‘Top Chef’ Stars Whip Up Four-Course Feast for Urban Harvest Supporters

Patrick Magee

THE CURRENT SEASON of Top Chef is filming all over H-Town, and 100-plus foodies had the opportunity to savor the talents of three local contestants — current competitor Evelyn Garcia, and past participants Dawn Burrell and Sasha Grumman — at The Butcher’s Ball benefitting Urban Harvest.

At TopGolf, a Fundraiser for TEACH Tees Up $320K

Evan W. Black

SUPPORTERS OF THE nonprofit To Educate All Children (TEACH) hit TopGolf Katy for a laid-back, benevolent bash that raised more than $320,000.

As School Year Comes to a 'FotoFinish,' Kids' Art Is in the Spotlight

Chris Becker

TO SAY THIS school year was a tough one for Houston students is an understatement. Masks in the classroom came off just a few months back, and even now, the dregs of the pandemic still require due diligence on the part of parents, teachers and kids who just want to go to school and be with their friends. Knowing the return to the classroom would be challenging, even scary, the teaching artists of FotoFest decided to use the power of art to help students examine and articulate their feelings through writing and photography.

Thrive & Inspire: Creating ’Something Bigger Than Ourselves’ Drives Gooch and Pappas of RYDE

Ashley Gooch and Andrew Pappas, Co-Founders

WHAT INSPIRES YOU as you grow RYDE? The RYDE community and our team inspire us every day. The goal from the start was to create something that is bigger than ourselves — our community is just that. We want to push the limits of what a fitness experience can be. Our new Heights studio is a testament to that commitment, offering a high-energy indoor cycling experience in a stunning space. RYDE Heights opens in April, exactly eight years after our first location opened on West Gray in River Oaks.

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How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

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Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

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