Who we are

Spindletop Charities, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation that enhances the lives of at-risk youth through funding and volunteering from the oil and gas industry, while promoting fellowship and networking among our participants.
Since 1966 $23.1 million has been raised to aid such programs as child abuse prevention, pediatric medical research, drug and alcohol abuse prevention and rehabilitation, education and scholarships, residential and educational centers, after-school programs and family health.
Our History

Spindletop Charities, Inc. was founded in 1966 by a young man working in the oil industry, Loy D. “Butch” Griffin. His vision was to build an organization promoting goodwill and fellowship within the oil and gas industry while benefiting children “in need.” Griffin chose the name “Spindletop” to ensure the charity would be recognized with the oil and gas industry. Today, because of Spindletop’s solid foundation, the support from the industry and the many dedicated volunteers, Spindletop continues to make significant contributions to area youth charities.
Since 1966 over $21 million has been raised to aid such programs as child abuse prevention, pediatric medical research, drug and alcohol abuse prevention and rehabilitation, education and scholarships, residential and educational centers, after-school programs and family health.
Spindletop’s successful fundraising is the result of three major annual events: the Spindletop Oilmen’s Golf Tournament, the Spindletop Holiday Ball and the Spindletop Mardi Gras Celebration, as well as general donations. The two-day Spindletop Golf Tournament is traditionally held the weekend prior to the Offshore Technology Conference. It is the world’s largest oilmen’s charity golf tournament having worldwide participation. The annual Spindletop Holiday Ball remains the premiere holiday event in the industry, highlighting the various charities supported throughout the year. The Spindletop Mardi Gras Celebration is the first Spindletop event of the year, and continues to grow in popularity amongst its sponsors.
Spindletop Charities, Inc. is managed by an eleven person Board of Trustees, executives who are representative of both the service and operating sectors of the oil and gas industry. The two full-time Spindletop employees work closely with the Trustees, volunteers and they each spend quality time volunteering with several Spindletop supported youth organizations. Thanks to the generosity of an in-kind donation from Schlumberger, the Spindletop offices are located in its corporate headquarters in Houston.
2020 Spindletop Board of Directors
Spindletop Charities, Inc. is managed by a Board of Directors representative of executives from the service and operating sectors of the oil and gas industry.
-
Starlee Sykes, President
Senior Vice President,
Gulf of Mexico & CanadaBP
-
Liam Mallon, Chairman
President
ExxonMobil Upstream
Oil & Gas Company -
Maria Claudia Borras
Executive Vice President, Oilfield Services
Baker Hughes
-
Terry Bonno
Industrial Advisor
EQT
-
Galen Cobb
Vice President Industry Relations
Halliburton
-
Jeff Gorski
Energy Executive
-
JF Poupeau
Executive Vice President, Corporate Engagement
Schlumberger
-
Julie Robertson
Executive Chairman
Noble Corporation
-
Scott Rowe
President & CEO
Flowserve Corporation
-
Rob Saltiel
Energy Executive
-
Clay Williams
Chairman, President & CEO
National Oilwell Varco
-
David Williams
Industry Executive
Retired
Spindletop Staff
-
Lia Vallone
Executive Director
2020 Spindletop Board of Ambassadors
The Spindletop Board of Ambassadors serve as advocates to the organization, representing both the operating and service sectors of the oil and gas industry. Each ambassador provides financial support and is actively engaged in Spindletop events.
Spindletop Emerging Leader Steering Committee
The Emerging Leader Steering Committee (ELSC) is comprised of rising leaders from both the operating and service sectors of the oil and gas industry. These men and women are dedicated to building a Spindletop Army of volunteers and plan service projects at Spindletop-supported charities for its participants.
From STEM Days to arts & crafts to mentoring and more, our volunteers have the opportunity to work with at-risk kids throughout our community. These individuals span across the oil and gas industry and have a passion for volunteering and helping others. In 2019, the ELSC kicked off its inaugural event, Spindletop Unity in Community, which was a day of volunteering and fellowship where participants split between 5 different charities to complete a service project and returned to a central gathering place for a social. With nearly 100 volunteers in attendance, the event will continue on an annual basis along with many other service projects throughout the year.
To learn more about joining the Spindletop Army and volunteering, please contact Spindletop Charities Executive Director Lia Vallone.
To hear about our volunteer efforts in the community, browse the latest updates on our News Page.
2020 Steering Committee
-
Shane Albers
Advisor, Planning & Strategy
HESS Corporation
-
Blake Arceneaux
Business Development Manager – Baroid
Halliburton
-
Billy Arnold IV
Director Onshore Sales – Western Hemisphere
National Oilwell Varco
-
Parker Auld
Commercial Negotiator
Equinor
-
Alicia Chalmers
Permian Planning and Integration Supervisor
ConocoPhillips
-
Eric Everett
Principal Commercial – Trinidad North
BHP
-
LaToya M. Gipson
Agility Coach, Upstream Modernization & Transformation
BP
-
Cody Michael Loverin
Vice President, Oilfield Services
Enverus
-
Richard Mercer
Sr. Reservoir Engineer, Permian Resources –
TX Delaware BasinOxy
-
Heetal Patel
Senior Project Manager
ExxonMobil Global Projects
-
Jordan Zaiser
Director, Project Management
Flowserve Corporation
Spindletop Volunteer Service Projects Include:
-
Brookwood Community
Spring Planting and Horticulture Day
Holiday Poinsettia Planting
-
Bo's Place
Painting, Planting & Organizing
-
Casa de Esperanza de los Niños
Play Day and Story Telling
-
The Children’s Assessment Center
Painting with a Purpose
-
Christian Community Services Center
Back-to-School Program
-
KIPP Texas Public Schools – Houston
Gardening with Middle School Ecology Students
-
Small Steps Nurturing Center
Play Day with Pre-Schoolers
-
Spindletop Charities, Inc.
Spindletop Golf Tournament
Holiday Toy Drive
-
Workshop Houston
All-Earth Ecobot Challenge
Drone Racing Competition
-
Yellowstone Academy
STEM, Reading and Crafts Day
-
Youth Development Center
Summer Enrichment Program
STEM Saturday
Extreme Building Makeover
-
YMCA of Greater Houston
Spindletop Charities Power
Scholars Academy
Spindletop Award Recipients
Two Individuals representing the oil and gas industry are honored during the annual Spindletop Holiday Ball. During the annual Spindletop Oilmen’s Golf Tournament Individual and Team Champions are named.
Spindletop’s generosity is receiving community recognition!