Summer is anything but a slow season for the folks at the Alley, who toasted the openings of three shows in recent months. First up was Steve Martin’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile, celebrated by 250 guests at a French-inspired dinner catered by City Kitchen. Not long after, The Cake, written by This Is Us producer Bekah Brunsetter, debuted. Alley board members and guests enjoyed a meal that was finished with pink lemonade cake, Brunsetter’s favorite. And the Alley closed out its season with Holmes and Watson. Naturally, a British-tinged feast — roast beef roulade, berry pudding — was served. After each show, patrons gathered in the lobby for a Champagne toast with the casts.
Thrive & Inspire: Working with Seniors — ‘America’s Best’ — a Joy for Medicare Expert Justin White
Mar. 6, 2023
Justin White, Founder of Senior Health Services
WHAT IS THE secret to running a successful business? First, you have to have a mission that you care about. I absolutely love helping people understand Medicare! Secondly, I have always succeeded because the agents I work with know that I care for them and truly want them to succeed. I love developing leaders and watching them soar! If I help them get where they want to be, I will never need to worry about me! We all rise together.
What’s unique about your approach or your mission? We are the luckiest people in the world. We get to work every day with America’s best: seniors. They need help navigating Medicare, and we are proud to help them!
I am not sure this is unique, but I am a bit of an idealist. I believe if something is good enough to go after, it is good enough to obsess about and go aggressively. I believe very strongly in what we do, and I am not afraid to let people know!
What’s special about your team? I am very honest with all who choose to work with me. This builds a level of trust. We are very much of like mind, and all our goals are aligned. We work side by side with each other, we have meals together, we know each other’s families, and get to go on trips together. Strong bonds are formed!
Who or what inspires you as you seek to reach greater heights of success? Our clients inspire me. Their experiences and life stories and challenges are incredible! When I enjoy something, I like striving to be the best. When you love what you do and who you do it for, ascending to greater heights tends to happen more naturally; it is almost a byproduct of that love.
What have you learned about your business and your community that might inspire others? Nobody can do anything alone. It is humbling to realize how much I depend on others. This business and life is not all about me. We’ve got to take care of each other.
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Amalfi Ristorante Invites Wine Lovers to Explore Campania with a Special Six-Course Dinner
Nov. 18, 2024
The inspired menu at Amalfi emphasizes fresh seafood and, on right, Giancarlo Ferrara
THIS WEDNESDAY, AMALFI Ristorante will transport guests to the sun-soaked shores of Southern Italy’s Campania region, home to the glamorous island of Capri, with a six-course dinner. The menu, curated by Executive Chef Giancarlo Ferrara, will be paired with wines from Agricola Bellaria Winery, one of Campania’s most celebrated estates.
Founded by Antonio Pepe, a third-generation grape-grower, Agricola Bellaria began its journey in 2002 as an olive oil producer before expanding into wine production in 2008. Today, the winery has earned accolades from competitions, including Decanter, the International Wine Challenge in London, and the Los Angeles Wine Competition. Pepe himself will be on hand to share the story behind the winery and its award-winning wines.
For his part, Chef Ferrara grew up on the Amalfi coast as the youngest of seven children, and often helped his mother in the kitchen. He experience spans the globe, including a stint at the Michelin-starred Patrick Guilbaud in Dublin.
On the menu, expect hand-cut fresh pasta, suckling pig and strip loin from a wood-burning oven. Tickets are $155/person; reservations can be made by calling 713.532.2201
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Thousands Turn Up to Kick Off the Nutcracker Market at a Pair of Fab Fashion-Show Fetes
Daniel Ortiz
Nov. 18, 2024
A model on the runway at the Saks show kicking of the Nutcracker Market
A PAIR OF fashion-show events kicked off the annual Nutcracker Market in support of the Houston Ballet.
The Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon hit the runway at NRG Center first, with Ileana Treviño and Beth Zdeblick as chairs and TV’s Deborah Duncan as emcee, raising more than $450,000. Nearly 1,500 guests turned up for the stylish affair.
“Amidst a dreamy backdrop of whites and cream, guests dined stage-side while models donning Sachin & Babi designs — courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue — dazzled on the runway,” noted a rep for event organizers. “Contemporary yet classic pieces set an idyllic backdrop as a solo violinist executed a series of effervescent tunes, delivering a mix of spirited pop.”
The following day, Macy’s took center stage, for another fashionista fest drawing nearly 1,500 and raising about $375,000. Michelle Barrett, Sarah Davidson and Michelle Jeffery served as chair, with another Houston TV personality, Amy Davis, stepping in as emcee.
“Models glided down the runway in a blur of cream and gold to the holiday classic ‘Snow,’ which was followed by the contrasting bright and vibrant ensembles from the Disney collection,” said a rep. “Mickey Mouse even joined in on the fun, dancing down the catwalk to ‘Hey, Mickey!’ Another delight was the tribute to ‘Wicked,’ where models showcased their best Glinda- and Elphaba-inspired looks.”
The Nutcracker Market provides support for Houston Ballet, its Academy and scholarship programs. Since its inception in 1981, Nutcracker Market has raised more than $90.5 million for the Ballet.
Saks guests included Tracey Williford, Megan Kessler, Beth Zdeblick, Ileana Treviño, Sharon Erskine, Heidi Turney, Kristy Bradshaw, Lindsey Brown, Julie Kent, Beth Muecke, Patti Murphy, Martha Finger, Mignon Gill, Shawn Stephens, Blair Kessler, Jo Furr, C.C. Conner, Chita Kraft and Ann Bean. Macy’s welcomed Michelle Barrett, Sarah Davidson, Michelle Jeffery, Cheryl Zane, Amy Davis, Gary Hudgins, Susan Binney, Melissa Reihle, Jennifer Kushner and Tina Raham Stewart.
Allison Chavez, Devorah Rose and Chea Kelly at Saks show
Debbie Christ, Renee Humphrey, Katrina Anrim and Tina Raham-Stewart at Saks show
Sarah Lane and Lisa Sharp at the Macy's show
Models at the Macy's show
Deborah Elias, Laurette Veres and Jessica Rossman at Saks
Megan Kessler, Sarah Davidson and Camille Wieprecht at Macy's show
Wendy Burks, Renee Humphrey and Anne Graham at the Macy's show
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