TEXAS, MEET FRANCE

TEXAS, MEET FRANCE

by | May 1, 2022 | 2022 May June, R.S.V.P GALVESTON, Parties

The San Luis Salute Cabaret In Paris Gala With $150 Million Yacht

By Jennifer Roosth             Photography by Dave Rossman and Gary Fountain

THE SETTING: The 25th annual San Luis Salute, hosted by the Tilman Fertitta family, was once again a night to remember earning riotous applause as revelers from near and far gathered for this year’s Mardi Gras! Galveston celebration. The party of all Texas parties sold out within hours, a record-breaking 2,000 tickets were purchased. A champagne pre-party was held dockside at Pier 21, where guests sipped Veuve Clicquot and Adam Levine’s Calirosa Tequila while mingling between the crystal-chandeliered tent stationed dockside to Fertitta’s new $150 million, 77-meter superyacht, The Boardwalk.

THE STYLE: Impresario extraordinaire, Richard Flowers of The Events Co., brought the Moulin Rouge-inspired Cabaret in Paris theme to life inside the Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort for the Salute celebration. Gala-goers were transported to a French cabaret, dripping in shades of bold red, with tables covered in black and white Damask linens topped with 12,000 roses and ostrich plumes throughout. In the main ballroom, Can-Can dancers, a Broadway performer, burlesque dancers, and an aerialist mesmerized guests before being served their filet mignon and lobster dinner. Following dinner, Adam Levine and Maroon 5, one of the most popular bands in the world, lit up the stage for an hour-long show performing their chart-topping hits like Moves Like Jagger, This Love, and Harder to Breathe. The attendees enjoyed non-stop dancing and Vegas-styler entertainment until the wee hours of the morning.

THE PURPOSE: Dr. Barbara Thompson, Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, was honored during the evening. The spectacular event supported The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston. It introduced the entire royal court from the Knights of Momus, highlighted by King Frivolous CVI Frank Dominguez, III, and Momus Queen Libbie Lee Ansell. The Duchess Royal Court included Channing Allshouse, Libbie Lee Ansell, Anna Bassett, Francesca Bertini, Ashley Dowling, Sarah Grace Elliott, Mia Flores, Lucy Frankfort, Alexis Gust, Katherine Haver, Madison Hay, Hailey Herrold, Catherine Jackson, Lexie Koehler, Danielle Lang, Emily Metyko, Madison Morton, Savannah Olsson, Kameron Ong, Mary Katherine Piel, Caroline Perillo, Tyler Robinson, Kellie Samson, Juliet Sweeney, Taylor Termini, Evelyn Voelter, Makenzie Walser, Grace Winfrey, Cara Wolff, and Dylan Wood.

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FIT FOR A KING

FIT FOR A KING

by | May 1, 2022 | 2022 May June, R.S.V.P. SO. TEXAS, Parties

South Texas Charity Weekend Hosts 29th Annual Gathering

 

By Jake Gaines          Photography by Marie Langmore

THE SETTING: The open spaces of the King Ranch, the historic town of Kingsville, and the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center were the backdrops for the 29th Annual South Texas Charity Weekend honoring Jeff Hildebrand as the 2022 South Texan of the Year. A Friday night cocktail reception held at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center kicked off the celebratory events. The evening served as a warm South Texas welcome to new and old friends alike. It also provided guests with unique shopping opportunities featuring the best of the best in Western belts, boots, hats, artwork, jewelry, clothing, and leather goods.

 

THE STYLE:  On Saturday, guests chose between quail hunting on the legendary King Ranch, wildlife photography with Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Institute’s faculty member and renowned photographer Brian Loflin, or a shooting clinic with instruction from world-class instructors Charlie Wilson, Bill Massey, and Raye Massey. Lunch was served cowboy style in the field at the Calera Camp, a tradition the King Ranch is well known for worldwide. The pinnacle of the weekend took place Saturday evening when over 300 guests gathered at the King Ranch to celebrate Jeff Hildebrand. The award is presented annually to recognize individuals whose exemplary leadership, unselfish service, and generous contributions have made a difference in South Texas citizens’ lives. Hildebrand is a worthy recipient based on his philanthropic involvement in South Texas for decades and his interest in livestock, grazing management, and wildlife conservation and research. As is tradition, Tio Kleberg made a memorable entrance when it came time to honor Hildebrand and arrived wearing an oilfield uniform. While at the same time, The Eyes of Texas played loudly in honor of Hildebrand’s alma mater, The University of Texas. Following a standing ovation, the evening then shifted to a live auction with treasures only seen at a South Texas Charity Weekend. On Sunday morning, guests gathered for a farewell breakfast at the King Ranch pool house surrounded by the history of the Main House.

 

THE PURPOSE: The South Texas Charity Weekend, Inc. benefits the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg, and HALO-Flight.   

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STANDING TALL

STANDING TALL

by | May 1, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2022 May June, Parties

Annual Destiny Award Luncheon Benefits St. Philip’s School

 By Cynthia Smoot                    Photography by Tim Heitman

THE SETTING: More than 1,200 guests filled the Landmark Ballroom at the Downtown Dallas Hyatt Regency recently for a big personality…and even bigger cause. St. Philip’s School and Community Center welcomed Basketball Hall-of-Famer and cultural icon Shaquille O’Neal as its guest speaker for the 22nd annual Destiny Awards luncheon. It featured a comedic and heartfelt conversation between O’Neal and NBA Champion and former Mavericks coach Avery Johnson. O’Neal shared that excellence is not a singular act with St. Philip’s students, who also performed at the luncheon. Also, Dr. Bobby Lyle was honored with the Mona & David Munson Humanitarian Award for his outstanding commitment to the school.

 

THE STYLE: Standing at 7 feet 1 inch, no one stood taller or caused greater excitement than the guest of honor. Before the luncheon, O’Neal greeted fans and engaged in a quick game of hoops with the St. Philip’s students. He also toured a dynamic student showcase that included sports trivia, the math of basketball, and more. It was no surprise the event was packed with friends of St. Philip’s, donors, and sponsors from across the metroplex.

 

THE PURPOSE: Pete Chillan served as the event chair. The St. Philip’s School and Community Center luncheon raised more than $1.2 million. These funds will facilitate the expansion of St. Philip’s School in the 2022-2023 school year. St. Philp’s mission is to develop each student’s mind, body, and soul. The school is committed to excellence in academics and community service.

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STARRY, STARRY NIGHT

STARRY, STARRY NIGHT

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

Fashion Group International of Dallas (FGI Dallas) Hosts Night Of Stars Gala


By Cynthia Smoot     Photography by Thomas Garza and Danny Campbell

THE SETTING: Over 250 fashionable guests packed the Thompson Hotel ballroom downtown for the Fashion Group International of Dallas (FGI Dallas) annual Night of Stars gala, themed Iconic Glam. Designer extraordinaire Naeem Khan was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in Fashion. In addition, Jonathan Adler was awarded the Career Achievement Award in Design, Gray Malin was awarded the Career Achievement Award in Photography, and Dee Lincoln was awarded the Career Achievement Award in Business.

THE STYLE: Chic supporters, dressed to the nines, with pandemic protocol in place, included Sam Saladino, Steve Kemball, Elizabeth Savetsky, Lele Sadoughi, Ese Azenabor, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Heidi Dillon, and Daniella Bell. Master of Ceremonies James Aguiar hosted the star-studded annual event, while the organization’s Chuck Steelman deftly guided the live auction of luxury items. The evening included a cocktail reception, a fashion show featuring the Naeem Khan Spring/Summer 2022 collection produced by Jan Strimple, and an after party at Kessaku.

THE PURPOSE: The event was chaired by Ken Weber of Martini Consignment and Richard Rivas of TONI&GUY. Fashion Group International, Inc. provides a high-profile forum to promote the fashion business by hosting events that educate and facilitate the exchange of ideas by giving back to the community. The evening raised funds for the organization’s student scholarships.

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ANIMAL INSTINCTS

ANIMAL INSTINCTS

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

Zoo To Do Gala Benefits Dallas Zoo

 

By Cynthia Smoot         Photography by Thomas Garza

THE SETTING; This year’s Zoo To Do fundraiser, presented by The Eugene McDermott Foundation, was a wild success, raising over 1.3 million dollars for animal conservation. With pandemic protocol in place, guests were welcomed by Robyn and Chris Chauvin, the event co-chairs, as well as Dallas Zoo animal ambassadors that included flamingos, a sloth, porcupine, and penguins as a reminder of why Zoo To Do is so important. Honorary Chairs Diane Brierley, Mary McDermott Cook, and Ruth O’Donnell Mutch socialized with guests as the evening progressed.

 

THE STYLE: Honorary Chef Chair Dan Landsberg of Ellie’s Restaurant & Lounge at HALL Arts Hotel, along with Chef Wrangler Brett Krafft from the Hilton Lincoln Centre joined guests at the award-winning Giants of the Savanna exhibit. Throughout the strolling dinner, the chefs mingled with guests among the 24 restaurant stations representing the finest restaurants in Dallas. Following dinner, guests moved to the Wilds of Africa Plaza for a live auction, and afterward, a dance party ended the evening with live music from Manhattan.

 

THE PURPOSE: Proceeds from the event help support the Dallas Zoo’s dedication to providing the best animal care, delivering unique educational offerings, and strengthening its wildlife conservation efforts.

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