L’ITALIANO STILE

L’ITALIANO STILE

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

Una Notte Italia Gala For Chidren At Risk

By Jennifer Roosth                    Photography by  Quy Tran

THE SETTING: Over 500 guests gathered at the Royal Sonesta Hotel to celebrate one of the most anticipated annual events of the fall social season, Una Notte in Italia, benefitting Children at Risk. Italian and Continental style was prevalent as guests entered the venue. They viewed magnificent vehicles from car sponsor Rolls Royce Motor Cars North Houston, and enjoyed a premiere tasting provided by the popular Veneno Tequila. With pandemic protocol in place ,a silent auction and libations entertained guests before they made their way into the ballroom to enjoy all things Italian. There were fine wines, delicious food, and of course, the highlight of the evening…the philanthropic men and athletes who walked the runway for the cause.

THE STYLE: Fabulous fall fashions from Rudy Festari of Festari for Men adorned each gentleman as they danced to their favorite song. Popular Emcee Johnny Bravo and Honorary Chair Debbie Festari spoke to the accolades of each gentleman as they walked the catwalk. Some of the participants included Olympic great Carl Lewis, dynamo stars Zarek Valentin and Tim Parker, Sabercats Rugby player Ken Nasoqeqe, Houston Texans Jonathan Owen, businessmen Chad Pinkerton, and Moez Mangalji, and Dr. Matthew Brams, Stephen Chen, Bob Sanborn, Pablo Delgado, Adrian Duenas, Jonathan Zadok, Clayton Katz, Hugo Guerrero, Mark Theissen, and Al Lindseth, to name a few.  As usual, there were plenty of model face signs, and glitter and flowers were tossed as the crowd cheered for their favorite model. The evening was capped off with the most successful live auction in the event’s history.

THE PURPOSE: Co-chairs Melissa Holman Juneau and Jennifer Pinkerton, with Honorary Chair Debbie Festari, set a record for the gala raising over $438,000.00 on behalf of Children at Risk. The Una Notte in Italia “celebrity” men’s fashion show is always one of the most eagerly awaited galas, and this year was no different when it sold out eight weeks before invitations went to print. The organization helps to free children from the dangers of sex trafficking and exploitation.

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SWINGING FOR THE FENCES

SWINGING FOR THE FENCES

by | Jun 28, 2019 | 2019 July Aug, Parties, Houston

Joe Niekro Foundation’s Knuckle Ball Scores Big

By Jake Gaines          Photography by Nikki Rosenberg and Quy Tran Photography

THE SETTING: The Houston Knuckle Ball: Field of Dreams annual gala was recently held at The Ballroom at Bayou Place, in support of brain aneurysm, AVM and hemorrhagic stroke research and awareness, and patient education named in honor of 22-year MLB alum and former Houston Astros knuckleballer, Joe Niekro.

THE STYLE: KHOU-TV personality and brain aneurysm survivor, Deborah Duncan, served as the evening’s emcee, while sharing her personal experience and life altering brain aneurysm rupture to the packed event venue. Kirk Wehby, the COO of the event’s presenting sponsor SMITH, helped kick-off the VIP reception by giving a welcome toast to guests and supporters, followed by a tear-jerking invocation from Kirk’s 13 year old son, Luc Wehby, an AVM survivor. To help ignite the evening festivities, Geraldo Rivera, a personal friend of Tricia Bonilla Harrison, gave welcoming video remarks and brought attention to the mission behind the Joe Niekro Foundation. The evening culminated with a spirited live auction officiated by Johny Bravo, followed by a packed dancefloor as the Austin-based band Skyrocket performed, underwritten and supported by Diane Lokey Farb.

THE PURPOSE: This year’s event, chaired by Tricia Bonilla Harrison and Mark D. Sullivan, who both have a personal connection to brain aneurysms, raised nearly $300,000. The auction was a spectacular success and featured original art items, a Steak 48 culinary group experience, exquisite jewelry by Mariquita Masterson, and rare finds in sports memorabilia. Proceeds from this year’s event go toward the advancement and expansion of the foundation’s Patient Services and Education Program, as well as the establishment of a localized clinical research grant for applicants in the Houston area.

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