Glitz, Glam, and Mahjong for a Cause!
Mahjong for a Cure for T1D Hosts Record-Breaking Girls Night Out Raising Over $225,000
Animal prints, sequins, sparkles – oh my! The vibes were high and the stakes even higher as Alexandra Bruskoff, founder and fabulous host of Mahjong for a Cure, threw a 90s-supermodel-inspired bash like no other. With her 15-year-old daughter bravely navigating life with type 1 diabetes (diagnosed at age 10), Bruskoff rallied Houston’s glitterati for a sold-out evening of fierce fashion, friendly competition, and full-on fundraising at the exclusive Park House Houston.
100% of the evening’s proceeds, more than $225,000, will directly benefit the research and work of Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as JDRF, in their efforts to create a world without type 1 diabetes and improve lives by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D.
Guests sipped bubbly during a dazzling champagne reception – but the real showstopper? A shirtless, gold-painted Mahjong model serving up signature Maj Margaritas (Lalo Tequila, lime, Cointreau, agave – yes, please!).
The Mahjong magic was in full swing thanks to Mahjong maven Becky Livingstone (aka Lady Mahj) and her dream team. Competitive tiles flew as chic contenders battled it out at the tables, only to hit the dance floor later for a DJ set by crowd-favorite DJ Curtis that had everyone living their best life. Even a masseuse was on hand to provide complimentary shoulder massages for table winners.
Guests enjoyed passed appetizers of mini grilled truffle cheese, mini crab cakes, tomato and mozzarella, and grilled lamb chop followed by a buffet dinner of a steak carving station, Caesar salad, grilled carrots and truffle french fries. The dessert included chocolate chip cookies and macaroons.
There was something for everyone in the fun-raising! Lucky winners scored everything in the raffle and auction from a Taylor Swift signed guitar to a custom kid’s party package, New York City and Sonoma getaways, unlimited yoga with Enjoy Yoga2Gather, spa packages from Metropolitan Dermatology, and gift certificates from Green and Fork and Lemel Rice Village.
Every guest took home a complimentary custom Mahjong for a Cure Mahjong Shuffler, while VIPs and table sponsors received chic branded twillies and hand-drawn Mahjong card covers.
None of this Mahjong magic would’ve been possible without the incredible support of Sponsors: Alexandra & Rich Bruskoff, Modern Luxury, Lady Maj Houston, KatieJ NYC who provided attire for the Junior Ambassadors from Breakthrough T1D, and Park House.
Supporters and board members in attendance included Board member Rich Bruskoff and two daughters, Georgie and Teddy Bruskoff; Breakthrough T1D Incoming Board President Jordan Amis, Executive Director Rick Byrd and Associate Executive Director Deandrea Dillard; T1D Ambassadors Laney Grace Caylor, Caroline Stegent, and Sky Easterbrook along with Lindsay Brochstein, Jennie Buxbaum, Amanda Gonzalez, Natasha Oliver, Natasha Parvizian, Shelby Stegent, Kiera Sheffield, Vanessa Ames, Courtney Zubowski, Jennifer Pinkerton, Stacy Soefer Gomar, Laura Davenport, Molly Stone, Jennifer Cope, Jordan Seff, Alicia Gordy, Meredith Marshall, and Jennie Siegal.
About Breakthrough T1D, Southern Texas Chapter
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. Breakthrough T1D does this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with the government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short- and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.
