Houston Pet Set Archives

ANIMAL INSTINCTS

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

Houston PetSet’s Fierce And Fabulous Soirée Scores Million Dollar Fundraising Haul

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Priscilla Dickson

THE SETTING: Helping kick off Houston’s social season each year is the Houston PetSet’s Fierce and Fabulous Soirée. Held at The Post Oak Hotel, the most recent PetSet gala elevated the stakes, attracting 500 of the city’s most fierce and fabulous animal lovers, sociables, and philanthropists for a night of incredible experiences that those fortunate enough to be a part of will always remember.

THE STYLE: The cocktail-attired crowd began the evening in the foyer outside The Post Oak Hotel ballroom for a cocktail reception. Guests posed for photos on the red carpet, with several having their animals in tow. Revelers then cozied up to the bar to grab their favorite spirit and mingle with the crowd. The action then moved into the ballroom for the main program, where emcee and Great Day Houston Host Deborah Duncan effortlessly kept the evening moving at a fun, brisk pace.

Before taking their seats, many scoped out the curated silent auction of luxury items and VIP experiences. Highlights of the program included a five-star multi-course meal for patrons, a series of touching testimonials on how Houston PetSet has positively impacted the Houston community, and a spirited live auction that included once-in-a-lifetime experiences including a trip, Super Bowl LVIII with Rob Gronkowski, and a chance to play tennis at Wimbledon with John McEnroe being the most popular, all of which capped off a fierce, fabulous evening of fun and fundraising.

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Tama Lundquist, Tena Lundquist Faust, Sandra Smith Cooper, and Brisa Field, raised over $1.1 million for Houston PetSet. Proceeds from the event will help fund the organization’s programs, services, and granting program, which awards grants to 90 different Houston-area animal nonprofits annually. The 2024 Fierce & Fabulous Soirée will be held on September 6, 2024. For more information, visit HoustonPetSet.org/Soiree.

ANIMAL KINGDOM

by societytexas | Nov 2, 2020 | 2020 November December, Parties, Houston

PetSet Celebrates With Virtual Gala Watch Party

By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Quy Tran

THE SETTING: Even a global pandemic could not stop animal lovers’ kindness, as they rallied around a hybrid format of fundraising. Part virtual gala, part V.I.P. watch party on the much-loved Annie Café & Bar’s outdoor patio, PetSet’s first virtual Fierce and Fabulous Gala raised nearly $200,000 to support the Greater Houston area’s animal welfare groups.

THE STYLE: Animal lovers from Houston and across the country logged onto their device of choice to tune in to the soirée, hosted by Great Day Houston’s Deborah Duncan and Johnny Bravo Holloway. Meanwhile, Tena Lundquist Faust and Tama Lundquist, Houston PetSet’s co-presidents, celebrated the occasion by hosting a small patio gathering at The Annie Café & Bar. Personalized touches such as food and beverages prepared by Event Elementz and styled by local non-profit design house, Magpies and Peacocks were delivered to the homes of donors to coincide with the event.

The virtual program also included special guest appearances by Dr. Stephen Klineberg, founding director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, and Professor Emeritus of Sociology, at Rice University, and America’s Got Talent Season 13 semi-finalist Christina Wells, who added an emotional touch to the show with her performances of Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors and Mariah Carey’s Hero.

THE PURPOSE: The evening’s program kicked-off with a peek into the homes of supporters enjoying the watch parties across the city. The twin sisters then took the mic to thank their guests for joining them to support the cause. Together, the crowd of competitive contributors enjoyed the heartfelt program shining a light on positive animal welfare in Houston. This event not only marked a success for animal welfare but also showcased the resilience of the Houston fundraising community.

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NEW LEASH ON LIFE

by kat | Oct 31, 2019 | 2019 November December, Parties, Houston

Houston PetSet’s 15th Annual Fierce & Fabulous Soirée

By Jennifer Roosth – Photography by Quy Tran

THE SETTING: More than 400 of Houston’s dedicated animal lovers gathered at the Post Oak Hotel to celebrate Houston PetSet’s annual Fierce & Fabulous Soirée, which raises money to support animal-related non-profits in the Greater Houston area. The event was equal parts fabulous party and philanthropic mission. Emcee Deborah Duncan welcomed the partygoers to celebrate Houston PetSet’s 15^th birthday, thanking the crowd for coming out to support the nonprofit in its mission to alleviate the suffering and homelessness of Houston’s animals. Guest speakers of the night included Reverend Gregory Han of Interfaith Ministries, Laura Halloran of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, and Lance McCullers, Jr., the world champion Houston Astros pitcher.

THE STYLE: The evening kicked off with a VIP pre-party hosted by Fabergé. On display was the bespoke, two-carat emerald in its setting that was donated to the event’s live auction by the iconic internationally-renowned jeweler. The party kept its momentum as the Club PetSet Young Professionals took over the back ballroom, transforming the space into their own nightclub. DJ Senega got the crowd moving and shaking on the dance floor, while others participated in an ultra-competitive wine toss and silent auction. Champagne flowed as DJ Senega’s beats, accentuated by the live saxophone stylings of Andre Killian, resonated throughout the hotel’s ballroom foyer.

THE PURPOSE: Tena Lundquist Faust, Tama Lundquist and Kisha Itkin, the event’s co-chairs, asked the crowd to open their hearts and their wallets to support the cause. The generous attendees responded accordingly, as the gathering raised more than $440,000 to fund the many animal welfare efforts throughout the city.

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