parties

Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ Event Nets More Than $850K to Encourage Kids to Stay in School

Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ Event Nets More Than $850K to Encourage Kids to Stay in School

Colleen Walker, Scott McClelland, Judy Tate

WONDERFULLY WHIMSICAL DÉCOR, colorful cocktail attire, and vivacious live music — what more could partygoers ask for? How about raising more than $850K for an important cause that impacts at-risk students all over Houston!

For its 45th annual gala, Communities In Schools (CIS) of Houston threw a fun and funky Alice in Wonderland-themed bash at the Post Oak Hotel. Chaired by Lauren and John Brollier and Cassie and John Milam — with honorary chairs Kirby and Scott McCool and Judy and Charles Tate — the evening kicked off with a “Drink Me” cocktail reception complete with Queen of Hearts red roses.

The 600 guests filtered into the beautiful ballroom, welcomed by emcee Lisa Malosky. After an invocation by Chapelwood’s Rev. Wick Stuckey and remarks from CIS’s Judy Tate and Rey Saldana, a video celebrating the organization’s 45 years was shown. A group of students and school staff also spoke at the gala aout ho CIS has impacted their lives. CIS places at least one full-time student-support specialist — who offers counseling, academic support and health and human services — on the campus of more than 160 schools across Houston.

Dinner was delicious (braised short ribs, grilled shrimp, a fun “Eat Me” dessert!) and energized the crowd to move onto the dancefloor. Houston go-to Klockwork had galagoers dancing the night away.

Ann and Hughes Milam

Ben and Lacey Melancon

Brian Williard, Rachel Gower, Michael Broderick, Allison Gower, Lauren Dougherty

Carmen and Chris Golden

John and Cassie Milam and Lauren and John Brollier

Katie Decker, Lisa and Evan Lee

Katrina and J.C. Clemens

Leigh-Anne McQuitty, Lacey Dalcour-Salas

Michele McClinton, Matt Garcia-Prats, Joni Hine

Martha Barrera and Natalia Araujo

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Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala

Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala

CIS 2024 Gala Honorary Co-Chair Judy Tate, Co-Chair Lauren Brollier, Co-Chair Cassie Milam, Honorary Co-Chair Kirby McCool

WHETHER YOU PREFER Alice, the Mad Hatter or the Queen of Hearts, Communities In Schools of Houston’s A Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary GalaA Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary Gala is not to be missed! Join in the celebration for a whimsical good time on Thursday, April 4th, at the luxurious Post Oak Hotel.

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music

With New Concept Album, Jacob Hilton Processes Mental-Health Struggles

Dakota Garrett

Jacob Hilton, a.k.a. Travid Halton, at home in his kitchen, where he enjoys cooking as a form of therapy.

PINK FLOYD'S THE Wall. Sinatra’s In the Wee Small Hours. Beyonce’s Lemonade. Three divergent examples of the album as a cathartic, psychological, conceptual work, meant to be experienced in a single sitting. Houston singer-songwriter Jacob Hilton, 37, who records as Travid Halton, a portmanteau of his mother and father’s names, might balk at being mentioned in such company. (This is a thoroughly unpretentious man, who describes himself as an “archaeologist turned singer-songwriter.”)

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Art + Entertainment
promoted

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

Al Torres

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.

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