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

From Your Site Articles
Parties
sponsored

Thrive & Inspire ’24: Michelle Reyna Wymes Says Synergy Among Her Team ‘Something Very Special’

Hallie Keller

Michelle Reyna Wymes, Owner of The Reyna Group

WHAT'S THE SECRET to running a successful business? It is so important to stay present every day. With the fast-paced patterns of today’s society and ever-evolving technologies, I stress to our agents how important it is to continue to learn. If one reaches a point at which the ego takes over or burnout sets in and progress takes a back seat, things will get stuck. Regardless of what field you are in, I believe in starting with the basics to set and strengthen your foundation. I treat everyone we work with from our contractors, clients, to our inspectors with respect, patience and care.

Keep Reading Show less
sponsored

Thrive & Inspire ’24: Adamson and Gibson Say Work Extra Hard, ‘They Don’t Have to See Your Sweat’

Phoebe Rourke

JD Adamson & Tony Gibson, Realtors®️ at Douglas Elliman Real Estate

WHAT IS THE secret to a successful real estate business? Clear communication, reconciling requirements with desires, and preemptively managing expectations are paramount to a win-win deal. There is an art to predicting clients’ wants before they do; deep listening is a key ingredient. Behind-the-scenes efforts often mitigate client anxiety levels more than outward actions — avoid an urge to wear the hustle like a badge. It’s okay to work harder than it appears you do. They don’t have to see you sweat. Keep egos in check and empathy levels high. Make room for openness. Do business with friends and protect their money. The deck is stacked in our client’s favor when objectives are clear and goals are stated. A compromise is not a defeat; it is an elegant solution. Always aim for a win-win deal; if that isn’t viable, you must win.

Keep Reading Show less