2022 March April Archives

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD

by societytexas | Feb 28, 2022 | 2022 March April, DEBUT #5

A San Antonio German Club Debutante Honored In Classic Setting

By Jake Gaines Photography by Jenna Beth Lyde Photography

With three years in the making, the Hollywood theme debutante party for Rita Calvert, hosted by her parents, Emma and Toby Calvert, implemented classic colors of red, black, and gold to fulfill the glamorous vision. With pandemic protocol in place, Rita, Emma, and Toby Calvert greeted their guests upon their red carpet entrance at the Argyle. The attendees’ eyes and ears were in for a treat with musical scores featured from OscarÓ award-winning movies like Casablanca, Star Wars, and Titanic. Rolling movie reels of old Hollywood movies, along with more modern films, played on either side of the stage in the tent for all to enjoy. Carlynne Fikes from Carbon Lily also entertained by singing tunes from the era.

For the décor, Danny Cuellar from Trinity Flowers used white roses, Hollywood-style lamps, and OscarÓ statuettes on the dining tables to create a classic Hollywood setting. Beautiful garlands adorned the balcony porch with red-illuminated stairs that led down to the tent where a red velvet marquise with two seven foot tall, 3D life-size OscarsÓ greeted guests, along with crystal chandeliers illuminating the tent for extra sparkle. A recreation of a lit Hollywood sign provided guests with a glamorous photo opportunity. Katherine Lopez of Sweet August Events planned the event.

Later, attendees were treated to the Argyle’s hors d’oeuvres, passed homemade chicken pot pies and stroganoff in tangine bowls. Dessert included bananas foster bread pudding, along with homemade popcorn. Then, guests danced into the wee morning hours to the Austin-based bands, Matchmaker and PDA.

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MIX & MINGLE

by societytexas | Feb 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. HOUSTON, 2022 March April, Parties

Holiday Schmooze Event Benefits Legacy Health Centner

By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Daniel Ortiz

THE SETTING: Over 250 revelers arrived at Holiday Schmooze at The Corinthian, benefiting The Jackson Hicks Endowed Fund for the Awareness, Prevention, and Treatment of HIV/AIDS established at Legacy Community Health, to celebrate the amazing life of the famed caterer and philanthropist, Jackson Hicks. The all-star crowd was treated to the most spectacular winter wonderland ever with flocked Christmas trees and stunning floral arrangements by Richard Flowers, The Events Company, Rebekah Johnson, and Bergner & Johnson Design. The Open Door Mission Ensemble choir greeted guests upon arrival with favorite holiday classics.

THE STYLE: It truly was the brightest night of the holiday season, with pandemic protocol in place. The evening’s concert was precisely what Hicks would have wanted, produced by one of his closest friends, Artistic Director for the Houston Grand Opera, Patrick Summers. Guests were treated to a wonderful musical concert and tribute to Hicks, including video testimonials from many of Hicks’ friends. In addition, the party planner extraordinaire was praised for his attention to detail and ability to know exactly what each client expected.

THE PURPOSE: This year’s event raised over $300,000. Leading the helm of the sold-out soirée were Co-chairs Bill Caudell and Randy Powers, Sara Dodd and Will Denton, Melanie Gray and Mark Wawro, Nancy McGregor and Neal Manne, Becca Cason Thrash and John Thrash, Milton Townsend, and Phoebe and Bobby Tudor. The new CEO of Legacy Community Health, Dr. Bobby Hilliard, greeted the crowd and spoke of Hicks’ genuine passion for supporting nonprofit organizations such as The Center for AIDS, where he initially created Holiday Schmooze.

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EASY DOES IT

by societytexas | Feb 28, 2022 | 2022 March April, DEBUT #2

New Orleans Serves As Theme Honoring Three San Antonio German Club Debutantes

By Alexandra del Lago Photography by Lilianna Story

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler (Let the Good Times Roll) was the mood recently at the celebratory party honoring three San Antonio German Club debutantes. With pandemic protocol in place, Abigail and George Kampmann, Jr., with their daughter Elizabeth Kampmann, Grace and Ted Liljenwall, with their daughter Emily Liljenwall, and Jennifer and Robert Shemwell, with their daughter Paris Shemwell welcomed guests into a Texas version of the best of The Big Easy.

The affair’s venue, San Antonio Country Club, was festively decorated like the famed Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans. Danny Cuellar of Trinity Flowers created the floral and décor themed Joyeux Noel Laissez Les Bons Temps Roulet, with the holiday theme taking center stage of the event.

The buffet and cocktails provided by the club served as a testament to the theme, while the attendees danced to the band, Limelight as the night progressed. The Boss Street Band, a five-piece brass jazz band from New Orleans, circulated from room to room throughout the party, providing even more flair to the evening.

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FLORAL FANTASY

by societytexas | Feb 28, 2022 | Invite, 2022 March April, San Antonio

Charity Ball Association Celebrates Million-Dollar Fundraising Evening

By Jake Gaines Photography by Jenna Beth Lyde

THE SETTING: The Charity Ball Association (CBA) of San Antonio’s 66th Chrysanthemum Ball was held at the Witte Museum’s Mays Family Center, with a record-breaking $1 million of funds raised by the almost 600 supporters in attendance. With pandemic protocol in place, the black-tie clad and elegantly attired guests, arrived on a 100-foot-long red carpet through a floral fantasy arch. They were then ushered into the Zachery Garden for a cocktail reception while the talented Youth Orchestra, San Antonio (YOSA), played in the background.

THE STYLE: Guests entered The Mays Family Center, greeted by a 15-foot-tall ice sculpture, in the shape of a birdcage, by award-winning Buddy Rasmussen. It mimicked the invitation design created by Elizabeth Roberts and was framed with floral details and jeweled butterflies, which encircled the base of the sculpture with magenta lighting highlighting the etched ice. Magenta, which represents universal harmony and emotional balance, was selected as the evening’s primary color palette by CBA President Terrie Musselman and Décor Chair Gayle Embrey. Complementing magenta were additional shades of lavender, green and white represented in the floral arrangements, along with jeweled butterflies that dotted the room.

The décor and floral design by Danny Cueller of Trinity Flowers was perfection with the ballroom’s beautifully adorned tables covered with oversized vases supporting a burst of colorful flowers. The centerpiece arrangements included magenta flowers, Pink Floyd roses, green hydrangeas, Queen Anne’s lace, green amaranth, curly willow, silver dollar-seeded eucalyptus, and the organization’s signature logo flower, green chrysanthemums. Meanwhile, a giant pergola of a floral effusion was installed over the dance floor.

The dinner began with entertainment by a dance orchestra. This year’s program was emceed by Albert Steves, assisted by his wife and sponsor member, Tricia Steves, with Carrie Catalani orchestrating an elaborate and exciting presentation of Prizes & Prize drawings. As the night progressed, guests savored decadent hors d’oeuvres, all by Rosemary’s Catering. Wine pairings were an elegant and perfect accompaniment to the gourmet meal. The evening was capped off by entertainment by the band, Blind Date of Austin.

THE PURPOSE: The special, unique, and memorable night was helmed by CBS Chairman of the Board Lynn Ziegler, President Terrie Musselman, and the many committees that orchestrated the festivities. The 2020 and 2021 combined gala Diamond Chrysanthemum Patrons were the Betty Stieren Kelso Foundation, Charity Ball Legacy Foundation, Kittie Nelson Ferguson Foundation, and the Mays Family Foundation. Even with the unusual year in 2020, the Charity Ball raised over one million dollars under the chairmanship of the 2020 Vice President for Patrons, Kelly Kennedy, and then again raised over one million dollars in 2021 under the Vice President for Patrons, Ellen O’Gorman.

The organization is so very grateful for The Charity Ball Legacy Foundation, which made a significant contribution of $125,000 in 2020 and an increased donation in 2021 of $180,000 to The Charity Ball Association. During these past two years, under the guidance of Sharon Seal, Vice President of Charities, a rigorous process was developed to determine the 36 charities to be funded in Bexar County. As a result, many needs were met for these children, such as food, shelter, clothing, safety, education, disabilities (both intellectual and developmental), and improved playground facilities.

The Charity Ball Association graciously acknowledged decades of giving by Cavender Cadillac. The Charity Ball Association of San Antonio supports the children of Bexar County by distributing grants each year since 1954, now totaling more than $24 million. The organization’s tenet is Children Benefit Always.

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OLD, MEET NEW

by societytexas | Feb 28, 2022 | 2022 March April, DEBUT #4

Old San Antonio Was The Theme That Honored Five San Antonio German Club Debutantes

By Alexandra del Lago Photography by Lilianna Story

An indoor and al fresco setting on the Riverwalk was an ideal party venue for five of this season’s German Club’s debutantes. The Old San Antonio theme was a classic for the parents who hosted their daughters’ event at the Briscoe Western Art Museum.

The duos were mighty proud of their daughters’ debut, and this fête honored the ladies in genuine Texas-style, and with pandemic protocol in place. Carl and Kelly Fellbaum, and their daughter, Libby Fellbaum, Raymond and Debi Flume, and their daughter Faith Flume, John and Leslie Greehey, and their daughter Erin Greehey, Brad and Susan Hardy, and their daughter Peyton Hardy, and Greg and Valerie Wright and their daughter Emery Wright all greeted the guests at the black-tie event, as they ushered in the night of fun ahead.

In keeping with the theme, the evening featured mariachis, burros, a barista bar with pictures of the debutantes’ faces for the coffee foam, and a delicious churro bar. Don Strange Events catered the affair with a mix of freshly made street tacos, gorditas, empanadas, avocado ceviche bowls, and hand-served appetizers. DPC Event Services handled the lighting, which cast a gorgeous glow on a perfect evening, and the other décor that featured the facade of the Alamo, giving guests that authentic Old San Antonio feel. This backdrop was also behind the band, Melange of Dallas, who entertained guests as they danced the night away.

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SOME LIKE IT HOT

by societytexas | Feb 28, 2022 | 2022 March April, DEBUT #1

Over 600 Guests Revel With San Antonio German Club Debutante At Historic Hot Wells Hotel And Baths

By Alexandra del Lago Photography by Caroline Lima Photography

Recently, the place to be was at San Antonio’s legendary Hot Wells Hotel, which served as the dramatic backdrop for the party hosted by Kathy and Bill Johnson in honor of their daughter, Paige Johnson. With pandemic protocol in place, the historic ruins served as the site where guests honored the debutante under a constellation of clear tents surrounding the dramatically lit ruins.

The kaleidoscope of entertainment, festivities, and cuisine from around the world included sushi, beef wellington, chef manned Italian pasta areas and strolling oyster shuckers. The 20-piece Jordan Kahn Orchestra kept the dance floor rocking, while acrobats hung from the ceiling serving champagne, and historical characters mingled with the crowd. Alpacas and tarot card readers entertained alongside the 30 foot-diameter bar that was specially built to house Paige’s Liquid Fireworks.

From as far away as Japan, internationally known Flame Bartenders and top bartending performers, the Cup Bearers, brought specialty acts and drinks. A 22-foot-high LED clock tower was constructed, featuring rotating historical images of Hot Wells, along with New Year’s Eve celebrations from around the world. At the magic hour, revelers were treated to a dazzling fireworks display. Their vision was orchestrated by Wilkinson Rhodes Events.

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