The 2026 SoleTies Fundraising Gala
SoleTiesFundraisingGala
2026 Theme
Power In Community
A black-tie evening celebrating movement, wellness, and the people building a stronger Houston.
Why We Gather
More Than A Moment.
SoleTies started with a simple idea: bring people together through movement.
What began as a weekly run has become a thriving community rooted in accountability, consistency, empowerment, faith, and service.
The SoleTies Fundraising Gala celebrates that journey, and invests in what comes next.
Every ticket purchased helps strengthen programs that create healthier communities and meaningful connections throughout Houston.
Our Mission
At SoleTies Run Club, our mission is to foster transformational experiences through authentic human connection, one runner at a time.
Rooted in accountability, consistency, community, empowerment, and faith, we are building spaces where every stride strengthens relationships and uplifts lives.
Through runs, wellness initiatives, social gatherings, education, and community outreach, we are committed to creating a culture where people don't simply participate.
They belong.
The Experience
An Evening Built For Connection.
Every detail of the SoleTies Fundraising Gala is designed to honor the community we've built, and to welcome the people who will help carry it forward.
- 01
VIP Cocktail Hour
Greetings, signature drinks, and appetizers.
- 02
Buffet Dinner
A full buffet dinner served in the ballroom.
- 03
Open Bar
Curated cocktails and zero-proof options throughout the night.
- 04
Awards Ceremony
Honoring the people whose work strengthens Houston.
- 05
Mission Moment
A quiet pause to reflect on the year and the year ahead.
- 06
Photo Activations
Editorial-quality portraits and group moments to take home.
- 07
Dance Floor
Where Houston's community ends every great night together.
Community Impact
Numbers Don't Tell The Story. People Do.
These are the seeds of what's growing, and what your support helps multiply.
Weekly Attendees
Community Members
Monthly Activations
These numbers grow only because the community shows up. Your gift turns the next year of work into reality.
Invest In Year TwoHonorees
The 2026 Honorees.
Five awards, five stories of what community looks like in practice. Four of our honorees are announced below; the last award is still being decided, and it's chosen entirely by you.
Community Impact
Clean the Block
The Community Impact Award recognizes an organization whose work creates meaningful, lasting change within the communities we serve. This honor is given to a group that leads with service, uplifts those around them, and demonstrates a consistent commitment to advancing wellness, connection, and collective good.
Community Partner
Philly Connect
The Community Partner Award honors an organization that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to uplifting and supporting the SoleTies mission. Their dedication to wellness, community connection, and collective progress reflects what it means to build alongside SoleTies — creating meaningful change that reaches far beyond a single event.
Community Empowerment
Vale
The Community Empowerment Award recognizes the organization whose generosity and partnership have made the greatest impact on SoleTies throughout the year. As our largest sponsor, their support empowers us to expand our programming, strengthen our reach, and continue creating meaningful spaces across Houston.
Beyond the Run
Jarred Lockett
The Beyond the Run Award honors an individual deeply committed to wellness in every form — physical, mental, and spiritual. This recipient goes further than miles logged; they model discipline, intentionality, and a lifestyle rooted in growth.
People's Choice
Voted by the community
The People's Choice Award honors a member of the SoleTies community who fully embodies our five pillars — faith, community, empowerment, consistency, and accountability. Chosen by the community, it celebrates the person whose stride reflects the true heartbeat of SoleTies.
- Cast your vote
Get Involved
The ballot is live.
Finalists are set. One verified vote per person decides who takes it home.
Tickets
Reserve Your Place.
Every ticket directly funds free community runs, wellness programming, youth initiatives, and the future SoleTies Community Hub.
Sponsors
Stand With Houston.
Gala sponsorships fund the year, not just the night. Partner with us to support free community programming, wellness initiatives, and the future Community Hub.
Already on board: General Orders No. 3 · Nice Winery · Houston Rockets · lululemon · Vale
- $25,000
Marquee
Presenting Partner
The marquee partner of the 2026 SoleTies Fundraising Gala.
- Top billing across all event materials & venue signage
- Two premium VIP tables (20 seats)
- Stage moment during the live program
- Year-round recognition across SoleTies channels
- Sponsorship feature in the post-event impact report
- $10,000
Tier
Gold
Prominent recognition and a premium table for your team.
- Logo on stage & all major materials
- One premium VIP table (10 seats)
- Recognition during the live program
- Social spotlight across SoleTies channels
- $5,000
Tier
Silver
A confident presence throughout the evening.
- Logo on event materials & program
- One reserved table (10 seats)
- Recognition during the live program
- $2,500
Tier
Bronze
A meaningful gesture of support.
- Logo in printed program
- Four general admission seats
- Recognition during the live program
- $1,000
Tier
Community Partner
For small businesses and local partners who built this with us.
- Recognition in the printed program
- Two general admission seats
Donate
Give Beyond The Night.
Tickets fund the gala. Donations fund the year. Choose where your gift goes. Every dollar is tax-deductible.
- 01
General Operations
Keep weekly runs free, programming consistent, and community gatherings open to everyone.
- 02
Youth Initiatives
Fund the next generation of Houston runners. Gear, coaching, and mentorship for kids who want to move.
- 03
Community Outreach
Support wellness programming and partnerships across underserved Houston neighborhoods.
- 04
Community Hub
Help build a permanent home for free runs, co-working, and wellness in Houston.
FAQ
Good Questions, Honest Answers.
Complimentary valet is available at the Historic Eldorado Ballroom. Self-park options are within a two-block walk, and we'll publish a venue map with arrival instructions in October.
We'll publish a list of partner hotels with discounted SoleTies Fundraising Gala rates once the room block is confirmed. Watch your email after purchase.
Black tie formal. Tuxedos, formal dresses, and elevated cultural attire are all welcome. Wear what makes you feel confident and beautiful.
All ticket purchases are final and non-refundable. Tickets are transferable. Email events@soletiesrunclub.com to update the guest name on a ticket.
Doors open at 7:30 PM. The night includes a buffet dinner, open bar, and the awards program. VIP tickets add a private 7:00–7:30 PM cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres and signature cocktails, plus a SoleTies keepsake.
Yes. The Historic Eldorado Ballroom is wheelchair accessible. If you need any specific accommodations, email events@soletiesrunclub.com and we'll personally make sure your night is taken care of.
Ticket purchases are partially tax-deductible for the portion above the fair-market value of dinner and open bar. Donations are 100% tax-deductible. SoleTies Run Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; EIN 33-3605905.
Yes. We welcome volunteers for setup, check-in, and breakdown. Email events@soletiesrunclub.com to join the gala volunteer team.
Still have a question? events@soletiesrunclub.com