Balling Out

Houstonians got gala glam for an Italy-themed celebration at The Corinthian benefiting Mercury, the chamber ensemble music group. Jackson & Company catered the affair, which included a performance by the Mercury orchestra and raised a quarter-million for the organization. ... Following a preview party and cocktail evening on Thursday and Friday, the Junior League’s 69th annual Charity Ball included a rousing auction with items like a chance to hang out with Simone Biles, and diamonds galore courtesy of Tenenbaum Jewelers. The total till reached $740K. ... And at the Good Samaritan Foundation gala, supporters of the nursing profession gathered at the River Oaks Country Club for dinner and dancing, and a moving speech by nurse Mark Barr, whose experience as an amputee called him to the line of work.


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Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

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UPON ARRIVAL AT Maroma resort on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, a beautifully dressed attendant, briefcase and tablet in hand, ushers guests to their respective rooms. “Here’s your welcome amenity,” she says, gesturing to ceramic vessels on the coffee table with one hand as she completes the check-in process with the other. “It is tequila.”

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People + Places

THE CORINTHIAN WAS the scene for a haunted happening benefiting Children’s Museum Houston. The decidedly adult bash was filled with dark allure, gothic glamour, and generosity to the tune of $1.14 million, the second-highest total in the event’s history.

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Parties