For the first time, the cancer-fighting Alcides E. Rosaura Diniz Foundation hosted a gala at the Astorian. Ana Paola Diniz, who lost her father Alcides to Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2006, praised MD Anderson, the night’s beneficiary, for its dedication. … Meanwhile, Catholic Charities’ “happy”-themed 75th annual Spirit of Charity event did indeed bring smiles to many faces. The evening, held at the Marriott Marquis, raised $1 million. … This year’s Lyndon Baines Johnson Moral Courage Award dinner honored President George W. Bush for his lifelong commitment to service and country. The total till doubled the previous record, coming in at $4.2 million. … In addition to celebrating the induction of five new members of the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, the Lone Star Flight Museum’s Flights of Fancy event garnered $700K for the museum. … And the 30th annual Goodwill Gala was the organization’s most successful ever, with more than 400 black-tie-clad guests — including Simone Biles and her family, guests of board member Leisa Holland Nelson — partying for a cause at the River Oaks Country Club.
Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala
WHETHER YOU PREFER Alice, the Mad Hatter or the Queen of Hearts, Communities In Schools of Houston’s A Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary GalaA Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary Gala is not to be missed! Join in the celebration for a whimsical good time on Thursday, April 4th, at the luxurious Post Oak Hotel.
Chaired by philanthropists Lauren and John Brollier and Cassie and John Milam, with honorary chairs Kirby and Scott McCool and Judy and Charles Tate, the magical evening supporting the valuable and impactful work of CIS of Houston begins at 6:30pm with a cocktail hour, then dinner and the program. Rounding out the event is live entertainment by the popular Houston-based band Klockwork. Guests can dance the night away, starting at 9pm.
The always diverse crowd makes for a dynamic event. Party-goers are encouraged to dress in “Wonderland Whimsy Cocktail” attire, with the goal of fun and festive. Cocktail attire is also a great option.
Don Friedell and emcee Lisa Malosky at a previous CIS Gala
Attendees at a previous CIS Gala
A full ballroom at a prior CIS Gala
CIS of Houston's Martha Montoya Sanchez with Northbrook High School seniors
CIS of Houston CEO Lisa Descant and CIS of Houston Dir. of Development Donna Watkins with CareSource Foundation
Special guest at the 45th Anniversary Gala is Rey Saldaña, President & CEO of Communities In Schools National in Arlington, VA. During the program, guests will view a powerful video about the life-changing work of CIS Houston, in addition to hearing heartwarming testimonials, bringing a personal touch to the evening.
Funds raised from A Night in Wonderland will support the CIS mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Currently serving 163 campuses across Greater Houston, CIS places at least one full-time CIS Student Support Manager on each partner campus to deliver comprehensive direct services including counseling, academic support and health and human services.
The chairs want to thank the event’s top-tier donors to date: Judy and Charles Tate; CenterPoint Energy; Sharon G. Dies; The Marie and James H. Galloway Foundation; Beth and Bob Gower; and Marathon Oil.
Tickets are going fast! They start at $500, and tables for 10 range from $5,000 through $50,000. Underwriting opportunities are still available.
Judy Tate (photo by Emily Jaschke)
Scott and Kirby McCool
Kit Detering, Cassie Milam, Carl Detering (photo by Jenny Antill)
Sharon G. Dies and Lauren Brollier
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.
Tavola
Pancakes with Homemade Ricotta at Tavola
Every Sunday, be transported to the Italian coast with Tavola’s Brunch a Capri. This ultra-chic Post Oak hotspot has updated its patio with floral accents and the iconic colorful umbrellas that populate Capri’s coast as the backdrop for its boozy Sunday brunch — complete with a spritz cart and DJ. The food is equally as beautiful: The pancakes are topped with edible flowers, and gooey Nutella crepes are served with a mound of fresh strawberries. For an extra Italian twist, try the Buongiorno Negroni — it’s a carajillo meets a negroni and it’s delicious. Buon appetito!
Mandito's Tex-Mex
Brunch Spread at Mandito's (photo by Claire McNeal)
After partying at Armandos on a Thursday, the weekend calls for a more casual brunch at its sister restaurant Mandito's. The Bellaire outpost offers brunch on Saturday and Sunday on its colorful, family-friendly patio. The menu serves up classic Tex-Mex brunch dishes like Migas, Chilaquiles, Huevos a la Mexicana and breakfast tacos. Bloody Mary’s are served with vodka or tequila. And, speaking of tequila, the menu has five unique takes on the classic margarita. The cucumber-mint version has fresh cucumber and lemon juice, housemade mint syrup and a hibiscus-salt rim — healthy enough for brunch!
Best Regards
The patio vibe at Best Regards
Speaking of healthy, Best Regards has collaborated with Thrive Juices — the expanding juice bar that donates healthy meals to underserved zip codes in the Houston area — to create a fresh and unique brunch menu. Offerings include the Thrive Juice Acai Bowl topped with granola and coconut flakes, and the blueberry-lemon-oat-milk pancake stack. For the decadent eater, don’t miss the Summer Toast: It’s topped with garlic Greek yogurt, cucumber, grapefruit, orange and habanero — and a heaping scoop of caviar!
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.
On Sept. 24, at the original location in Katy, enjoy cocktails beginning at 5:30pm, followed by a seated five-course menu with plates prepared by Au-Yeung's chef pals, including Pearl & Vine's Ryan Halstead and Blood Bros BBQ's Quy Hoang. Hoang will be smoking a beef-rib version of Phat's beef rendang, which was his favorite of Au-Yeung's dishes. “We wanted to participate in this event because not only was Alex a longtime friend, but he was also someone that was constantly involved with the industry and community," says Hoang. "We've done several events with Alex, and it was an honor when we got the call to be involved with this event. It was a no-brainer for us.”
The next day, Sept. 25, The Woodlands location hosts a similar event, also beginning with cocktails at 5:30pm. This evening's menu touts dishes by Luis Lopez of Killen's Steakhouse and Jassi Bindra of Amrina.
Both evenings include a special lion-dance performance by Lee's Golden Dragon, and a portion of proceeds from the $80 ticket sales will benefit the Southern Smoke Foundation.
But in addition to celebrating Au-Yeung's legacy, the two-night event is also a chance for the Phat team to come together and raise a glass to all they've accomplished since his passing. “Managing two locations comes with its challenges, but what makes it all worthwhile is the opportunity to build something meaningful and lasting,” says managing partner Lee. “Seeing our team grow, witnessing the impact we have on our community and knowing that we’re creating spaces where people can come together and make memories — these are the things that drive us. The support and dedication of our staff and the loyalty of our patrons make every obstacle seem manageable. Their enthusiasm and commitment inspire Marvin and me to keep pushing forward.”
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