HOUSTON – The closure of a popular Houston night spot is also jeopardizing plans for an event designed to raise awareness about childhood cancer. Hughes Hangar on Washington Avenue closed its doors over the weekend.
The club was to be the venue for an event also aimed at raising money for the family of a 3-year-old girl battling leukemia.
"It's really important to us," said Aspen Etheridge.
Etheridge's 3-year-old daughter, Laekyn, has been battling leukemia. Etheridge said her daughter's cancer was in remission, but the family was recently told it had returned.
"She's going to have to get some more chemo, maybe radiation and try another transplant," said Etheridge.
This is a fight, like for many families, that takes an emotional and financial toll.
"The bills, the gas, the parking, food," said Etheridge.
Etheridge found a helping hand through the founder of 'Kids Fashion Parade Houston.' Quianna Carpenter offered to throw an event to help raise money for the family and raise awareness about childhood cancer.
"I know that's hard and she's a young mom, like mom so I thought what more better to do than just help out this mom," said Carpenter.
Carpenter started planning the event almost a year ago and booked Hughes Hangar for the location. Carpenter even got "Mr. A, The Hair Angel" on-board to create a Cinderella wig for Laekyn.
"To surprise her, to have this luscious long blonde extension, spin around have this whole fairy tale illusion," said Mr. A.
However, the event is in jeopardy of going forward. Carpenter said she found out Monday that Hughes Hangar suddenly closed its doors and they haven't been able to find a new venue. Carpenter said they are running out of time; the event is scheduled for April 10.
Carpenter said the trouble with finding another venue on short notice is the event was expecting a crowd of at least 200
"Maybe someone will see or hear our story and they'll look at that beautiful face and they'll want to reach out to help us," said Carpenter.
An event coordinator for Hughes Hangar would only confirm the club's closure. Our calls to the business for more information have not yet been returned.
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