At Dress for Success and Women of Wardrobe's annual Summer Soiree, generously hosted by Tootises, fashion-forward attendees dressed in pretty pastels, bold patterns and lots of ruffles — many designed by Houston's Hunter Bell, who showed off her fall line alongside jewelry by Claudia Lobao. Chairs Karishma Asrani, Courtney Campo, Allie Danziger and Melissa Sugulas welcomed guests to the event, which toasted the 20th anniversary of Dress for Success, and raised more than $20,000 for the org.
Celeb Lookalikes and Supper-Club Vibes Among Highlights of 35th Annual Pearl Ball, Raising Funds for Nurses
Daniel Ortiz
Oct. 11, 2023
THE 35TH ANNUAL Pearl Ball, benefiting the Good Samaritan Foundation, celebrated aspiring nurses with a Rat Pack-approved party at River Oaks Country Club.
After a cocktail party featuring a roaming Marilyn Monroe lookalike, who posed for plenty of photos, hundreds of guests — including several members of the Fertitta family, as well as Aaron and Victoria Bludorn, among others — filed into the ballroom. Here, the sounds of smooth live jazz played as folks found their seats; an Italian feast was served.
The program included a tribute to Susie and Mel Glasscock, longtime Good Samaritan Foundation supporters, as well as the group's former executive director, Melissa King. At one point, all attendees who had ever been involved in nursing were asked to stand and be recognized.
Then the Rat Pack Playoff, led by Frank Sinatra tribute artist Brian Duprey, took to the stage, and partygoers couldn't resist boogying down to iconic tunes culminating in a crowd singalong to "New York, New York."
This year's Pearl Ball brought in double the funds compared to last year's event.
Blake Fertitta, Jonas Fertitta, Robert Bernard, Patrick Fertitta and Marshall Henry
Virginia and William McMullen
Caroline Fertitta, Mary Fertitta and Nicole Fertitta
Susie Glasscock, Susan Bell and Maurice Bass
David and Maria Arana, Erika and Jack Nadal
Eddy and Kelli Blanton
Scott and Allison Brooks, Gabriela and Roberto Casal
Kim Abraham, Shelly Brody, Carmelita Prokopiou and Zachary Carson
Frank Sinatra tribute artist Bryan Duprey
Jamie Duprey (as Marilyn Monroe) and Dana Caledonia
Karen and Kevin Henry
Charlie and Randa Williams
Event co-chairs Jason and Courtney Fertitta, and Warren and Lauren Harris
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IT’S FALL, Y’ALL, which means fun outdoor events and the annual toast to German beer and traditions! Ready to get out and mingle? Here are our top picks on tap.
CityCentre Biergarten
Every Sunday in October, hit CityCentre’s plaza from 12-7pm for the second annual Biergarten event. Uniquely infused with an American twist, enjoy an assortment of beer and wine selections and a full day of college football games in a cool outdoor setting.
Eureka Heights Brew Co.
The brewery is pouring up its first Oktober pub crawl Oct. 14 starting at 2PM in Lake Jackson. The group will meet at The Fill Station and then progress to Wayside Pub, Growlers Pour Haus, and more.
King's Bierhaus
King's Bierhaus
Voted as the number-one Oktoberfest in Houston, this Heights neighborhood beer garden is throwing a big brew-ha Oct. 13 (5pm-midnight) and Oct. 14 (12pm-2am). Designed to celebrate and preserve the large German/eastern European community, expect live German music, massive Oktoberfest tents, exclusive German biers and authentic Oktoberfest food. Come ready to participate in some friendly Oktoberfest competitions!
Saint Arnold Brewing Co.
Saint Arnold
One of Houston’s oldest and most popular breweries recently hired a new chef and will celebrate Oktoberfest (and Halloween!) with a special beer dinner October 31 ($125). The Great Pumpkin Beer Dinner inside its restaurant will feature pumpkin in five courses, each paired with a seasonal or special release beer. Start with pumpkin gnocchi, and end with pumpkin cheesecake mousse — the latter paired with 2020 Pumpkinator aged in bourbon barrels with cocoa nibs.
Southern Star
Mosey on out to the Conroe brewery Oct. 14 for Oktoberfest including live music from The Homebrewed Brass ensemble, a Stein holding contest, food from Tostonio’s — and, of course, lots of beer all day long!
Marriott Marquis Hotel
Marriott Marquis
This swanky Downtown hotel is putting on a German spread Oct. 20 (3-9pm) on the rooftop that features a festive lazy-river pool in the shape of Texas. Indulge in a global selection of beers and savory German cuisine while partaking in games and soaking up the sunshine and German culture.
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