by Lance | Aug 17, 2023 | Parties, Blog
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Jojo Korsh and Zach Hilty/BFA.com
THE SCENE: A picture-perfect summer night, at the base of Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen, was the recent setting that capped off an incredible week of art and fundraising. Over 500 of the world’s most notable art patrons, collectors, and philanthropists were on hand for the 18th annual ArtCrush Gala. The event was the grand finale of the third annual Aspen Art Week featured great food, fantastic conversation, and fabulous art.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd featured an elegant mix of black ensembles and bright colors, creating a fun, welcoming environment for all. Many chose to wear ensembles by Prada as a nod to one of the evening’s title sponsors who helped make the event happen. After patrons posed for photos on the red carpet, they proceeded to a lively cocktail hour where guests sipped on their favorite spirits while mingling with other guests.
The evening fun was mixed with some good-natured suspense with patrons keeping track of online auction items on their phones. The online auction featured an impressive lot of 60 items which included works by Korakrit Arunanondchai, Kerstin Brätsch, Naotaka Hiro, Roberto Lugo, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Cauleen Smith, and Lily Stockman, with the auction raising an impressive $1.8 million.
Revelers then headed to their seats for the evening’s main program. As partygoers dined on their multi-course meals, they were treated to words by organization and event leaders. Next came a spirited live auction, helmed by Quig Bruning from presenting sponsor Sotheby’s. Collectors bid on 10 different contemporary art pieces including works by Haas Brothers who were raised in Austin, Charles Gaines, Chase Hall, Peter Halley, Spencer Lewis, Liza Lou, Howardena Pindell, Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe, and Carmen Herrera. The live auction also included a piece by Nairy Baghramian, who received the 2023 Aspen Award for Art, which coincided with her solo exhibition Jupon de Corps at the museum.
THE NON-PROFIT: ArtCrush 2023, co-chaired Jamie Tisch and Sara Zilkha, with Abigail Ross Goodman and Molly Epstein serving as auction chairs, raised over $3.8 million dollars for the Aspen Art Museum. ArtCrush 2023 was made possible because of its generous supporters including Steven Shane of Compass Real Estate, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Tata Harper, and UOVO. The globally engaged, non-collecting museum featuring contemporary art has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1979. Funds raised from this year’s ArtCrush will go towards funding the museum’s curation and education programs.
by Lance | Aug 16, 2023 | Browse, Style, Blog
In a special combined podcast of Success with Style and Fun In Fundraising, Lance Avery Morgan and Rob Giardinelli join in a conversation with Michael Harold and Quinn Peeper, the authors of the chic new book, Classical Shindig: Amateur Artistry from the Simple to the Sublime. This elevated, insider’s look at special occasion entertaining is chock full of ideas for your own hosting. You’ll come away with entertaining tips and tricks that even an amateur can execute.
We love the brand new, and very, very glamorous book, Classical Shindig: Amateur Artistry from the Simple to the Sublime. It should be on every coffee table or bookshelf once it debuts on August 29th, (available at ClassicalShindig.com, from Susan Schadt Press). It offers readers a captivating and unique exploration into the world of stylish entertaining that also includes music. Deftly authored by Michael Harold and Quinn Peeper, this book showcases the simple yet profound beauty of home entertaining, while shedding light on how to personalize your own hosting.
The book commences with a warm and engaging introduction by the authors, establishing their passion and desire to celebrate their extraordinary accomplishments of successful hosting. Their writing style strikes the perfect balance between informative and personable, making the book accessible to readers from all walks of life, whether they are seasoned hosts or novices to entertaining.
One of the standout aspects of Classical Shindig is the exceptional array of anecdotes and personal experiences shared by the authors. They show just how approachable entertaining can be. Of course, if you grew up wanting to entertain like they did, the sky’s the limit. “It’s not that difficult,” shares Michael Harold. “For instance, if we have somebody we’re entertaining, maybe somebody from out of town who has a special interest, let’s say a musician, then we’ll throw a party. We’ll say, ‘okay, it’s to celebrate Beethoven’ and we’ll all play Beethoven’s music on the piano, and we’ll have Austrian food.”
Their captivating stories provide an intimate glimpse into the lives of various moments of triumph of how they successfully entertain. Each anecdote reinforces the book’s central theme–that entertaining, at its core, is an art form meant to be embraced and practiced by anyone with a passion for it, regardless of their experience. However, unique themes help, and basing entertaining tips on worldly experiences can often help even more, too. “When I went to Oxford University, there was a wonderful professor there who used to give these fun house parties for the whole weekend,” enthuses Quinn Peeper. “There was studying involved, of course, but then he would always assign a play. It was usually by Noel Coward and guests were assigned roles. It was hilarious. It’s a great way to get to know other people that you haven’t met before. As time went on during the weekend, you end up being good friends, finding a lot of things in common you didn’t know you had.”
Harold and Peeper’s meticulous research is evident throughout the book, as they introduce readers to a diverse range of their plethora of party successes. Every narrative is woven together with care and appreciation for the events, both small and grand, that they have created. Their advice is as pristine as their parties. “I wouldn’t be intimidated. Look around and see what’s happening for ideas,” they both advise. “Is the theme a book? Is the theme a piece of music? Who are the friends? What do the friends have in common? What brought all these people together? Usually, we find a thread. Or, if you can’t find it that way, look outside. What is the season? If it’s autumn, you can include a beautiful red, brown, yellow, and orange palette. Or, if it’s spring, bring the outdoors in with blooming azaleas and other flowers. Before you know it, you’ve got your party covered with a theme.”
The book’s structure is well-organized, with each chapter focusing on a different aspect of their passion for hosting. Classical Shindig covers a broad spectrum of party ideas that the reader can replicate on their own. Additionally, the inclusion of beautiful illustrations and five-star photography further enhances the reading experience, providing readers with a multi-dimensional appreciation of the featured events with topics such as Seasonal Celebrations, Book Club Parties, Paying And Playing It Forward, and of course, the theme, Family And Friends.
The duo’s family functions take precedence in the book’s narrative. “What we have in common is that we came from families where we sat down at breakfast and dinner together. At the end of the day, it’s an exchange of ideas. It was a celebration of the every day,” the authors concur. Regarding themes, they agree by saying, “The selection of the event’s month it occurs is usually full of settings and possible things that could provide interesting menus. That always makes for a great dinner party. I think we have five or six selections that we used in the book for that. For non-profit organizations, if you entertain and volunteer to use your house, usually those organizations will have a theme that they’re working with.”
As the authors point out, entertaining isn’t only about hosting, as Michael Harold confides. “The Duchess of Windsor had some interesting quotes about this, and I agree,” he says. “I think the pressure and the stress is really on the guests because as she says, nobody has the right to come to a party and sit there like a piece of furniture. You know, if you accept a dinner invitation, you have a moral obligation to be amusing. So, with practice and over time, I think anybody can entertain and the pressure really is on the guests.”
With that in mind, we can all strive to be good hosts and good guests. Classical Shindig: Amateur Artistry from the Simple to the Sublime is a delightful and inspiring read for anyone passionate about upping their game as they hone their entertaining skills. Through engaging storytelling and a celebration of the human spirit, Michael Harold and Quinn Peeper succeed in illuminating the profound impact of the joy entertaining can bring to us all.
To listen to the Success With Style and Fun In Fundraising combo podcast featuring an insider’s look at Classical Shindig: Amateur Artistry from the Simple to the Sublime, visit Success with Style and Fun In Fundraising.
by Lance | Aug 3, 2023 | Austin, Parties, Blog
Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s A Celebration of Reading Raises Over $1.8 Million
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Gary Fountain and Daniel Ortiz
THE SCENE: Houston’s Hobby Center for the Performing Arts was the recent setting for a magical evening that celebrated a milestone for one of the city’s most beloved organizations. The 29th annual A Celebration of Reading served a special purpose this year as it celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. The event drew over a thousand of the city’s most notable sociables and philanthropists for an evening that honored the three things most important to the late First Lady and served as a theme for the evening – Faith, Family, and Friends.
THE VIBE: The cocktail-chic crowd began the evening mingling in the foyer of the venue where old friends reacquainted and new friendships were made. Patrons then proceeded to the main theatre inside the Hobby Center for the program. Upon entering the theatre, guests were wowed as they looked at the stage, which featured a replica of the living room inside George H.W. and Barbara Bush’s former residence.
Once patrons took to their seats, the festivities were kicked off with words from Neil and Maria Bush, son and daughter-in-law of Barbara Bush, which was followed by words from several other Bush family members. The evening then continued with conversations with several best-selling and acclaimed authors.
Featured authors included New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen, Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson, and Seven-time New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille. The festivities were capped off by Reverend Dr. Russell Jones Levenson Jr. who shared touching memories of President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush during each of their final moments of life.
THE NON-PROFIT: A Celebration of Reading, co-chaired Maria and Neil Bush, raised over $1.8 million for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit local programs via the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation as well as national programs through the Barbara Bush Foundation of Family Literacy
by Lance | Aug 3, 2023 | Parties, Dallas, Blog
The Family Place’s 10th Anniversary Gala Raised $260K To Support Survivors Of Family Violence
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass
THE SETTING: ReuNight co-chairs Brooke Hortenstine, Margaret Stafford and Piper Wyatt, with honorary chair Joyce Goss, welcomed more than 180 attendees to the recent 10th anniversary gala, ReuNight, benefiting The Family Place at the Dallas Petroleum Club.
The Ray of Light theme dazzled the partygoers were escorted to the 13th floor, transformed into a stylish lounge, for cocktails, where they posed for photos at the BuDhaGirl step and repeat before taking in the beautiful view of the Dallas Arts District. Guests enjoyed cocktails, including a Caipirinha specialty cocktail, and canapés, such as black pepper profiteroles with fois gras mousse, Reglis Ova caviar tarts with hearts of palm and chives, and tapioca fritters, as they mingled and enjoyed the cool vibe by DJ RomiQ. At 7:45, the Gospel of Light Choir entered the room singing Oh Happy Day to lead guests to the 14th floor for the seated dinner and live auction. The doors were opened to the Constellation Room, which featured stunning décor by Todd Events and inspired by the event theme, Ray of Light.
THE VIBE: Tables were dressed in midnight blue linens with floral centerpieces in white and various hues of purple, while black lacquered bars with gold accents sprinkled throughout the space–all under the room’s signature hand-painted ceiling. Guests took their seats and began the first course of the three-course dinner curated by James Beard Semifinalist Chef Junior Borges, which included cured scallops with bonito cream, pickled ginger and finger lime vinaigrette, and laminated brioche, accompanied by Chloe Pinot Grigio.
The ReuNight co-chairs then took the stage for brief remarks followed by The Family Place CEO Mimi Sterling and Board Chair Harold Ginsburg. Patrons began their duo-entrees of Rosewood Wagyu tenderloin and King Crab “Oscar” served with asparagus, ramps and shishito peppers, along with Imagery Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by a yuca and coconut cake with lime ganache, vanilla diplomat and coconut sable, inspired by Chef Borges’ grandmother, served with Mumm Brut Prestige. It was now time for the much-anticipated live auction! The Gospel of Light Choir returned to enthuse the audience with a soulful rendition of We Are Family. Partygoers then bid generously on seven fabulous packages offered with the live auction.
Following that, an inspiring video highlighting The Family Place’s Supportive Living Program was shared, with the program director taking the stage after the viewing, asking donors to dig deeper and support necessary services like the Supportive Living Program A spirited paddle raise ended the program to secure the evening’s goal of $260,000 raised during the night of the event.
THE NON-PROFIT: Funds raised at ReuNight will allow The Family Place to continue empowering survivors of family violence by providing safe housing, counseling, and skills that create independence, while building community engagement and helping families progress from fear to safety.
by Lance | Jul 30, 2023 | Parties, Austin, Blog
ZACH Theatre’s Red, Hot & Soul Dazzles With Venetian Carnivale Theme
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Charles Quinn Photography
THE SCENE: Austin’s ZACH Scott Theatre was the setting for one of the Capital City’s most notable spring sociable events. The 300 guests who were fortunate enough to be a part of ZACH Theatre’s Red, Hot & Soul were treated to an unforgettable evening of fundraising which included a revamped format, dazzling performances, an inspiring theme, and fundraising that kept the fun going into throughout the evening.
THE VIBE: The black tie crowd knew they were in for a special evening before they entered the lobby of the Topfer Theatre on the ZACH campus for cocktails. Upon entering, guests were dazzled by a stunning display of masquerade art and floral design created by celebrity florist David Kurio, which made for the perfect, modern step and repeat, where many guests were spotted taking photos to commemorate the evening.
Once inside the lobby of the Topfer Theatre guests sipped on their favorite cocktails while mingling and admiring the Venetian-inspired masks of other patrons The cocktail hour happened against the backdrop of performance artists throughout the lobby that gave the space an extra layer of fun and excitement for the festivities ahead.
In a new twist for this year’s event, the action then moved to the Topfer Theatre stage for the main program. Many jaws dropped as the crowd took their seats on the main stage where they were greeted by aerialists above the stage for additional ambiance of a Venetian Carnivale.
KXAN anchor Jennifer Sanders served as emcee and effortlessly kept the evening going at a brisk, informative pace throughout. Highlights of the program included a delicious multi-course meal, touching tributes, entertaining performances from various members of the ZACH Theater company, and a spirited live auction where winners of packages were greeted with confetti poppers and champagne. The evening was capped off where the fun initially began in the lobby of the Topfer Theater for a lively after-party. Guests were seen dancing the night away, capping off a fabulous evening that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
THE NONPROFIT: The event, co-chaired by Donn Gauger and Maxx Judd, raised funds for ZACH Scott Theatre. Proceeds raised from the event went to fund ZACH Scott Theatre programs. Each year, the ZACH Scott Theatre serves over 125,000 Central Texans which includes over 55,000 children through an engaging mix of programs including camps, classes, performances as well as education and outreach programs
Abigail Ross Goodman and Molly Epstein
