parties

With Singer-Songwriters Taking the Stage, ‘Voices’ Hits High Note for Avondale House

With Singer-Songwriters Taking the Stage, ‘Voices’ Hits High Note for Avondale House

Emily and Allen Capps and Ashley and Christian Nelly

AT A UNIQUE fundraiser that mixes guitar strings with heartstrings, supporters of Avondale House gathered to raise more than $345,000 to support the nonprofit’s work with individuals with autism and their families.

The “Hear Our Voices” event, presented at River Oaks Country Club, featured live performances by Nashville singer-songwriters Phillip White, Mark Nesler, Leslie Satcher and Jenn Schott — all with No. 1 hits! Luke Morace also performed, and Johnny Bravo served at emcee.

Live auction items included “a one-of-a-kind guitar signed by many country music legends and handwritten lyrics from Rascal Flatts smash hit ‘I'm Moving On’,” notes a rep for Avondale. Paintings by Avondale House’s adult residents were also auctioned, along with two adorable white lab puppies from Dog Lab TX.

Emily and Allen Capps and Ashley and Christian Nelly chaired the event. Guests included Cadence Bank Chairman and CEO Dan Rollins, who accepted an award for the banks’s long support of Avondale House. Other guests included Rob and Amy Pierce, Greggory Burk, Nicole Davis, Craig and Jennifer Vaughn, Megan Hotze and Semmes Burns.

Per the nonprofit, Avondale House was established in 1976 by a group of parents of children with autism that recognized the vital need for high quality support and care for their children and others alike. From its humble beginnings in a residential section of Montrose, the organization has expanded to nearly eight acres near NRG Stadium. The facility is specifically designed to address the unique sensory, educational and developmental needs of folks with autism.

Amy and Rob Pierce

Avondale House CEO, Steve Vetrano and Cadence Bank Chairman and CEO, Dan Rollins

Craig and Jennifer Vaughn

Greggory Burk and Nicole Davis

Jay and Lisa Salitza

Megan Hotze and Semmes Burns

Sannam Warrender and Amy Pierce

Tim and Stacie Williamson and Dan and Becky Rollins

Parties
promoted

Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

Al Torres
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less
parties

Contemporary Clout: Rousing Modern-Day-Set ‘Il Trovatore’ and Posh Tented Dinner Open HGO Season

Lady Stephanie Kimbrell, Cory McGee, and Butler Studio artists, Ani Kushyan, Alissa Goretsky and Elizabeth Hanje (photo by Michelle Watson)

ALL OF THE top performing arts organizations in Houston have now officially opened their 2024-2015 seasons, now that Houston Grand Opera has bowed with a stirring performance of Verdi’s Il trovatore at The Wortham followed by a lavish al fresco dinner in a tent on the plaza out front.The Houston Ballet and the Houston Symphony held their own grand opening night festivities earlier in the fall.

Keep Reading Show less
Art+Culture
music

HGO's First-Ever 'Family Day' Features a Production of 'Cinderella' and More!

Photo by Lynn Lane

HOUSTON GRAND OPERA’S second fall repertoire production is Gioachino Rossini’s Cinderella. The colorful, commedia dell'arte-inspired production opens Friday, Oct. 25, and stars Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard — a breathtaking brunette beauty, even when doused in soot — in bel canto role of Angelina, known to her mean step-sisters as “Cenerentola.”

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment