societytexas, Author at Society Texas

CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN

by societytexas | Sep 1, 2024 | R.S.V.P. HOUSTON, Fall/Winter 2024

Memorial Hermann’s No Mountain High Enough Gala Dazzles In $4.8 Million Night

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Katy Anderson, Johnny Than, and Michelle Watson

THE SETTING: The Hilton Americas-Houston was the setting for one of the city’s top galas and, as always, raised the stakes for fun and fundraising in a city already well-known for hosting epic philanthropic events. Over 500 business leaders, sociables, and philanthropists were on hand for Memorial Hermann’s annual spring gala. The theme, No Mountain High Enough, was in full display throughout the night and the result was an event that climbed the highest mountain and soared to new heights.

THE STYLE: The black tie-attired crowd featured a vibrant mix of ensembles with bright colors blending with more traditional formal wear, creating a sophisticated environment for all. The evening began with a cocktail reception in the ballroom’s foyer. After guests posed for photos on a stunning, mountain-style step and repeat that beautifully combined pastel and white flowers with green floral elements, they enjoyed a cocktail and mingled about. Patrons then headed to the ballroom for dinner and the main program. Revelers were greeted with a choir of Memorial Hermann employees singing Ain’t No Mountain High Enough alongside the Ernest Walker Band, in honor of the evening’s theme. As diners savored a multi-course meal courtesy of Chef Aaron Bludorn, they were treated to words from the event’s leaders on how their support helps assist so many patients in the Memorial Hermann system. The crescendo of the evening happened during the dessert portion with the announcement of a $500,000 contribution, which resulted in a flurry of additional donations. The fun continued well into the night with an after party where revelers could dance the night away.

THE PURPOSE: The event, chaired by Hallie Vanderhider, honored longtime supporters Melinda and Greg Armstrong, Linda and Willie Chiang, Jane and Harry Pefanis, and Plains All American, and raised over $4.8 million for the Memorial Hermann Foundation. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Memorial Hermann programs and equipment, including Memorial Hermann Life Flight®, which is the nation’s busiest air ambulance service.

HERE’S HOW COURAGE TRIUMPHS

by societytexas | Sep 1, 2024 | Fall/Winter 2024, R.S.V.P. HOUSTON

Holocaust Museum Houston Annual LBJ Moral Courage Award Dinner And Gala Honors Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Wilson Parish and Jacob Power

THE SETTING: The Hilton Americas-Houston was the setting for one of the city’s most popular and anticipated spring fundraising events. Over a thousand of the city’s top civic and community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists were on hand for the Holocaust Museum Houston’s annual LBJ Moral Courage Award Dinner.

THE STYLE: The cocktail-attired crowd began the evening with a VIP reception where guests had the opportunity to meet the evening’s featured guests, CNN’s Dana Bash, Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat, and Marion Ein Lewin. Patrons then headed to a larger reception outside the ballroom for a cocktail hour where the attendees mingled before the action moved to the ballroom for the main program. After guests were treated to words from the Holocaust Museum Houston and the event’s leaders, they dined on a multi-course kosher meal. Next, Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat was honored with the annual LBJ Moral Courage award. Following his moving speech, the night was capped off with a conversation moderated by Dana Bash with Eizenstat and his partner and child Holocaust survivor, Marion Ein Lewin. The trio engaged in a moving discussion about Eizenstat’s relationship with LBJ and the hope for a future free of prejudice and hate.

THE PURPOSE: The LBJ Moral Courage Award Dinner, co-chaired by Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, and with Sue Smith serving as honorary chair, raised $1.3 million for Holocaust Museum Houston. Proceeds from the event will go towards the museum’s educational programs.

TOASTING A RECORD

by societytexas | Sep 1, 2024 | Fall/Winter 2024, Austin

St. David’s Foundation Toast of the Town Breaks Fundraising Record

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Matthew Fuller

THE SETTING: During May, over 600 of the top community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists turned out to celebrate a milestone for one of Austin’s most beloved fundraising events. Toast of the Town, benefiting the St. David’s Foundation, celebrated the 40th anniversary of this spring staple of the Austin social scene by hosting a curated list of 18 tailored, intimate events ranging from 8 to 80 guests. This year, for the first time, at least one Toast party was held in each of the five counties that St. David’s Healthcare serves.

THE STYLE: Each gathering featured an Austin-chic crowd who enjoyed bespoke experiences at highly coveted, unique, and sought-after spaces. The Toast season had an epic start out of the gate with a Western-themed event at the legendary Franklin Barbecue with Austin Gamblers CEO JJ Gottsch and Head Coach Michael Gaffney. Guests enjoyed some of the establishment’s barbecue and heard tales from the professional bull riding circuit. In addition to Franklin’s, revelers also had the opportunity to eat, drink, and be merry at an array of Austin’s most sought-after restaurants. During the month, patrons of Toast parties dined at local hot spots, including J Carver’s, The Pershing, Donn’s Depot, Scholz Garten, a farm-to-table wine dinner at Eden East, and a dining experience with two-time James Beard Award-winning chef Mashama Bailey.

Patrons also had the opportunity to experience many other one-of-a-kind experiences throughout the month with a dazzling array of events that had something for everyone. Those who love sports and fashion had several opportunities to experience a night with notable University of Texas icons. These included a night at The Austonian with UT Head Football Coach Steve Sarkisian and stylesetter Loreal Sarkisian, a night at the Austin home of Melissa and Kent Ferguson with UT Athletic Director Chris del Conte, and a brunch at Nômadé with UT Volleyball Head Coach Jerritt Elliott.

Those who love culture were treated to several fun experiences throughout the Austin area. These events included an evening in Lockhart where guests checked out several women-owned establishments, a night on the Georgetown Square with PBS’s The Daytripper host Chet Garner, Dino-hunting at the newly reopened Texas Science and Natural History Museum, and an evening with Last Plane Out of Saigon author Richard Pena.

No Austin party series would be complete without music. Throughout the month, music lovers were treated to a series of performances. This included Austin icon Ray Benson hosting a concert for 50 at The Music Box House, a night at a Texas Hill Country estate to listen to tunes performed by country band The Derailers, and the final Toast party of the year, which was a night with Asleep at the Wheel, Floyd Domino, and Danny Levin at Arlo Studios.

THE PURPOSE: The 40th Annual Toast of the Town led by Event Chair Tobie Funte, Vice Chair Laurée Moffett, and Honorary Chair Ray Benson raised nearly $2.3 million for the St. David’s Foundation. Proceeds from each year’s Toast party series benefit the Neal Kocurek Scholarship Program, which provides Central Texas high school seniors an annual $7,500 scholarship for up to eight years for those pursuing medical careers. Since establishing the Neal Kocurek Scholarship Program in 2005, over 700 students in Travis, Hays, Williamson, Caldwell, and Bastrop counties have received scholarships. The 41st Annual Toast of the Town party series will be held in May 2025. For more information, visit ToastAustin.org.

GLOW AND THE CITY

by societytexas | Sep 1, 2024 | Fall/Winter 2024, Austin

Downtown Waterloo Greenway Conservancy’s Glow In The Park Shines Bright

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tyler Schmitt of Mill Photography Studio

THE SETTING: The Moody Amphitheater in Waterloo Park in Austin was the setting for one of Austin’s top fall galas. The third annual Waterloo Greenway Conservancy Glow in the Park gala attracted nearly a thousand community leaders, music lovers, sociables, and philanthropists for a night of epic fun and fundraising.

THE STYLE: The “tennis shoe glam” attire invited patrons to don their favorite cocktail attire, mixed with tennis shoes, to allow guests to explore Waterloo’s world-class grounds with comfort and style. The festivities began at the Waterloo Park Pavilion with a cocktail reception where guests sipped on their favorite spirits and brimmed with anticipation for the night ahead. Revelers then made their way down to the lawn of the Moody Amphitheater for a main program al fresco. As partygoers dined on a family-style menu from MML Hospitality, they were treated to words by the event’s leaders and touching tributes about how the park has positively impacted the city. The night continued with a spirited live auction and was capped off with a performance by the platinum-selling band, The Revivalists.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Maile Roberts-Loring and Daisy Cho, raised funds for Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. Proceeds from the event will provide free community events and educational initiatives at Waterloo Park. The 2024 Glow in the Park event will be held on October 10, 2024, and co-chaired by Gary Farmer and Katherine Farmer-Thornhill. For more information, visit WaterlooGreenway.org.

I HEAR A SYMPHONY

by societytexas | Sep 1, 2024 | R.S.V.P. HOUSTON, Fall/Winter 2024

Houston Symphony’s Viennese-Themed Ball Raises Over $1 Million

By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Priscilla Dickson and Daniel Ortiz

THE SETTING: The Post Oak Hotel in Houston was the recent setting for a night that visually transported guests to the other side of the pond. Over 400 of Space City’s most notable art patrons, sociables, and philanthropists, dressed in formal white tie, enjoyed the annual Houston Symphony Ball. The evening’s opulent theme, Vienna Fête Impériale, provided the evening with an elevated European flair that featured fabulous food, sophisticated music, and, most importantly, a seven-figure raise for the organization.

THE STYLE: The evening began in the foyer outside the Post Oak Ballroom for cocktail hour. As guests sipped on their favorite spirits, they perused an exquisitely curated silent auction that included a ten-day cruise on the Regent Seven Seas, tickets to attend the AKRIS fashion show in Paris, and four executive tickets behind the on-deck circle for a Houston Astros game. The festivities then moved into the ballroom for the main program. More than a few jaws dropped at the stunning room designed by Richard Flowers of The Events Company. Once partygoers took their seats, they were treated to a multi-course meal by Post Oak’s Executive Chef Jean-Luc Royere. During the dinner, patrons were also entertained by professional dancers performing the Viennese Waltz, a beautiful, elegant detail that delighted the crowd. The festivities were capped off with dancing where revelers partied the night away to the tunes of Q the Band.

THE PURPOSE: The 2024 Houston Symphony Ball was co-chaired by Tammie and Dr. Charles Johnson, and Drs. Alice Mao Brams and Matt Brams. Brigette and Bashar Kalai, Dr. Sippi Khurana, and Betty & Jesse Tutor were honored for their longtime support of the organization. The event raised over $1 million for the Houston Symphony to support their ongoing educational and community engagement programs. The 2025 Houston Symphony Ball will be held on February 8, 2025. For more information, visit HoustonSymphony.org.