RISING TO NEW HEIGHTS

RISING TO NEW HEIGHTS

by | May 30, 2020 | Summer 2020, Parties, Dallas

Fashion Group International Dallas Toasts Rising Style Stars

By Cynthia Smoot         Photography by Danny Campbell

THE SETTING:  Fashion Group International of Dallas (FGI Dallas) celebrated its annual Rising Stars gala at the mid-century icon, Statler Dallas Hotel. This year’s event honored the fashion makers in Texas who are achieving notoriety in their region…and beyond. The evening of glamour and excitement praised the community’s individuals and business leaders for their contributions within fashion and its related industries.

 

The honorees of the evening included Lela Orr of FERRAH (fashion), Barbara Kaiser Harvel and Stephanie Harvel of Kaiser Atelier (accessories), Matt Alexander, proprietor of Neighborhood Goods (retail), Marsi Hubbard of Brite Bar Beauty (beauty), Lea Fisher (art and design), and Samantha Stewart of Style of Sam  (fashion blogging).

 

THE STYLE:  The evening, emceed by Courtney Kerr, began with many of Dallas’ most fashionable as they mixed and mingled over cocktails and light bites. Guests also had the opportunity to support the nominees at specially created pop-up shops and enjoyed a beauty activation sponsored by Toni & Guy. During the ceremony, guests enjoyed runway shows featuring fashions from the 2020 Rising Star’s fashion nominees, produced by Jan Strimple Productions. It was the place to be to celebrate and admire the state’s thriving fashion scene.

 

THE PURPOSE:  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.

 

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THIS SIDE OF PARADISE

THIS SIDE OF PARADISE

by | May 30, 2020 | Summer 2020, Parties, Houston

Asia Society Tiger Ball Creates More Success

By Jennifer Roosth       Photography by Daniel Ortiz and Leah Wilson

THE SETTING:  Asia Society’s 2020 Tiger Ball, Celebrating the Elegance of Japan, honored Texas’ iconic and beloved champion of the arts, legendary philanthropist Lynn Wyatt. Welcoming 725 guests, it was more people than at any other event since the building opened in 2012. The Events Company created a Japanese-inspired spring paradise, transporting attendees to another world and season. A pink carpet lined with Japanese cherry blossom trees and special lighting served as a lovely pathway into the venue, which is itself an award-winning work of art, created by famed Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi.

THE STYLE:  The evening was indeed an exquisite celebration of the elegance of Japan. An entire truckload of Japanese cherry blossom branches decorated the Center and the Gala Pavilion, plus white Phalaenopsis orchids, roses, pink orchids, Vanda orchids, magnolia Japonica, fringed tulips, Asclepias, and a new breed of tulip known as the Leo spider tulip. Flowers were sourced from Thailand, Holland, and Oregon, and totaled approximately 10,000 blooms. Japanese taiko drummers led the way into the lavishly decorated 80’x181’ gala pavilion that transformed the Asia Society’s exterior space. Dozens of origami-inspired cranes and white rice paper and feather lanterns dotted the ceiling. Several oak trees outside the venue were adorned with cherry blossom branches to add to the Japanese springtime ambiance. A sumptuous Japanese-inspired menu, created by City Kitchen was served, featuring okonomiyaki pancakes with smoked duck, as well as tuna tartar, Wagyu beef tataki, spring rolls, edamame and jasmine rice cake, jumbo lump crab with melon, miso-glazed sea bass, and kabocha squash timbale. 

THE PURPOSE:  Kathy and Marty Goossen, and Akemi and Yasuhiko Saitoh co-chaired the event. Honorary chairs Kathy and Glen Yoshiaki Gondo, Wendy and Jeff Hines, Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, Brenda and Marc Watts, Donna Fujimoto Cole, and Shota Kondo were also recognized. A total of $1.34 million was raised in support of Asia Society’s programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach to enrich and engage the vast diversity of Houston.

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SEEING RED

SEEING RED

by | May 30, 2020 | Summer 2020, Parties, Dallas

2020 Dallas Go Red For Women Luncheon Raises Funds To Fight Heart Disease And Stroke

By Cynthia Smoot         Photography by James Edward, Sheryl Lanzel and Scogin Mayo

THE SETTING:  The Omni Hotel in Dallas was recently filled with a ballroom of philanthropically-minded women and men who wanted to make a difference in support of  one of their favorite causes, the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women. They gathered to unite in the fight against heart disease and stroke at the annual event benefitting the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all.

 

THE STYLE:  More than a thousand area business leaders, philanthropists, and survivors donned red to help raise vital awareness and funds for research and education programs to fight cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in women. This year’s luncheon featured Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum as the keynote speaker who has devoted her career to the treatment of heart disease through early detection, education, and prevention. Tim Wallace, the women of Trinity Industries, and Arcosa Inc. were recognized as the Sandi Haddock Community Impact Honorees for the historical impact they have made on the organization’s lifesaving mission. In fact, for more than 11 years, Trinity Industries, led by the leadership of Wallace, has raised nearly $7.5 million for the Association..

 

THE PURPOSE:  The event successfully raised $1.8 million and counting. The luncheon, chaired by Judy Hendrick, was nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally  by Texas Health Resources, Aimbridge Hospitality, Alpha Phi International Women’s Fraternity, and Republic National Distributing Company. The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. They are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, they fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century.

 

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THE SHOW MUST GO ON

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

by | May 30, 2020 | Summer 2020, Parties, Houston

Stages In The Gordy Hosts Grand Opening Gala

By Jennifer Roosth          Photography by Priscilla Dickson and Wilson Parish

THE SETTING:  Having recently completed the new $35 million campus, Stages in The Gordy kicked off their opening weekend festivities by hosting the annual gala in their new home. More than 230 black tie attired guests eagerly made their way into The Gordy to enjoy the finished space. Still, in awe, guests sipped libations and perused the silent auction. Prior to dinner, guests gathered at the Sterling Stage for a special performance by three Broadway stars: Alysha Umphress, Joseph C. Wiggan, and Tony Yazbeck,  as the trio performed various numbers, including Don’t Rain on My Parade, All I Need is the Girl, and I Wish I Knew.

THE STYLE:  The décor, designed by Bergner & Johnson, was created to show off the focal point of the evening–the new building. Lanterns and a purple runway style carpet lined the walkway to the front lobby doors to greet the guests. White floral arrangements topped the tables throughout the space. The dinner, prepared by Jackson & Company, began with an amuse-bouche, which was a trio of deviled quail eggs followed by a seafood crepe with Mornay sauce. The main course was prime-aged Angus beef tenderloin with an old vine Zinfandel sauce served with potatoes fine herb gratinée, French baby carrots, asparagus, and yeast rolls. For dessert, guests enjoyed a spectacular twist on Baked Alaska, complete with a flaming presentation.

Following dinner, attendees could either dance the night away to the sounds of DJ Gracie Chavez on the Lester and Sue Smith Stage, which had been transformed into a disco. Or, they could enjoy the featured performances by Stages’ fan favorites Mark Ivy, Ben Miller, and Holland Vavra on the Rochelle and Max Levit Stage, which served as a piano bar.

THE PURPOSE:  This year’s event raised a record-breaking amount of more than $750,000 for Stages. Isla and T.R. Reckling, III, served as event chairs, along with the namesakes of the building, Glenda and Russell Gordy, who served as the underwriting chairs. Both couples were instrumental in making Stages’ vision for The Gordy come to life. The silent auction was led by the auction chairs, Trish and Rock Morille.

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BURSTING WITH JOY

BURSTING WITH JOY

by | May 30, 2020 | Summer 2020, Parties, Austin

Dell Children’s Medical Center Announces $30 Million Matching Grant By Michael And Susan Dell

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Ben Porter

THE SETTING: The Fairmont Hotel in Austin was the setting recently for the annual Dell Children’s Medical Center gala. This year’s theme, Share Your Joy, more than lived up to the name. Nearly 1,000 of the Capital City’s most notable philanthropists, sociables, and community influencers joined together for an unforgettable evening of fun, fundraising, and the announcement of a substantial gift by two of Texas’ most influential philanthropists.

 THE STYLE: The black tie attired crowd began the evening as guests posed for pictures against a gorgeously colorful backdrop to commemorate the evening. Once inside, partygoers headed to the V.I.P. lounge for a cocktail reception where patrons sipped spirits and brimmed with anticipation for the festivities ahead. The action then headed to the main ballroom for the evening’s program.

 Guests were treated to a heartwarming video regarding the impact of Dell Children’s Medical Center on the community, as they dined on a delicious multi-course meal. Other highlights included emotional words from families whose children’s lives were saved due to the efforts of the organization, as well as a spirited live auction and fund-a-need. The highlight of the evening was the announcement by Michael and Susan Dell of a matching grant of $30 million for the HERE Campaign for the advancement of pediatric care at Dell Children’s. The guests, now on a joyous high over the Dell’s generosity, kept the festivities going into the wee hours of the next morning at the V.I.P. after party as they danced the night away to the tunes of DJ’s Amy Edwards and Society Texas’ own Lance Avery Morgan.

 THE PURPOSE: The event was led by a committee known as 20 for 20, symbolizing the number of philanthropic couples who have shaped the first decade of Dell Children’s Medical Center. In addition to the $30 million match by Michael and Susan Dell, the event raised a record-breaking $2.1 million for Dell Children’s Medical Center. Proceeds from the event will go towards construction of the new Dell Children’s Specialty Pavilion. The new outpatient facility, scheduled to open in 2021, will expand specialty care for children.

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