parties

A Magical Night Fetches $300K for No-Kill Shelter — and You Have to Hear Burrito the Dog’s Moving Story

A Magical Night Fetches $300K for No-Kill Shelter — and You Have to Hear Burrito the Dog’s Moving Story

Kay Hays, Matt and Katy Weintritt, and Dr. Carolyn Levy

MAGIC WAS IN the air at the Four Seasons hotel Downtown, where Friends for Life hosted its annual fundraiser. The 300-plus guests were greeted not only by a pack of adoptable pups, but also by Caesar the Magician, who entertained the crowd before the seated dinner.

Raising $300,000 for the no-kill shelter, the evening featured an elaborate, three-course vegan meal by Four Seasons exec chef Paul Peddle including a surprising vegan take on beef wellington. Animal lovers also sipped cocktails named after adoptable pets from Friends for Life, such as the Pimm’s Cup and the Lulu Lemon.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the ballroom as a video played telling the story of five-year-old dog Burrito, who six months ago was found abandoned in an apartment in Indiana. The team drove to get Burrito and discovered he was too overweight to even walk. Nursed back to health in Houston, the lights came on in the ballroom and Burrito ran in to shower Friends for Life founder Salise Shuttlesworth with slobbery kisses. (And he’s still looking for a home!)

Located in the Heights, Friends For Life’s mission is to provide medical care, behavior training, food, and safe havens for animals in need.

Sherry Waddell and adoptable dog MoMo

Bonnie Babola and Robert Fisher

Crystal Hernandez and adoptable puppy Peanut

Robin Humphrey and Joe Radzwill

Geoff Marolda, Jennifer Boyd, Payal Thakker, Ashley Lupica, Amanda Jacobs, Sheena Kelly

Burrito's Story

Many of you have been following Burrito’s story. We put his journey in a single video for our gala. If you missed the event, please know that Burrito deligh...

From Your Site Articles

After Abuse and Neglect, Pup Brownie Now Trained to Push a Button When She Needs to Go! (She’s Ready for Her Forever Home) ›

Parties

promoted

Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

Al Torres

Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less

People + Places

travel

Quick Getaway: Serene but Style-Forward W Punta De Mita Finds its Place in the Sun

The Camino Huichol over the Wet Deck

VERDANT, WINDING BRANCHES arch up and over a pathway as a soundtrack of herons and chachalacas (and the occasional monkey) plays overhead. Concrete rectangles artfully jut up through the green, painted in rays of sunlight. Eventually, the path leads down to the beach, where the streaks of sun create a cinematic moment: A slim, tan couple emerges from the ocean with their surfboards in hand and their dogs at their heels, the scent of the Pacific lingering in the thick, humid air.

Keep Reading Show less

Style