiatives include launching the nation’s first pediatric Immunotherapy Center at Texas Children’s and funding a research floor within St. Jude’s 625,000-square-foot Inspiration4 ARC, helping accelerate breakthroughs that improve childhood cancer survival worldwide.