Heart Strings: Dolly’s Guitar, Easton Corbin and a Stetson-Savvy Crowd Set Record for Dec My Room

Jennifer Obar and Greg Sonnier (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

By Jeff Gremillion

Western chic filled The Ballroom at Bayou Place, and Dec My Room left with a record.

More than 250 guests turned out for the ninth annual Kick Up Your Boots for Kids, raising $415,000. Country singer Easton Corbin packed the dance floor. Chairs Anne Carl and her daughter, Elizabeth Carl, ran the night. Founders Kendall Plank and Susan Plank were there. Early in the program, Susan passed the hat to Kendall as the organization’s new leader.

Dec My Room started in August 2007. Volunteers have personalized and decorated more than 10,000 rooms in over 180 hospitals nationwide for pediatric and young adult patients, each built around the patient’s interests. Requests are up 30 percent this year. The items stay through the hospital stay and go home with the patient.

David Ackel emceed and called the auction. Two ice bars and two raffles ran alongside the main appeal: a necklace from Miseno Italy and a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 23-year bourbon. A spirits pull added another chance at a bottle. Community honorees Stacey and Al Lindseth and corporate honoree Northern Trust were recognized for their support.

The live auction kept paddles up. A Federal American Grill package built around Pappy Van Winkle drew strong bids. A Dolly-Parton-signed guitar surged enough that Ackel offered a second. Longtime supporter Mike Plank donated a golf outing at Big Easy Ranch in Columbus, with helicopter transportation, that sold twice. The night closed with a tequila bar, cigars and a last espresso martini from the Frio River Vodka ice bar.

Seen in the crowd: Maria Moncada Alaoui and Omer Alaoui, Kory and Geoff Blum, Matt Brice, Noble Carl, Fabio Cardamuro, Heather Almond, Adrienne Crane, Alicia Smith, Kim and Dan Moody, Julia Morales Clark and Matt Clark, Jerry Simon, Jennifer Grosvenor, Sneha and Nick Merchant and Ryan Venable.

Anne and Elizabeth Carl (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Trevor Wasiqi and Kendall Plank (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Susan Plank, Kendall Plank, Stacey and Al Lindseth (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Shelby Coppedge, Katie Tsuru and Adrienne Crane (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Mike Stasney, Easton Corbin and Carley Stasney (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Nina and Clint Rand (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Noel Wise (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Omar Alaoui and Maria Moncada Alaoui (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Mary Choe, Marie Daly and Demi Childs (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Lynnette Davis, Cindy Bendi, Sylvia Forsythe and Alicia Smith (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Karen Eddingston and Kate McGee (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Grace and Steve Ward (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Wanda Carter, Conner Fowler and Macy Carter (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Susan Plank, Jerry Simon, Jennifer Grosvenor and Kendall Plank (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Jill and Andrew Wright (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Julia Morales and Matt Clark (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Anne and Noble Carl (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Dogstar Afternoon: Keanu Reeves Helps PetSet Clear $1.5 Million

Laura Goodson, Priscilla Bardonaro and Marla Hurley (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

By Jeff Gremillion

Keanu Reeves brought Dogstar to Thompson Houston on Sunday, and PetSet left with more than $1.5 million. 

Le Brunch, the group’s annual fundraiser to end companion animal homelessness, drew celebrities, city leaders and longtime animal advocates under the theme “Farther, Together.” Reeves played with bandmates Bret Domrose and Rob Mailhouse to close the afternoon. Mayor John Whitmire was in the room, along with actors David Chokachi, Amy Bailey, Danielle Vasinova, Isaiah LaBorde and Marie Wetherall.

PetSet honored Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation, for a prevention-first approach to shelter overcrowding. Through Empty the Shelters, the foundation has helped save more than 400,000 animals. Fix the Future has funded more than 500,000 spay and neuter surgeries.

“Cathy has changed countless lives through her commitment to animals, but what we admire just as much is the way she brings people together around solutions,” says Tena Lundquist Faust, co-president of PetSet.

Gabrell and Hopper took the 2026 Community Hero Award, a nod to one person stopping for one dog. Co-president Tama Lundquist called the afternoon bigger than any single guest. “The energy in the room was a beautiful reflection of what can happen when people come together around a cause they believe in,” she says.

Over 20 years, PetSet has funded work at more than 120 animal welfare groups, widened access to spay and neuter care, vaccines and emergency treatment, and moved thousands of animals out of crowded shelters. A silent auction and a live auction, including a VIP Texas gameday, ran before Dogstar took the stage.

Keanu Reeves performs with Dogstar (photo by Priscilla Dickson).

Tena Faust, Mayor John Whitmire and Tama Lundquist (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Elizabeth Dorey, Brenda Love and Lindsey Love (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Trent Hrincir and Courtney Hopson (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Sue Smith and Jennifer Huber (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Cora Sue Mach and Sidney Faust (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Gabrell and Tama Lundquist (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Alison Boulle (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Frankie and Priscilla Bardonaro (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Edna Meyer Nelson (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

First Light: Addi’s Faith Foundation Opens with a $750,000 Gala

Amy Lim, Hollie Roberts and Brittney Gast (photo by Wilson Parish)

By Jeff Gremillion

Hotel ZaZa got a gold ribbon, and a first-time gala that cleared more than $750,000 for kids with cancer — as guests insisted it was one of the most authentic and moving events they’d ever attended.

Addi’s Faith Foundation drew more than 300 supporters for the inaugural Gold Ribbon Gala. The money funds childhood cancer research and direct help for families caring for a child in treatment. Amber and Tony Bender started the foundation in 2008 after their daughter, Addison Faith, died of an aggressive brain tumor. Since then it has reached more than 1,400 families and put more than $3 million into research.

Chairman Heather Keller ran the night. The first Addi’s Legacy of Light Award went to Tracee and Tim Studdert, supporters since the foundation’s start. They got a standing ovation on the way up and talked about carrying Addi’s story forward.

The reception opened with Bubble Berry cocktails, a silent auction, a raffle for diamond stud earrings and a wine pull. Childhood cancer survivor Alden Gilbert gave the invocation. A video of Addi’s story set the rest of the program. 

The paddle raise alone brought in more than $125,000. The live auction, called by Johnny Bravo, raised the stakes, with several packages sold more than once, including a trip to Whitefish, Montana, that went twice. Bravo then switched from auctioneer to DJ.

Seen in the crowd: Brooklyn Studdert, Carter Studdert, Kennedy Studdert, Pat Studdert, Priscilla Studdert, Laurel and Jeb Bashaw, Mindy and Otto Bielss, Ashton and Allie Ames, Brent Keller, Robin and Frank Breazeale, Amy and Troy Ahrens, Amanda Malone, Kent Furlong, Caroline Parks, Elaine Beason, Melissa Beason, John and Leticia Ravenberg, John Hoyme, Jim and Theresa Allison, Tiffany and Joe Primo, Audra and Chance Blakely, Amy and Clint Bennett, Tina and Mark Whitehead, Brian and Vanessa Richard, Katie and Derek Freeman, and Bethany and Ben Buchanan.

Joel and Kate Powell (photo by Wilson Parish)

Amber and Tony Bender (photo by Wilson Parish)

Ben and Bethany Buchanan (photo by Wilson Parish)

Hollie Roberts, Amy Lim, Christy Wright and Laura Quin (photo by Wilson Parish)

Vanessa and Bryan Richard (photo by Wilson Parish)

Marshall Madded and Kennedy Studdert (photo by Wilson Parish)

Kristen Ryan and Heather Walker (photo by Wilson Parish)

Jeb and Laurel Bashaw and Tracee and Tim Studdert (photo by Wilson Parish)

David and Jeri Sonnier and Mindy and Otto Bielss (photo by Wilson Parish)

Heather and Brent Keller (photo by Wilson Parish)

Ladies Who Brunch Raises a Record $2.8 Million for Kids with Cancer

McKenzie Saleck, Alex Kruger and Annie Hurley (photo by Alex Montoya)

By Jeff Gremillion

Ladies Who Brunch filled The Revaire and left with a record: $2.8 million for kids with cancer.

Sky High for Kids’ 11th annual gathering drew more than 700 guests on Sept. 27, during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Co-chairs Alex Joven Kinsey and Peyton Wallace ran a sold-out afternoon of brunch, cocktails, a Ralph Lauren-inspired setting and a runway show from Alchemia and Modern Marla. Houston custom suit designer Sterling Dio was guest of honor. Living Designs Furniture, Sapphire Smiles and Texas Mattress Makers presented.

The room was already shopping the silent auction by 11am. Kinsey and Wallace welcomed the crowd. Jessica Morrison, president of the board, led the prayer. Emcee Logan Lester Tafelski took the program from there.

Twenty-one Cancer Warriors sat at the center of it, including 19-year-old Dylan Probe, this year’s featured warrior. Diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in her right heel at 9, she went through 14 rounds of chemotherapy, transfusions, repeated hospital stays and the amputation of her right leg, finishing treatment in 2017. Nine years cancer-free, she is a sophomore at Texas A&M University, studying kinesiology with plans for nursing, and has grown up inside Sky High as an advocate for other kids.

The runway paired 16 Cancer Warriors with hosts and family, with Cancer Warrior Payton A. as emcee. Quinn L., whose brother RJ died in April, walked. Later, during the live auction, Quinn and her family were surprised with Waffles, a mini goldendoodle, a gift arranged by the Vestal and Mickler families.

Founder and CEO Brittany Hebert Franklin ran the live auction. Two competing $100,000 bids to fund a fertility preservation cycle for Probe through Reproductive Medicine Associates became two gifts, from Allie LaForce and Michelle Ciaravino, covering Dylan and a future young woman warrior. The Christmas Carnival drew two $75,000 pledges, $150,000 in all. A Sapphire Smiles and Ciaravino Total Beauty package went for $35,000. A painting by 9-year-old Marlee M., a gold ribbon on pink, sold for $100,000.

Proceeds support Sky High’s work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital. Sky High has given more than $43 million and is closing in on two $20 million commitments to those hospitals. At Texas Children’s, that money helped open the nation’s first pediatric immunotherapy center and a dedicated Sky High patient floor. The group also sends Cancer Warrior Packs, family outings and Sunday Suppers to families in treatment.

Among those attending: Drs. Antoun and Mary Mina Antoun, Frances Moody Buzbee, Blaine and Katie Fertitta, Allie LaForce, Michele Leal, Iris and Danny Shaftel, Pierce Bush and Estella Cockrell.

Brittany Helleberg and Teresa Davis (photo by Alex Montoya)

Brittany Wetterer, Krystal Finch and Chiara Casiraghi Brody (photo by Alex Montoya)

Christen Vestal and Cancer Warrior Marley M (photo by Alex Montoya)

MacKenzi Dooley and Logan Lester Tafelski (photo by Alex Montoya)

Mina Antoun, Mary Antoun and Diana Saadalla (photo by Alex Montoya)

Valencia Bates, Ebony London, Quincy London and Brittany Franklin (photo by Alex Montoya)

Brittany Franklin and Cancer Warrior Dylan Probe (photo by Alex Montoya)

From Monet Pastels to LEGO Lilies, the Grand Gala Ball Packs the MFAH

Hayden and David McGuiness (photo by Wilson Parish)

By Jeff Gremillion

Fall for Color lived up to its name at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where more than 275 guests moved from Monet pastels into an Ai Weiwei riot of brick and bloom.

The 2026 Grand Gala Ball, chaired by Polly and Murry Bowden, filled the Caroline Wiess Law Building on Friday, Sept. 25, and raised more than $2 million for the museum’s operating budget through table and ticket sales. The theme took its cue from Ai Weiwei’s “Water Lilies #4,” on view in the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building: a 650,000-brick riff on Monet’s water lily triptych, built in 22 colors and mounted on aluminum.

Guests arrived through a pale-blue tent hung with blue and purple hydrangeas, then moved into a cocktail reception of soft florals and light-green draping. The Dallas String Quartet played electric strings while the room was still in Monet’s palette. Between the staircases to dinner, an eight-foot floral wall of succulents, hydrangeas, roses, proteas, anthuriums and ranunculus marked the turn into Ai Weiwei’s colors.

The Events Company set the dining room in jewel-toned linens and warm reds, oranges and pinks, under a glass chandelier shaped like a water lily. The Big Beyond played through the night. Bastion Events cooked the gala menu for the first time: chilled corn velouté with crab, paprika oil and crouton; slow-cooked sea bass with beurre blanc, broccolini and artichokes; and a chocolate-orange petit gâteau with milk chocolate mousse, orange segments, crème anglaise and a chocolate sablé.

Premier underwriters were Polly and Murry Bowden, the Hildebrand Fund, Nancy and Rich Kinder, and the Schnitzer family. Grand underwriters included Cherie and Jim Flores, Lynne and Joe Hudson, the Jan and J. Venn Leeds Grand Gala Ball Operating Endowment, Fayez Sarofim & Co., and Susan D. Sarofim.

Guests included Nancy and Rich Kinder, Franci Neely, Joan Schnitzer, Margaret Alkek Williams, Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin, Leigh and Reggie Smith, Lily and Johnathan Schnitzer, and Dan and Kristen Zimmerman.

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Rusty and Sue Burnett (photo by Wilson Parish)

Tarek Elbjeirmi, Karen Payne and Céron (photo by Wilson Parish)

Margaret Alkek Williams and Gary Tinterow (photo by Wilson Parish)

Paul and Kate Stouffer and Lacey and Matthew Goossen (photo by Jenny Antill Clifton)

Polly and Murry Bowden (photo by Wilson Parish)

Hamid and Lily Kooros (photo by Jenny Antill Clifton)

Janet Gurwitch and Ron Frankling (photo by Wilson Parish)

Charlie W. Coleman III, Liz Crawford and J.W. Crawford III, and Rodney Ellis (photo by Jenny Antill Clifton)

The scene at the Grand Gala Ball (photo by Jenny Antill Clifton)

Liz Crawford, and Barron and Lisa Wallace (photo by Jenny Antill Clifton)

Michael and Ileana Trevino (photo by Wilson Parish)

Big Top, Bigger Check: Mission of Yahweh Gala Raises $800,000

Betty Hrncir, Warner Roberts and Sidney Faust (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

By Jeff Gremillion

The Greatest Mission on Earth came to The Post Oak Hotel with stilts, a snake charmer and a record check.

More than 420 supporters turned out Friday, Sept. 25, for the circus-themed gala benefiting The Mission of Yahweh, raising more than $800,000 for the organization’s work with women and children experiencing homelessness. Gala chairs Robin and Danny Klaes and honorary chairs Leila Perrin, Beth Wolff and Cynthia Wolff closed the night with the strongest result the event has posted.

Presenting sponsors Nichole and Benny Agosto underwrote the evening. Honorees Monica Hartland, Samantha and David Kennedy, and Warner Roberts were introduced with videos from FireFox Video. Roberts, a longtime volunteer, told the room that women and children often arrive with little more than the clothes they are wearing, and that the Mission’s programs are built to give them a path back to independence.

Emcees Frank Billingsley and Ernie Manouse kept the pace moving. Let It Fly turned the ballroom into a big-top setting, with H-E-B florals and sparkling red-and-white drum centerpieces. Stilt walkers, a magician and a snake charmer worked the reception. Mary Gracely opened with the invocation.

Gloria Guinyard, once a resident and now on staff, described arriving at the Mission in crisis and later finding a way to help other women on the same road. Auctioneer Johnny Bravo then took over the live appeal. Paddles went up for a Broadway package, a luxury home in Puerto Vallarta, a one-of-a-kind Houston Rodeo package and a trip on the Houston Texans’ team jet to a game. A raffle added another burst of applause before the night wrapped on what organizers called a high-flying finish.

Seen in the crowd: Alicia Smith, Brigitte Kalai, Gary Petersen, Hannah and Cal McNair, Tripp Carter, Sidney Faust, Cora Sue Mach, Jacquie Baly and James Craig.

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Vicki Rizzo, Sandra Porter and Chris Kase (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Mark Haas and Monica Hartland (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Keith Guillory, Leisa Fruge, Valnetina Kelly and Earl Kelly (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Jill Hartland and Julie Pitts (photo by Jacob Power)

Amber and Cole Zeagler (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Gary Petersen (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Frank Billingsley and Ernie Manouse (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Davis Hance and Kittsie Klaes (photo by Jacob Power)

Cal and Hannah McNair, and Joanna Hartland and Frank Edgerly (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Brigitte Kalai and Farida Abjani (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Bill Baldwin and Fady Armanious (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Jay and Lara Bany (photo by Jacob Power)

Anna Reger and Maria Moncada Alaoui (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Audrey and Carl Sanders (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Deborah Laws and Cheryl Byington (photo by Jacob Power)

Robin Klaes with snake charmer (photo by Jacob Power)

Liniah Slater, Helen A Gay andDeionna Gipson (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Jerre Williams and Beth Wolff (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Henri and Susan Soussann (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Warner Roberts, David and Samantha Kennedy, and Monica Hartland (photo by Jacob Power)

Danny and Robin Klaes (photo by Jacob Power)

Star-Spangled Smash: Music, McConaughey and Apple Pie at Record-Breaking Symphony Opening Night

Ann Ayre, Elia Gabbanelli and Alice Mao Brams in red, white and blue (photo by Jacob Power)

By Jeff Gremillion

Houston’s social and civic set marked America’s 250th the way this city likes to do it: with a marching band, a red carpet and a sold-out night at Jones Hall.

More than 450 guests turned out for the Houston Symphony’s Opening Night Concert and Gala, the black-tie kickoff to the 2026-27 season. Chaired by Joella and Steven P. Mach, the evening doubled as a patriotic pageant and a record fundraiser, bringing in more than $850,000 for the orchestra’s education, community engagement and artistic programs. ConocoPhillips underwrote the concert and served as lead corporate gala underwriter for the 40th consecutive year.

The night started at Lynn Wyatt Square, where champagne and Pantalones Organic Tequila — the label from Matthew and Camila McConaughey — met a Texas-sized entrance. The University of Houston Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band worked the pavilion, then led a processional across Louisiana Street and into Jones Hall.

Inside, Principal POPS Conductor Steven Reineke built a program around the American story. Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard shared the stage, and McConaughey, the Academy Award-winning Texas native, narrated Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” speaking Lincoln’s own words from letters and speeches. The rest of the bill stretched from George Gershwin to six living American composers, with composer Karen LeFrak in the house.

Swift dressed the rooms in understated reds meant to recall the poppy, the old emblem of remembrance. Preisler Productions handled the staging.

After the concert, the party moved to Corinthian Houston, where members of the Alexander Hodge Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution greeted guests on the grand staircase and Rice University’s Fiammetta Quartet played. City Kitchen sent out Helen Corbitt’s chilled pea soup with jumbo lump crab, crème fraîche and mint, then a dual entrée of prime aged beef tenderloin medallions in red wine demi-glace with creamed spinach-stuffed tomatoes and pan-seared semi-boneless quail in country captain sauce, plus warm red bliss potato salad with smoked bacon and scallions. Lindy and John Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods poured the wine. Dessert was apple pie with vanilla ice cream and caramel.

The last word belonged to the Moores School Concert Chorale, which surprised the room with “Shenandoah” and “America the Beautiful,” led by Houston Symphony Chorus Director Anthony J. Maglione, and brought the crowd to its feet.

VIP guests included Khoa and Quynh Dao, Barbara and Pat McCelvey, Margaret Alkek Williams, John and Lindy Rydman, Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Betty and Jesse Tutor, Elia and Michael Gabbanelli, Ann and Jonathan Ayre, Beth Madison, Katie and Bob Orr, Tracy and Valerie Dieterich, Brigitte Kalai, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Cheryl Byington, Jacquie Baly and James Craig, Rini and Edward Ziegler, Yoonshin Song and Alex Sakerello, and Chris and Kristy Bradshaw.

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Matthew McConaughey and Steven Reineke on stage at Jones Hall (photo by Melissaa Taylor).

Andrew and Rebecca Gould

Joella Mach, Cougar mascot Shasta and Steven P. Mach

Margaret Alkek Williams (photo by Jacob Power)

Devinder and Gina Bhatia (photo by Marco Wang)

Anna Dean, Robert Sakowitz and Cheryl Byington (photo by Marco Wang)

Sippi and Ajay Khurana (photo by Jacob Power)

Kusum and C. Kody Patel (photo by Jacob Power)

David and Devorah Krieger (photo by Jacob Power)

Ashley and Andrew Kang (photo by Marco Wang)

Daniel Irion and Kirk Kveton (photo by Jacob Power)

Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees (phot by Jacob Power)

Jacquie Baly and James Craig (photo by Marco Wang)

Jesse and Betty Tutor (photo by Jacob Power)

Patriotic decor and high style at the Corinthian (photo by Marco Wang)

Chris and Kristy Bradshaw (photo by Marco Wang)

Edward and Rini Ziegler (photo by Marco Wang)

Matt Brams and Dr. Alice Mao Brams (by Jacob Power)

Brigitte Kalai, Farida Abjani and Alicia Smith (photo by Jacob Power)

Heidi Rockecharlie and Cheryl Byington (by Jacob Power)

Pat and Barbara McCelvey (photo by Jacob Power)

Brittany and Adam Clark (photo by Jacob Power)

Leslie Siller and Jerre Williams (photo by Jacob Power)

With Sunny Style, Supporters Celebrate ‘VIP Houston’ Launch at Granduca

Jeff Gremillion and Alicia Smith (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Staff Report

A lively crowd of friends, colleagues and local tastemakers gathered to celebrate the official launch of Jeff Gremillion’s VIP Houston at JeffGremillion.com, a new digital platform dedicated to Houston culture and society.

The festive affair took place in Alba, the sun-filled restaurant space at the Hotel Granduca — typically the setting for high tea — providing an elegant backdrop for the early evening gathering. Guests mingled while enjoying an array of passed hors d’oeuvres, including delicate miniature quiches, and sipping classic margaritas crafted with Original Grit tequila, a sponsor for the event.

Offering welcome remarks, Gremillion shared his vision for the new site and reflected on more than three decades in publishing, including his time founding and leading titles like Houston magazine and Houston CityBook.

“Standing in a room full of people who have supported my work for so long is the best reminder of why I love telling Houston's stories,” Gremillion said. “This new platform is all about celebrating the energy, the style and the incredible personalities that make this city so special. And doing it with a direct, personal touch.”

With the launch party marking the site’s official debut, readers can explore Jeff Gremillion’s VIP Houston. A regular email newsletter debuted this week, as well.

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Patrick Curphey, Van Morris, Peter Bustamante and Matthew Drews (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Mary Ann Mason and Beth Muecke (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Tammy Dowe, Kelley Devine and Carrie Brandsberg-Dao (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Chase Smith, Patrick Magee and A.J. Mistretta (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Alan and Elizabeth Stein (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Derrick Huang and Jeff Gremillion (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Chris Nodd and Nicholas Glenn (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Tarek El-Bjeirmi and Karen Payne (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Bartender Chuck mixes up classic margaritas with Original Grit tequila.

Daniel Irion, Elizabeth Stein and Kirk Kveton (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Escarle Silva and Randy Mitchmore (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Beth Wolff, Jeff Gremillion and Cheryl Byington (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Simple, elegant floral set helped set the party’s sunny, stylish tone (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Jeff Gremillion and Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Parissa Mohajer and Mahzad Mohajer (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Jeff Gremillion and Edward Sanchez (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Mack Allen’s Opens With Cadillac-and-Caviar Swagger

Samantha Huang and Justin Henderson (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

By Jeff Gremillion

Mack Allen’s arrived the way a supper club should: with a vintage Cadillac at the curb, a Sinatra soundalike at the door and more than 500 of Houston’s social and business set dressed for the occasion.

Restaurateur Mack McDonald opened the sprawling first-floor space at 5POP last week, planting old-Hollywood glamour at the seam of River Oaks and Uptown. Before guests even stepped inside, DriverSource Fine Motorcars had a 1941 Cadillac Series 62 staged at the entrance, and tribute artist Rickey Davis was already working through the Ol’ Blue Eyes catalog.

The theatrics continued indoors. Cheeky Vintage dressed the staff in throwback looks, while lampshade ladies and feather-fan dancers moved through the rooms and gave the night a wink of supper-club camp. Champagne and martinis circulated as the crowd worked its way through Mack Allen’s New American spread — sushi, seafood, Domus caviar, steak, pork belly and short rib — then drifted from dining room to dining room and out onto the patio.

The Champagne Room stayed in Veuve Clicquot. The Board Room went darker and clubbier, with old fashioneds built on Eagle Rare 10-year bourbon from McDonald’s own Buffalo Trace barrel. Dessert arrived as the evening’s last bit of excess: cans of “caviar” tiramisu, served with pearl spoons.The point was hard to miss. Mack Allen’s wants Houston back in a jacket, a proper drink in hand, with somewhere worth dressing up for.

Guests included George Lancaster, Sarah and Reza Ebrahimi, Cookie and Lee Centracco, Courtney Hopson, Joyce Echols, Samira Salman, Preet Paul Singh, Sanford Steinberg, Rob Rutherford, Josh Espinedo, James Sivco, Lauren and Kyle Courville, Debbie Elias, Washington Ho, Marcy de Luna, Jennifer Howard, Annie Amante, Amy Blumrosen, Shelley Ludwick, Coco Dominguez, Russ Morgan, Jack Massing, and mom-and-daughter duos Brittany and Sherri Zucker, Beth and Cynthia Wolff, and Meredith, Madyson and Rita Chavez.

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Amy Becker, Holly Gage and Chloe Di Leo (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Caviar ‘tiramisu’

Fringe and fun and Mack Allen’s (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Taylor DeMartino and George Lancaster (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Rocky Stevens and Amy Becker (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Cynthia and Beth Wolff (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Feather dancers at Mack Allen’s (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Renée Fleming’s Spellbinding Performance Crowns Special Opera Ball Honoring Patrick Summers

Tania Kanga, Nancy Gonzalez, Denise Reyes, Ona Alicia Okeke and Destiny Fernandisse (photo by Dave Rossman)

By Jeff Gremillion

The Houston Grand Opera Brilliance Ball glowed with special significance this year, becoming not just a luminous white-tie celebration of light and legacy — but also a heartfelt sendoff to beloved Artistic and Music Director Maestro Patrick Summers. It raised over $1.8 million to boot.

On April 11 at the Wortham Theater Center, nearly 400 distinguished guests gathered for an evening of elegance and inspiration that perfectly captured HGO’s 2025-26 season theme, The Light We Hold. Chaired by devoted philanthropists John G. Turner and Jerry G. Fischer, the 2026 Opera Ball honored Summers’ more than 25 years of visionary leadership with the company’s Silver Rose award and culminated in a once-in-a-lifetime performance by internationally acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming.

In her remarks, HGO General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor thanked the evening’s chairs and generous donors, then paid tribute to Summers. His “unshakable vision,” she said, “has transformed our company and enriched our city.” Summers, visibly moved, told the crowd, “I thank you all for this long privilege of your support, friendship, and for our shared love of this company. I ask that you please continue to ensure that this company is a beacon in the arts world.”

Fleming, accompanied by HGO Chief Artistic Officer and Chorus Director Richard Bado on piano, held guests spellbound with an intimate program that included “I can smell the sea air” from André Previn’s A Streetcar Named Desire, “O mio babbino caro” from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Andrew Lippa’s “The Diva,” and a stirring “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from Rodgers and Hammerstein II’s Carousel.

The evening began with an elegant cocktail hour featuring caviar on freshly prepared blinis and a martini bar, while fashion sketch artists captured guests in their evening attire as personalized keepsakes. The live auction offered a show-stopping item: a Steinway Model M Spirio piano pre-loaded with recordings by Patrick Summers himself.

City Kitchen Catering served a refined dinner of seasonal asparagus salad, duck à l’orange with duchess potatoes, and a classic finish of Black Forest cake and floating islands. The Events Company transformed the space into a luminous wonderland of soft lighting, candlelight, gold accents, and elegant white floral arrangements — the perfect backdrop for dinner and dancing that lasted into the early morning hours with The Big Beyond.

Guests included James Gaffigan and Marta Wasilewicz-Gaffigan, Margaret Alkek Williams, Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, Zane and Brady Carruth, Theresa Chang, Anne and Albert Chao, Isabel and Danny David, Anna Dean, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Elaine Finger, Brigitte Kalai, Beth Madison, Denise Monteleone, Beth Muecke, David Peck and Michelle Phillips, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Louisa Sarofim, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor and Jesse Tutor.

James Gaffigan, Khori Dastoor and Patrick Summers (photo by Michelle Watson)

Matt Healey and Denise Reyes take to the dance floor (photo by Dave Rossman)

Scott Wise, Huda and William Zoghbi and Khori Dastoor (photo by Michelle Watson)

Beth Muecke (photo by Michelle Watson)

Marilyn Ingham, Sid Moorhead and Lauren Hall (photo by Michelle Watson)

Neil Hershey and Carey Kirkpatrick (photo by Dave Rossman)

James and Marta Wasilewicz-Gaffigan (photo by Dave Rossman)

Valerie and Stephen Toups (photo by Dave Rossman)

Annie Labatt and Blair and Barbara Labatt (photo by Dave Rossman)

Terrylin Neale and Jane Cizik (photo by Dave Rossman)

BenJoaquín Gouverneur and Khori Dastoor (photo by Michelle Watson)

With Year of the Horse Theme and Star-Studded Lineup, Cotton Q Club Rides Back in Style

Zinat Ahmed at The Gold Pony Club (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)

By Jeff Gremillion

The always memorable Cotton Q Club returned in grand fashion this year, transforming into the hottest tent at the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest and kicking off the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in true Texas style.

Presented by Cotton Holdings as title sponsor, the invite-only event once again delivered championship barbecue, elevated hospitality, and unforgettable entertainment for Houston’s best. From February 26–28 at NRG Park, the Cotton Q Club lived up to its legendary reputation with a high-energy weekend that perfectly blended culinary excellence, standout musical performances, and distinctive design touches. The powerhouse stage lineup featured Gabby Barrett headlining Thursday night, Sammy Kershaw opening Friday, followed by a show-stopping set from Josh Turner, and Braxton Keith closing out the weekend on Saturday with pure country flair.

Cotton Culinary kept the flavors flowing with a dynamic, themed menu: Thursday’s steak night, Friday’s fajitas, and Saturday’s full barbecue spread, each evening capped with desserts designed to match the theme. Guests raised their glasses with premium beverages and spirits from Constellation Brands, Whistle Pig, Dripping Springs Distillery, and Republic National Distributing Company.

In honor of the Year of the Horse, the main tent dazzled with striking red rose horses suspended across the ceiling — a bold, artful contrast to the classic green décor that symbolized agility, strength, and the spirited values at the heart of Cotton Holdings. Tucked inside the tent, the coveted speakeasy known as The Gold Pony Club made its triumphant return as a hidden, high-style escape.

Guests were greeted by The Stirrup martini bar, presented by Sophie, serving three signature martinis and caviar-stuffed olives in a refined ranch setting. Kinetic art pieces by artist Sneha Merchant adorned the emerald-green walls, while specialty cocktails like the Cotton Signature Sour and Spicy Gold Pony flowed alongside offerings from Casa Dragones, Simple Spirits, Ace of Spades, and DR Delicacy caviar. 1932 Cattleman’s Club provided exclusive bites and desserts, and on Friday night, Bun B surprised the crowd with his famous Trill Burgers.

Leading the weekend were Cotton Holdings executives including Founder and Chairman Pete Bell, Chief Marketing Officer Zinat Ahmed, President and Co-CEO Johnny Slaughter and his wife Debra, and Co-CEO Chris Sneck and his wife Margaret. Notable attendees included Mayor John Whitmire, Dr. Chris Boleman, Pat Mann Phillips, Jeff Hildebrand, Bun B, Andre Johnson, Blake Feritta, Tony Bradfield, James Scaife, Kevin Freeman, Russell and Stacey White, Jeff and Kristen Erler, Dawn and Ed Buckingham, Elizabeth Kurpis, Tara Martin, Heather Almond, Morgan Hale, Teressa Foglia, Ty Hays, Lyndsey Zorich, Ceron, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson, Hailey and Jacob Daniels, Kailey and Paul Fletcher, Suzanne Droese, and Marc and Whitney Lawson.

Josh Turner (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)

Andre Johnson (photo by Kaitlin Saragusa)

Tony Bradfield and Zinat Ahmed (photo by Kaitlin Saragusa)

Gabby Barrett (photo by Kaitlin Saragusa)

Teressa Foglia and Ty Hays (photo by Kaitlin Saragusa)

Mayor John Whitmire (photo by Kaitlin Saragusa)

Johnny Slaughter, Chris Sneck, Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, Pete Bell and Zinat Ahmed (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)

Ashley Muncie (photo coutesy Cotton Holdings)

Pete Bell and Zinat Ahmed (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)

Sammy Kershaw (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)

Tara Martin and Elizabeth Kurpis (photo by Kaitlin Saragusa)

Bun B and his Trill Burgers (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)

Chandeliers and horses fashioned of roses ad Cotton Q Club (photo byKaitlin Saragusa)

With Billowing Blooms and Evocative ‘Clowns,’ Williams’ Opera Ball Celebrates $2 Million Take

Patrick Summers, Margaret Alkek Williams and Khori Dastoor (photo by Michelle Watson)

By Jeff Gremillion

Originally published April 2025

When the grande dame of Houston philanthropy steps up to chair the annual gala for one of Houston’s most elite cultural institutions, expect high elegance to abound and big bucks to roll in.

Such was exactly the case when Margaret Alkek Williams chaired the 2025 Opera Ball at the Wortham Center, raising a record of more than $2 million for Houston Grand Opera — with a romantic, old-school, spring-savvy “Love Is in the Air” theme, brought to life with thousands of fragrant pastel-colored florals at every turn, and a sea of ballgowns in shades of seasonal pink and green. This was the second $2 million+ ball Williams has chaired for HGO, with this year’s haul beating her own personal best from back in 2014.

A surprise highlight of the evening was a stirring performance honoring the gala’s honorees, Dian and Harlan Stai, who have supported the opera company for decades. HGO General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor “welcomed legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade to the stage, where she performed accompanied [on piano] by HGO Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers,” noted a rep for the company. “Her moving interpretation of Stephen Sondheim’s seminal classic, ‘Send in the Clowns,’ left the audience spellbound.”

Dinner was decadent, with a chilled Romanesco soup, a pairing of prime beef and pan-seared seabass, and a chocolate explosion of a dessert, with bits of fudge cake and chocolate ice cream and mousse, all bursting from a tempered sphere — again, lavishly old school. After dinner, dancing broke out on the gleaming dance floor.

In room full of VIPs, some of the top-tier swells included Anna Dean, Anne and Albert Chao, Betty and Jesse Tutor, Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith, Charles and Lily Foster, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Fady Armanious, Bill Baldwin, Franklin and Cindi Rose, Hallie Vanderhider, Jim and Dancie Ware, Jim and Molly Crownover and Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman.

Nancy Gonzalez, Denise Reyes, Christina Jack, Destiny Fernandisse (photo by Emily Jaschke)

Brigitte Kalai, Betty Tutor and Ann Ayre (photo by Michelle Watson)

Ilyas and Elizabeth Abraham (photo by Emily Jaschke)

Frederica von Stade (photo by Michelle Watson)

Jim and Dancie Ware (photo by Michelle Watson)

Jonathan and Ann Ayre and Rachel and Warren Ellsworth (photo by Michelle Watson)

Michael Broderick and Cindy and Franklin Rose (photo by Emily Jaschke)

Symphony’s Sold-Out Wine Dinner Serves Up a Foodie Feast, Draws Nearly $1M for Community Programs

Chairs Elia and Michael Gabbanelli

By Jeff Gremillion

Another year, another sold-out Wine Dinner and Collector's Auction for the Houston Symphony. This year's event was chaired by Elia and Michael Gabbanelli, and raised more than $900,000 for the Symphony's education and community programs.

An impressive 365 guests, Champagne in hand, perused the silent auction during the cocktail hour. Buzzed-about packages included a seven-night Tuscan adventure, six bottles of vintage Red Bourdeaux, and more. Once the dinner chimes rang, everyone made their way to the Jones Hall stage, which was outfitted with intricate candelabras and richly colorful blooms courtesy of The Events Company, a nod to the evening's tehem, A Bacchanal Feast.

This year's "feast" was prepared by beloved chef Danny Trace of Potente and featured wine pairings expertly chosen by John and Lindy Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec's. The five-course menu was a special treat for attendees. Trace's entree, a perigeux veal with goat-cheese polenta, was truly mouthwatering. And his dessert — a decadent double chocolate cake topped with caramel crunch pearls and Chambord — ensured the evening ended on a high note!

Carey Kirkpatrick, Ken and Mady Kades (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Aerin and Quentin Smith (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Ann and Jonathan Ayre (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Sippi and Ajay Khurana (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Betty and Jesse Tutor (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Margaret Alkek Williams, Gary Ginstling (photo by Priscilla Dickson)

SNL’s Armisen Headlines Laugh-Filled Fete for Children at Risk

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BY Jeff Gremillion

“A big crowd turned up at the Post Oak Hotel for the Children at Risk gala, raising some $360,000 focused on “understanding and addressing the root causes of child poverty and inequality,” per its mission statement.

Fred Armisen of Saturday Night Live and Portlandia fame was the headliner, entertaining the crowd of 430 with offbeat comedy and musical bits.

Suzan and Jeremy Samuels and Beth Wolff served as event chairs for the Stand Up for Children event. Other big shots were on hand, including emcee Khambrel Marshall and honoree Sippi Khurana. “Khurana gave impassioned remarks that included statistics for Texas showing the importance of Children at Risk’s research and advocacy, pinpointing the areas needed for change in health, education and welfare of children,” said a rep for the event organizers. “Her 3 d-grade daughter Seva gave a beautiful invocation to start the evening.” 

VIP guests included and Ed Wolff, Cynthia Wolff, Courtney and Zac Harmon, Ann and Jonathan Ayre, Ajay Khurana, Kristen Cannon, Alice and Matthew Brams, Shaina Perry and Jeremy Ross, Shawn and Donald Bowers, Amy and Rob Pierce, George Connelly, Evelyn Leightman, Katie and Seth Tsuru, and David Charles.”

Bob and Ellen Sanborn (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Houston Ballet Salutes Jim Nelson and Celebrates Margaret Alkek Williams’ 90th Birthday

Angel Rios, Richard Flowers, Duyen and Marc Nguyen

By Patrick Magee

HOUSTON BALLET’S 2025–2026 season opened in high style with a double celebration. After the curtain fell on Onegin — John Cranko’s tale of love and rejection — more than 220 patrons gathered on stage at the Wortham for the annual Opening Night Onstage Dinner, one of the company’s most anticipated traditions.

The evening paid special tribute to Jim Nelson. Nelson, who took the helm as Executive Director in 2012, guided the Ballet through the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and the challenges of COVID. During dinner, Nelson was honored with a proclamation from the City of Houston. Even Nelson’s mother attended and received a special shout-out during his dinner toast. 

The night’s second milestone belonged to Margaret Alkek Williams, Houston Ballet’s beloved benefactor, who celebrated her 90th birthday on the very day. Guests raised flutes of Madame Zéro champagne and shared slices of her favorite indulgence — chocolate cake — served in her honor.

Designed by Bergner and Johnson, the transformed stage offered an enchanting backdrop of mahogany lattice chairs, gold vases of spring blooms and whimsical details. Dinner from City Kitchen matched the setting’s elegance: heirloom tomato tartare with basil sorbet, followed by pan-seared chicken with Madeira jus.

This year’s Opening raised a record-breaking $500,000.