Parties Archives - Page 5 of 42

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

by societytexas | Oct 30, 2022 | R.S.V.P. SAN ANTONIO, 2022 November December, Parties

Darlene’s Vision Fun & Games Luncheon Benefitting Children In Need

By Jake Gaines Photography by Jenna Beth Lyde

THE SETTING: The San Antonio Country Club was recently the setting for the 3rd annual Darlene’s Vision Fun & Games luncheon benefitting children in need in the San Antonio community. Over 200 guests arrived at the festive event to play games such as the cakewalk, bean bag toss, and trivia, as well as to socialize among the floral décor accents of yellow roses and desert blooms.

THE STYLE: Darlene Dorsey was an adoring preschool educator, accomplished businesswoman, encouraging mother, loving grandmother, and adoring great grandmother. It was this preschool teacher’s immense love of children and helping those in need that founder, Carroll Dorsey Walker created a nonprofit entity to keep her mother’s legacy alive. The event’s raffle and silent auction items also helped fund the organization.

THE PURPOSE: The event’s proceeds help children with a toy drive throughout the year at the Women & Children’s Center, Easter egg hunts for children with disabilities, and funding for a special camp for children with cancer. The mission is to honor the memory of Darlene Dorsey by continuing the heartfelt kindness and generosity she showed to children. Dorsey believed our communities are strengthened when children’s lives are enriched in a safe, engaging environment.

LET’S FACE THE MUSIC

by societytexas | Oct 30, 2022 | R.S.V.P. HOUSTON, 2022 November December, Parties

**Houston Symphony Opening Night Concert And Gala’s Grand Style**

By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Priscilla Dickson and Daniel Ortiz

THE SETTING: Recently, over 300 guests, donning their finest black tie attire, attended the Houston Symphony’s Opening Night concert and gala. Upon arrival at Jones Hall, partygoers enjoyed champagne and hors d’oeuvres on the Mezzanine level before making their way into see concert. The evening featured Juraj Valčuha leading the orchestra and Houston Symphony Chorus, alongside soprano Ana María Martínez, mezzo-soprano Marina Prudenskaya, tenor Jonathan Tetelman, and bass Dmitry Belosselskiy. Following the performance, guests were transported to the Corinthian Houston for a spectacular seated dinner catered by Jackson and Company. Following dinner, guests enjoyed musical entertainment by the David Caceres Band.

THE STYLE: The Corinthian ballroom was donned with crystal chandeliers and greenery cascading across the balcony, all designed by The Events Company. The elegant tables that filled the room, covered in green linens, were topped with varying high and low-profile floral arrangements in shades of white and green.

Dinner began with an Italian butter lettuce salad with fresh herbs, gulf shrimp terrine, chives, and pickled mustard seed vinaigrette topped with a toasted chickpea crouton and three radish slaw. The main course included a gremolata and breadcrumb crusted black cod, with charred leek and artichoke white wine emulsion, alongside summer squash and white corn rösti, and Romano beans and button chanterelle sauté. Accompanying the meal were wine pairings provided by Spec’s Wine, Spirits, & Finer Foods. After dinner, the dessert was a trio that included coconut sorbet verrine, tiramisu profiteroles, and hazelnut macaroons.

THE PURPOSE: The annual Houston Symphony Opening Night concert and gala, chaired by Drs. Susan and Dennis Carlyle, celebrated the opening of the 2022–2023 season and the tenure of Juraj Valčuha as the Houston Symphony’s 16^th music director and holder of the Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair. This year’s event raised more than $540,000 for the orchestra’s industry-leading Education and Community Engagement initiatives. ConocoPhillips served as the Concert Sponsor and Lead Gala Corporate Underwriter for the 36^th year.

IT’S HAPPENING NOW

by societytexas | Oct 30, 2022 | R.S.V.P. SAN ANTONIO, 2022 November December, Parties

Artpace San Antonio Hosts Annual Artful Gala

By Jake Gaines Photography by Francisco Cortes, courtesy of Artpace San Antonio

THE SETTING: This year’s Artpace event, The Happening, was held at the Red Berry Estate. It began with a special cocktail reception in the mansion’s ballroom that featured a champagne bar sponsored by Neiman Marcus. Guests then proceeded to the lakeside ballroom for a stunning three course meal, highlighting real time, upscale cooking.

THE STYLE: After dinner, Riley Robinson, Director of Artpace San Antonio, introduced artist Teresita Fernández, one of the evening’s honorees. Fernández spoke of her artistic practice and the essential role Artpace’s International Artist-in-Residence program played in her career, and the 267 artists since. The program closed with the board chair, Patricia Ruiz-Healy, celebrating honoree Rick Liberto’s long standing leadership role at Artpace. The audience welcomed Liberto to the stage with a lengthy standing ovation.

The party then moved to a lakeside lounge, which featured Artpace 2017 Resident Artist, Robert Hodge, and DJing by OG IB (Ingrid Burley). Afterwards, the evening continued into the night at Red Berry’s famed casino. The RK Group provided the cuisine and Statue of Design created the floral décor. Blue House Design orchestrated the event’s production.

THE PURPOSE: Caroline Harte Staudt and Sarah Harte co-chaired the event. Artpace San Antonio is a nonprofit residency program, which supports Texas, national, and international artists in the creation of new art. As a catalyst for artistic expression, they engage local communities with global art practices and experiences. A successful annual gala is essential to sustain its free and dynamic programs. All proceeds benefit the organization’s residencies and public and educational programming.

CELEBRATING WITH LEGENDS

by societytexas | Oct 30, 2022 | R.S.V.P. AUSTIN, 2022 November December, Parties

Celebration of Film Star-Studded 65^th Anniversary Gala Features Meryl Streep Honoring Robert DeNiro

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Vivie Behrens, Rick Kern and Pete Smith

THE SETTING: The AT&T Center and the Harry Ransom Center, both on The University of Texas campus, were the recent setting of a legendary night for the ages. Over 500 sociables, film lovers, and philanthropists turned out for the Harry Ransom Center’s 65^th Anniversary gala, and several hundred more joined in the fun at a lively after party capping off the evening. Touching tributes and words from two of the greatest actors of the past half-century were also featured.

THE STYLE: The black tie clad crowd began the evening at the AT&T Center by posing for photos on the step and repeat, then descended the escalator to join hundreds of other eager guests for a fabulous cocktail hour. Film aficionados sipped on their favorite spirits and brimmed with anticipation of the festivities to come…and to be in the room with two cinematic legends to boot.

The festivities then continued in the main ballroom for the program and presentation. The crowd was wowed as they entered the elegantly designed room with a mix of beautiful florals and cinematic props. As partygoers dined on their delicious, multi-course meals, they were treated to words from the Harry Ransom Center and University of Texas leaders.

Next came the main event of honoring Robert DeNiro. After being treated to a touching tribute by celebrated film critic Leonard Maltin, Academy AwardÓ-winning Actress Meryl Streep took to the podium. Guests could hear a pin drop in the room as Streep regaled the crowd by sharing warm and touching stories highlighting her and DeNiro’s five-decade-long friendship. Capping off the main gala were words by cinematic legend DeNiro himself, who expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Harry Ransom Center for archiving his impressive collection of works and artifacts, many of which mirrored pop culture trends of the last 50 years. Upon completing his speech, the crowd gave the cinematic legend a standing ovation.

After the gala, revelers walked or took rickshaws one block away to the Harry Ransom Center, where the after party was in full swing. Guests could preview the Robert DeNiro archive at the Harry Ransom Center, which included multiple Oscars on display. Photography lovers also had the opportunity to view The Writers: Portraits by Laura Wilson, an exhibit highlighting photographs of many influential modern writers. This once-in-a-lifetime, special night will be talked about for those fortunate enough to be a part of it for years to come.

THE PURPOSE: While the gala did not have designated chairs, the after party was co-hosted by Laura Wilson, Andrew Wilson, Luke Wilson, and Owen Wilson. Funds raised from the evening will benefit the Harry Ransom Center, a world-renowned institution that archives work from the world’s foremost writers, performers, and artists. Near the end of DeNiro’s speech, he perfectly summed up the mission of the organization, “One of the most important things about the Harry Ransom Center is that the materials will be accessible to students and the public. Ultimately, that’s what it’s all about.”

HORSE SENSE

by societytexas | Oct 30, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2022 November December, Parties

Equest Hosts 41st Annual Blue Ribbon Ball

By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron and Nate Rehlander

THE SETTING: More than 550 patrons attended the 41st annual gala benefiting Equest, held at Texas Horse Park. Partygoers arrived to a champagne wall and a blue ribbon-inspired carpet that ran the length of the horse barn aisle. Posing for photos along the way with some of Equest’s equine friends, attendees mingled and enjoyed light bites before checking in.

THE STYLE: Emcee Jody Dean took the stage to welcome all in attendance. The color guard from the American Legion Post 21 followed, with attendees reciting the pledge of allegiance before enjoying a beautiful performance of America the Beautiful by Jana Bell. Then, the Equest board chairman Julie Sherman took the stage to recognize the recipients of the 2022 Citation Award: Lane Cates and her husband Brad McLain. They were instrumental in helping Equest complete the Al Hill, Jr. Arena through fundraising and contract management. Former NFL Dallas Cowboys player Timmy Newsome was awarded the 2022 Equest Rider of the Year Award, given to clients who have achieved outstanding progress on their equestrian skill goals. The Youth Award went to Olivia McLean, the Adult Award to Jaime Moore, and Jimmy Dean was the recipient of the Veteran Award.

THE PURPOSE: The event’s co-chairs were Carol and Bill Huckin, Finley and Eric Konrade, and Elsa Norwood, while Leslie and Hawkins Golden served as honorary chairs. The evening raised more than $600,000. Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine-assisted learning therapies, and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping, and learning disabilities, as well as veterans who receive all of Equest’s services at no charge.

WHERE THE HEART IS

by societytexas | Oct 30, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2022 November December, Parties

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Hosts Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon And Fashion Show

By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron

THE SETTING: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS), with its 2022 St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show, Make a Statement, welcomed more than 450 attendees to the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center for the 38th annual fundraiser. Artist Rolando Diaz entertained guests by creating an original work of art live onsite, which was then available for purchase in the silent auction.

THE STYLE: Mistress of ceremonies Lauren Przybyl, Fox 4’s Good Day Dallas anchor, led the program. Susie Barnett was then announced as the 2022 recipient of the Lynda Adleta Heart of Gold Award, given to a family or individual who is philanthropic in the community and has a “heart of gold” and a passion for LLS’ mission to help fight blood cancers. Dallas-native and renowned fashion designer Lela Rose was recognized with the 2022 ICON Award. The legendary Tom Landry was announced as the recipient of the 2022 Memorial Hero Award, which recognizes an individual in the community who has passed away and battled blood cancer. The Spirit of Tom Landry Character Award, given to a youth between 5–20 years old, who has battled blood cancer, was awarded to Amelia Dammen. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2021. The much-anticipated fashion show, produced by the inimitable Jan Strimple, featured models wearing this season’s fashions from Highland Park Village retailers.

THE PURPOSE: The luncheon’s chair was Lisa Loy Laughlin, and more than $570,000 was raised to support LLS’ mission of eradicating blood cancers. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS’ mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research worldwide, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.