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

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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Vinophiles Pour It On for Periwinkle Foundation, Crown New 'Iron Sommelier'

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A WINE-TASTING rendezvous at the Post Oak Hotel benefited a heartwarming charity — to the tune of $410,000!

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Large Resto-Lounge The Kennedy, Touting a Piano Bar Vibe and Warm Socializing, Has Opened

Outside The Kennedy (photo by Tarick Foteh)

A RESTAURANT OFFERING “refined, classic cuisine in an elevated, cocktail-lounge experience to Montrose and River Oaks” has opened where Montrose meets River Oaks.

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