by BETTY LUMAN, Houston Chronicle , The Houston Chronicle

THE team's win over the Pittsburgh Pirates set the cheery mood last weekend at the kickoff reception for the Astros Wives 20th annual Black Ties & Baseball Caps Gala.

More celebrating took place when Michelle Quintero and Pamela Michaels, co-chairs for the Aug. 6 gala, and 2008 co-chair Marcia Geary presented a $250,000 check - the proceeds from last year's gala - to Shawn Raymond, board chairman of the Houston Area Women's Center. The Astros Wives organization has raised more than $3 million for the center, which assists victims of domestic and sexual violence.

About 150 supporters, players and wives shared the hospitality of Mo's ... A Place for Steaks founder Johnny Vassallo, who offered a menu that included an entree of certified Angus beef with chimichurri, red wine sauce and horseradish, and appetizers that included shredded beef medallions and lobster ceviche.

Among players and wives who received gifts from Jerry Allen, a partner with John Paul Dejoria, were Doug and Lisa Brocail, Wandy and Luz Rodriguez, Kazuo Matsui, Miguel Tejada, Hunter Pence, Geoff Geary, Jason Michaels, Humberto Quintero and Mike Hampton.

Guests included Don and Chris Sanders, Monique Flores, Melissa and Michael Weaster, Peggy Tuck, John and Meghan Hadjioannou, Lisa Befort, Vickey and Dr. Jeffrey Kozak, Brenda Cheney, Women's Center CEO Rebecca White, and Adrienne Barker, the center's vice president of development.

For tickets to the gala honoring Drayton and Elizabeth McLane at Minute Maid Park, call 713-781-0053.

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