Parties Archives - Page 4 of 42

LIKE CHILD’S PLAY

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. HOUSTON, 2023 January February, Parties

**Children’s Museum of Houston Hosts Viva Las Vegas Theme Gala**

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design

THE SETTING: The Corinthian in Houston was the recent setting for one of the most anticipated social events of the fall season. The Children’s Museum of Houston’s Viva Las Vegas gala attracted over 500 philanthropists and sociables for an evening of fun and fundraising that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE STYLE: The black tie crowd began the evening in style as guests ascended the grand staircase to the venue’s mezzanine level for cocktails. Partygoers had the opportunity to pose with Vegas performers, including an Elvis impersonator himself, for a photo to commemorate the evening. Once inside, as guests mingled, they perused the impressive array of silent auction packages generously donated by local merchants.

The festivities then moved to the ballroom level of the venue for the main program. As guests dined on their delectable, multi-course meal, they were treated to words from the organization’s leaders. Next was the live auction where patrons bid on an array of items, including a week in Aspen, a Houston Astros game day experience, and a private overnight party at The Children’s Museum of Houston, which sold twice. The fun continued well into the night as revelers took part in a casino, which capped off the fabulous evening experience.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Disney and Max Harris, Lexi and Michael Marek, and Liz and Crosby Scofield, raised over $950,000 for the Children’s Museum of Houston. Funds raised from the event will go towards an array of innovative exhibits and bilingual learning programs for children 12 years of age and under.

ART OF NATURE

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. AUSTIN, 2023 January February, Parties

The Contemporary Art Dinner Hosts Gala With Dinner Al Fresco

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Ben Porter

THE SETTING: A gorgeous evening at Laguna Gloria was the recent setting for one of the Capital City’s most anticipated fall social events. Three hundred philanthropists, art collectors, and sociables descended upon the magical space for the 9th Annual Contemporary Art Dinner…and in the process, were treated to a stunning evening of fun and fundraising.

THE STYLE: Partygoers brought their fashion A game with a dazzling mix of bright colors and metallics, creating a happy, welcoming atmosphere that could be felt the second guests entered the upper grounds of Laguna Gloria. Here, the guests could be sipping their favorite spirits and socializing. At the same time, patrons mingled inside the villa on the grounds to view one of the seven lots available during the auction portion of the evening.

As the clock struck eight o’clock, revelers were treated to a performance from a live band, signaling the start of the next part of the night. Dinner and the main program were held on the lower grounds of Laguna Gloria for the first time in the event’s history. More than a few jaws dropped with awe as partygoers entered the open-aired tent, which featured an enchanted nature theme. As everyone dined on the delectable cuisine courtesy of MML Hospitality, they were treated to words from the organization’s leaders, a paddles up fundraiser, and a spirited live auction helmed by Sotheby’s, which featured works from top Contemporary artists, including Carlos Amorales, Gisela Colón, The Haas Brothers, Rachel Wolfson Smith, and others. The evening was capped off with an after party where the fun continued well into the night, courtesy of tunes spun by the Chulita Vinyl Club.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Danielle Nieciag and Teresa Windham, raised funds for The Contemporary Austin’s educational and programming opportunities.

BELLE OF THE BALL

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. SAN ANTONIO, 2023 January February, Parties

Chrysanthemum Ball Celebrates With 67th Gala

By Alexandra Del Lago Photography by Jenna Beth Lyde

THE SETTING: The Charity Ball Association of San Antonio celebrated its 67th Chrysanthemum Ball at the Witte Museum. The evening was inspired by the idea of a Tuscan Italian evening by President Lee Anne Hendry. It was designed by Danny Cuellar of Trinity Flowers and Decorations Vice President Elizabeth Roberts. Guests were greeted by large ornate wrought iron candelabras lavishly ornamented in lemon leaves, and a beautiful Italian fountain adorned with a profusion of orchids and chrysanthemums, assorted greenery, and topped with a pyramid of lemons. The guests were offered Limoncello martinis and spritzers, roasted grape and goat cheese bruschetta, mozzarella, smoked chicken arancini, and vegetable stromboli roulades, all while enjoying cocktails in the garden and admiring the Gold Prize Jaguar generously donated by Cavender Jaguar Land Rover.

THE STYLE: As the guests entered the Mays Family Center, they were delighted by the beautiful décor. Large trees sat upon the dining tables and were decorated with bright yellow lemons, lemon leaves, and sparkling lighting. At the tree bases were arrangements of white cymbidium orchids, yellow and citrine-colored chrysanthemums, yellow roses, and assorted greenery. The tables were adorned with green malachite-patterned tablecloths accented with varying height tapered candles and accompanied by gold Chivari chairs. The ceiling was covered in beautiful lemon leaf greenery accented with ambient lighting.

Stephen Cavender, this year’s emcee, welcomed everyone and introduced Lee Anne Hendry, the organization’s president. Kim Peacock, the vice president of prizes, orchestrated the many prize drawings and giveaways as the guests enjoyed a fabulous dinner of Duo Caprese Ensalata, Tenderloin Rosa de Parma, and Amalfi Lemon Delight by The RK Group. A night of dancing followed with music from Blind Date of Austin.

THE PURPOSE: The evening celebrated the $1,200,000 raised for the many grants given to the children of Bexar County. With Patrons Vice President Anna-Laura Block at the helm, The Charity Ball Association celebrated their wonderful patrons, including the Diamond Chrysanthemum Patrons: The Charity Ball Legacy Foundation, Kittie Nelson Ferguson Foundation, Mays Family Foundation, and Mary West and Richard Traylor. The CBA has given over $25 million to the children of Bexar County since 1954.

IF YOU CAN BELIEVE IT

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. AUSTIN, 2023 January February, Parties

A Good Night For Goodwill Hosts Annual Event At Q2 Stadium

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Ben Porter and Richard Rincon

THE SETTING: Austin’s Q2 stadium was the recent setting for an evening of fun in a fabulous space. Over 350 sociables, philanthropists, and sports lovers turned out on this picture-perfect night for A Good Night for Goodwill with its Believe theme. Throughout the event, guests were treated to touching tributes and one-of-a-kind experiences those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE STYLE: The Austin-chic crowd enjoyed cocktails overlooking the dazzling Q2 field. Guests mingled and sipped on libations while having the chance to take part in several experiential opportunities on hand for patrons. Revelers were able to be photographed in a 360-degree video courtesy of Yuri360 to take as a keepsake, while others opted to take a behind-the-scenes VIP tour of the Q2 Stadium and its VIP levels…including a visit to the Austin FC locker room in a nod to the evening’s theme, Believe.

Partygoers then took their stadium seats for the evening’s main program. The festivities included words from the organization’s leaders, a paddles up, auction, and the presentation of the inaugural Henna Award for Philanthropy to Chris Hymans and Lize Burr. Capping off the night was a surprise video from Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernández, which dazzled the audience and ended the gala’s evening on a winning note.

THE PURPOSE: The event raised over $315,000 for Goodwill of Central Texas. Funds raised from the event will help fund organizational services and free programs in Central Texas.

BRING ON THE FUNK

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2023 January February, Parties

amfAR’s Two X Two For AIDS And Arts Featuring Special Musical Guest Nile Rodgers

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Bruno and Kevin Tachman

THE SETTING: The Dallas home of Howard and Cindy Rachofsky was the recent setting for the 23rd annual Two X Two for AIDS and Art. Guests included over 500 of the world’s major art patrons and philanthropists. The evening featured beautiful art, showstopping musical performances, and fundraising that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE STYLE: The high black tie crowd featured a dazzling array of custom gowns and tuxedos, which, when added to the art and music on display for the evening, gave partygoers a dazzling artistic trifecta of beauty. The evening began with cocktails courtesy of Tequila Casa Dragones and Belvedere Vodka. While guests sipped on their favorite spirit of choice, they mingled with other partygoers brimming with anticipation at the excitement of the fun evening ahead.

The action then moved to the 7,000-square-foot geodesic dome designed by event producer Todd Fiscus for the main program. As revelers walked into the space, they were entranced by an area, which had been transformed into a 21^st-century discothèque…complete with mirrored metals, white bleached wood and brushed brass in shades of chartreuse and burgundy.

Highlights of the program included a delectable multi-course, vegan menu, words from the event’s leaders, and a live auction headlined by Sotheby’s auctioneer Michael Macaulay. Then, the showstopping performances by music legend Nile Rodgers and CHIC, who belted their classic disco tunes, brought the crowd to their feet. The evening was capped off with an after party presented by socialite philanthropist Nancy Rogers, which ensured the fun continued into the wee hours of the morning as revelers danced the night away to the tunes of DJ Lucy Wrubel.

THE PURPOSE: Two X Two, co-hosted by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky and John and Lisa Runyon, raised over $9.4 million for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art. Funds raised from the evening went toward essential AIDS research at amfAR and the Contemporary Art Acquisitions Fund at DMA. Over the past 23 years, Two X Two has raised over $113 million for these two organizations.

STAR OF THE CENTURY

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2023 January February, Parties

Dallas Historical Society’s Centennial Gala Honors The Moody Foundation

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Robert Wythe of Wythe Portrait Studio

THE SETTING: A beautiful fall evening at the Hall of State in Dallas was the recent setting for an evening a century in the making. Over 200 philanthropists, sociables, and community leaders were on hand for the Dallas Historical Society’s Centennial gala for an evening of great food, fantastic conversation, and touching tributes that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE STYLE: The black tie crowd began the evening with cocktails in the Hall of State foyer. The Dallas String Quartet provided the perfect sophisticated ambiance as guests sipped their favorite spirits. At the same time, they mingled with other patrons and viewed an assortment of interesting historical artifacts in Dallas’ unique and storied history.

Partygoers then ascended the stairs to the Hall of State’s main level for the program. As the crowd dined on a delectable multi-course meal, they were treated to a series of video testimonials, including one from former President George W. Bush. The highlight of the program was honoring The Moody Foundation, which, over the past 80 years, has awarded 4,900 grants totaling over $2 billion toward the betterment of Texas.

The evening was capped off with a Texas Two Step, where guests could either dance at an after party courtesy of Hunter Sullivan and his band, or be the first to view the large-scale, interactive diorama Texas Liberty Forever: The Table for the Alamo created by artist Tom Feely, currently on display at the Hall of State. The program’s highlight was The Moody Foundation being honored for their over 80 years of service, awarding 4,900 grants totaling over $2 billion toward the betterment of Texas.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Kristen Sanger and Lisa Singleton, raised funds for the Dallas Historical Society. Proceeds from the event will go towards the collection, preservation, and exhibition of more than three million unique artifacts that showcase the unique history of Dallas and Texas.