Weekend roundup: Astros Wives Gala and Social Media Night on the horizon.

Jeff and Morgan Keppinger

One of the more important traditions the Houston Astros have continued over the years is the annual “Black Ties and Baseball Caps” Wives Gala, which over the last 21 years has raised over $4 million for the Houston Area Women’s Center.

The Center, which supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence, was the charity of choice by the first Gala co-chairs, Patty Biggio and Nancy Caminiti, in 1990. Astros rosters have changed dramatically over the years, but the legacy of the Wives Gala remains unchanged. For the beneficiaries of funding that has helped support HAWC, this fundraiser continues to be one of utmost importance.

An annual warmup to the Gala is the party for the underwriters who provide the majority of the resources for the Gala. This year’s party was held Sunday night at Brenner’s On the Bayou, hosted by Paige and Tilman Fertitta, General Manager Chris Shaw and Coordinator Rachel Price.

Most of the Astros players and coaching staff attended the event, and likely will be present again for the Gala, which takes place on Aug. 18 at Minute Maid Park. The soiree, co-chaired by Mary Catherine Melancon and Summer Barmes with assistance from Auction chairperson Michele Quintero, includes a silent and live auction and an opportunity to mix and mingle with the Astros family. Legendary comedian Rich Little will provide the entertainment.

For more information, contact Judy Nichols at judynichols1@sbcglobal.net or at 713-781-0053.

We didn’t get pictures of everyone, but we did our best. Enjoy….

Jason Castro and his fiancee, Maris Pearlman.

Chris Johnson

Matt and Leah Downs

J.A. Happ and Morgan Cawley

Fun fact: Jason Michaels' wife, Pamela (right), and her sister, Karen (left), were Doublemint Twins when they were teenagers.

Mary and Carlos Lee

Gari and Bobby Meacham and their granddaughter, Reese

Mark and Mary Catherine Melancon

Hunter Pence and Lindsey Slott

Michele and Humberto Quintero

Brittany and J.R. Towles

Aubree Gerardi, Maris Pearlman, Morgan Cawley

Towles, Clint Barmes, Melancon

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Our first two Social Media Nights were a rousing success, and the third one is set for June 25 during the Astros’ game with the Rays.

What is Social Media Night,  presented by Ford Focus, you ask? It’s a fun night in the Budweiser Patio that includes a ballpark tour, batting practice viewing, a ticket in the Bud Patio behind center field, a t-shirt, dinner, dessert and an appearance by an Astros player — this month, the guest will be Brett Wallace.

Wallace (@brettwallace29 on Twitter) will make an appearance from 5-5:15, before the 6:05 game with the Rays. We’ll conduct our trivia contest over Twitter, and Wallace will hand out prizes — autographed baseballs and bobbleheads.

Tickets are $45, and seating is limited — just 108 available. You can reserve your tickets by clicking here, and we hope to see you on June 25.

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