Buckling up saves lives

Paolo and Saula Valente attended the Kailee Mills Foundation’s Buckle Up Gala: Derby Race to Save Lives. Nearly 400 guests gathered at The Revaire for the Kentucky Derby-themed event that raised more than $360,000 for seat-belt safety programs. The foundation was created after 16-year-old Kailee Mills died in a car crash in 2017 when she was ejected from the vehicle after momentarily taking off her seat belt. When supporters arrived at the gala, they were greeted by horses “Bubba” and “Bruce” before enjoying Derby-themed cocktails. Guests embraced the Derby theme with women in festive florals, wide-brimmed hats, and fascinators, while the men could be spotted in colorful blazers and fedoras or Panama hats. Event co-chairs Christine Johnson and Jody Merritt welcomed attendees and then turned the evening over to emcees Caroline Collins of FOX26 and Johnny “Bravo” Holloway. Houston Mayor John Whitmire made a special appearance via video to talk about the importance of wearing a seat belt. 

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