R.S.V.P. HOUSTON Archives

WILD KINGDOM

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

Houston Zoo’s Centennial Ball Is Smashing Success

By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Daniel Ortiz

THE SETTING: A record-breaking crowd of more than 700 Houstonians dressed in black tie, gowns, and glamour joined together for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of 100 years of the Houston Zoo. Guests met and mingled among live animals, including a North American porcupine, a tarantula, and an American alligator, before entering the tented Masihara Pavilion, which had been turned into a gorgeous and elegant al fresco ballroom. City Kitchen served a delectable, multi-course dinner, which was followed by a spirited live auction.

THE STYLE: The evening was filled with sentiment and animal love as Houston Zoo President and CEO Lee Ehmke expressed how truly remarkable it was for the Houston Zoo to reach its centennial anniversary and, above all, to celebrate the momentous occasion with the zoo’s closest friends and supporters. He honored Kathrine McGovern for always seeing the Zoo’s potential and turning dreams into reality. He emphasized how the smiles and laughter of Zoo visitors, especially children, are a powerful reminder that her generosity will bring joy and inspiration for generations to come. The after party was chaired by Chita and Lane Craft, with the Georgia Bridgewater Orchestra keeping revelers dancing past midnight.

THE PURPOSE: This year’s sold-out event, hosted by co-chairs Kelli and John Weinzierl and Kelley and Stephen Lubanko, and honoring Kathrine McGovern, raised $2.3 million to support the Houston Zoo. Highlights of the live auction included naming rights for the Zoo’s Galapagos tortoise, which sold twice for $47,000 after a lively bidding war.

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.

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.

ANIMAL PLANET

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

Houston PetSet Raises Record $1.1 Million

By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Priscilla Dickson

THE SETTING: More than 700 animal lovers packed the Post Oak Hotel ballroom to see Cole Hauser and Forrie Smith, stars of Showtime T.V. favorite, Yellowstone. However, the animals were the true winners of the 18th annual Fierce and Fabulous Soirée. Houstonians came out in full force for a fierce and fabulous charitable evening of cocktails, dinner, luxury auction items, and a rocking after party. They opened their hearts and wallets to make this year’s event a resounding, fierce and fabulous success.

THE STYLE: Mistress of Ceremonies Deborah Duncan provided the audience with much laughter and banter from the podium. Sidney Faust was applauded for all her hard work and charitable generosity to the community. There were plenty of one-of-a-kind auction experiences. For one example, tennis great John McEnroe hosted guests at his seats at Wimbledon, for the women’s and men’s finals, which included an invitation for an after party at his house. Then there was the Cole Hauser experience for an afternoon horse ride in Montana, DeBoulle generously donated a Rolex timepiece for the raffle, and I-Touch donated a beautiful ruby and diamond ring.

PURPOSE: Leading the helm of this sold-out event were chairpersons Tena Lundquist Faust, Tama Lundquist, and Sue Smith. The event raised an unprecedented amount of $1.1 million for the animals. Houston PetSet is a non-profit organization providing grants to over 70 Houston area charities that benefit animal welfare and are committed to spaying, neutering, rescuing, adopting, and transporting the homeless pet population.

PARK’S PLACE

by societytexas | Aug 31, 2022 | R.S.V.P. HOUSTON, 2022 September October, Parties

Hermann Park Conservancy Raises Funds For Green Spaces

By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Priscilla Dickson

THE SETTING: Due to the ongoing Covid-19 safety measures, this year’s Evening in The Park event for Hermann Park Conservancy looked a little different than in the past. To make up for lost time due to the prior gala’s cancellation, instead of dinner, dancing, and the program under one big tent at the Molly Ann Smith Plaza, the event was socially distanced and progressive. The dinner was served in tented pods placed along the Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Reflection Pool.

THE STYLE: Guests were welcomed with cocktails while they perused photographs on view in Lindsey Plaza. Then, to add an element of fun, many guests opted to take the Hermann Park Railroad from Lindsey Plaza to the Molly Ann Smith Plaza, passing through the beautiful native plants and grounds of the upcoming Commons site. Upon arrival at the Plaza, Conservancy board chair Kristy Bradshaw spoke about the Conservancy’s endeavors including play spaces, natural habitats and plantings, public art installations, gathering areas, and the McWilliams Dog Park. The dog park was the focus of this year’s gala celebration and one of the most requested features by the community. Dinner was then served, and each party headed to their respective pod to enjoy a meal created by City Kitchen. Then, tunes were provided by DJ Mav at the Pioneer Obelisk as guests danced the night away to celebrate an Evening in the Park’s two years in the making.

THE PURPOSE: Event co-chairs Jo and Jim Furr, along with Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell and Derrick Mitchell, worked tirelessly to ensure guests had an entertaining and safe night. This year’s event surpassed its goal and raised $650,000 for the care and improvement of Hermann Park. Thanks to the generous $1 million gift from Laura and Brad McWilliams, this year’s honorees, funds raised at the gala, and a slew of additional donations directed towards the dog park, the Conservancy is $100,000 shy of its $2 million capital campaign. The honoree of the prior canceled Evening in The Park event, Marley Lott, was also in attendance and recognized.

BY THE BOOK

by societytexas | Aug 31, 2022 | 2022 September October, R.S.V.P. HOUSTON, Parties

Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation’s 28^th Annual Celebration Of Reading

By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Michele Watson/Catchlight Group

THE SETTING: More than 700 guests gathered at The Post Oak Hotel in Uptown Houston to toast the 28^th annual A Celebration of Reading. This year’s theme was Life. Liberty. Literacy. in honor of the late First Lady Barbara Bush’s belief that literacy is a foundation to reaching one’s fullest potential in life and realizing the American Dream. In keeping with the Americana theme, the reception areas and ballroom were donned with stunning red, white and blue décor, while the guests wore patriotic attire, which created a festive all-American event.

THE STYLE: This year’s exceptional lineup of bestselling authors included Alafair Burke, sisters Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush, Brad Meltzer, and Dr. Rick Rigsby. Foundation chairs Maria and Neil Bush welcomed guests and recognized the late First Lady who personally created A Celebration of Reading to raise awareness and funds to advance her cause of literacy.

“Mom always said that literacy is at the core for one to achieve God’s given potential,” Neil Bush noted. Sisters Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush spoke of their personal relationship, and of family and how their “Ganny,” the late First Lady Barbara Bush, instilled a lifelong love of literacy. They also shared how their most recent children’s book was inspired by their mother, former First Lady Laura Bush, who was an only child, yet found women to become her “sisters” throughout life.

THE PURPOSE: Marking another successful year, the event raised more than $1.8 million to help support the Foundation’s local and national literacy education causes, including $125,000 to launch a new initiative, Success Through Adult Reading (STAR) that provides scholarships for adult learners in partnership with five community-based organizations.