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...

Parties
For Realty Pro Sarah Callaway Sulma, ‘Real Estate Is a Relationship Business’

HOW DID YOU get to where you are today? I was raised by a family that had a strong work ethic coupled with high moral standards. I was pretty much given the groundwork - I just had to put it in play!

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

Spritzes at Tavola

WHILE FALL WEATHER might still be a couple of weeks away (boooo), Houston restaurants are rolling out new patio-friendly brunch menus just in time for al fresco season! From spritz carts to toast topped with caviar, these new brunches have it all for fall.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Alex Au-Yeung (photo by Jenn Duncan)

WHEN IT OPENED a few months ago, The Woodlands outpost of acclaimed Katy restaurant Phat Eatery was billed as Alex Au-Yeung's dream restaurant. Unfortunately, Au-Yeung never got to see it come to fruition, as he passed away earlier this year. But the James Beared-nominated chef-owner certainly left his mark — and in honor of what would be his 53rd birthday, operating partners Kevin Lee and Marvin He have organized two pop-up tribute dinners.

Keep Reading Show less
Food