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.
As Escape Spa Expands in 2025, Owner Has Advice on Personal Growth: ‘Focus on Intention Setting’
CHANGE IS A good thing, and with the start of a new year, I always like to reflect on how far I've come and start fresh by setting self-care goals for the coming months. Personal growth is a passion for me, and also something I enjoy. Guiding a business through growth and change is also one of my passions, so I am very pleased to announce that Escape Spa is going to be expanding in 2025! We’re honored that we’ve built such a loyal following since opening in Cypress in July of 2022, and we’re thrilled to be in a position to grow our wellness and recovery sanctuary just outside of Houston.
Spring 2025 marks an exciting new chapter for Escape Spa! We'll be opening the doors to a significantly expanded space, designed to elevate your wellness journey. With an additional 1,200 square feet, the spa will feature a dedicated yoga and meditation room, providing a tranquil haven for mindful and therapeutic practices. Our guests can also look forward to an array of recovery options, including innovative therapies and treatments to rejuvenate your mind, body and well-being including Yoga + Mediation, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and a Cryotherapy Sauna. The expansion also includes more treatment rooms, ensuring a personalized experience for every guest. This larger, more versatile space allows us to enhance our services and create an even more immersive and transformative “Escape” for you.
My vision has always been to create a sanctuary where you can disconnect from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with your inner self. This expansion brings that vision to life in a whole new way, providing a haven of reset, and restoration with a wider array of therapies for body and mind. We're committed to providing a space where you can prioritize your wellbeing and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
And speaking of journeys, I'm embracing my own path of seeking a deeper connection with oneness and truly focus on intention setting. Every morning, I take a few moments to pray and set clear intentions for the day ahead. It's a powerful practice that helps me stay focused, grounded and aligned with my goals. Intention setting is more than just wishful thinking; it's about consciously directing your energy and attention towards what truly matters. By setting clear intentions, you create a roadmap for your day, your week, or even your year. It's a way to invite positive change and attract all that you desire. Give it a try — start by setting small, achievable intentions and observe the positive impact it has on your life. Remember, your journey is unique and personal. Embrace it, nurture it, and allow Escape Spa to support you along the way.
Vichy shower at Escape Spa
Couples treatment room at Escape Spa
Relaxation lounge at Escape Spa
Marla Hurley, Ben Berg, and Laura Goodson
NEVER TURNING DOWN an excuse to dress up and get down, Houston VIPs descended upon Ben Berg's The Ranch Saloon & Steakhouse to celebrate the opening of the Rodeo's only sit-down restaurant, now back for a fourth year running.
More than 300 invitees donned their western best and headed on out to the fairgrounds for the occasion. The Ranch's new frozen margaritas were a hit, and patrons raised a glass (or two!) while also munching on passed bites — mini versions of Berg's hit dishes, including "carpet baggers," crab cakes and beef Wellington. The 2025 iteration of The Ranch will feature activations from some of Berg's concepts, like Buttermilk Baby, and other Houston bars and restaurants.
The Ranch's decor includes 90-plus pieces by Texas artist Laura Goodson, which are all available for purchase; Goodson herself was on hand during the opening event, chatting with guests about her process. And Round Top's vintage and consignment expert, Marla Hurey of Modern Marla, wheeled in some of her latest finds to set up a bespoke photobooth backdrop, which was quite popular among partygoers!
Ellie Francisco and Michael Francisco
Tiana Lee and James Lancaster
Azameeh Zageer, Arthur Mooradian and Maya Shay
Terry Agris and Tisha Mesa
Brandon Duliakas, Katherine Ross and Armie Sadeghi
Shayna Hawkins, Stephanie Hawkins and Lindsey Nichley
Cameron Edwards, Robin Spilker, Lauren Hundley and Melanie Amua-Sekyi
Randy Paul, Ernie Manouse, and Katie Stone
Fady Armanious
Randi Smith, Christi Rawls, and Megan Ruddy
Rachel Tipton and Thuy Nguyen
Courtney Zavala and Alley Leto
Meghan Bailey and Chelsea Coyne
Demi McCormack, Johnny McCormack and Mike Plank
Maryellen Walsh, Maggie Miller, and Dani Kattan
Jacob Shipp and David Denenburg
Lindsay Yates, Debbie Festari, Courtney Hopson, Melissa Mithoff, and Stephanie Wilcox
Jenny Weber and Allison Bagley
Laura Resendez and Lloyd Segall
Kevin Henry, Danielle Dubois, and Jim Janke
Go Inside Houston Ballet's 'Golden' Evening that Raised $1.65M!
Lauren Anderson and Fady Armanious
EVER A GLAMOROUS event, the Houston Ballet's annual black-tie ball was a glimmering affair at the Wortham, where 500 guests joined event chairs Kristy and Chris Bradshaw and Melissa Juneau.
This year’s event was inspired by Stanton Welch’s adaptation of Raymonda, a story about Raymonda and the sinister plot by the queen’s advisor to tear her love apart. Gold drapes and vibrant florals inspired by the "Peacock Ballroom" in Raymonda set the tone for the cocktail hour, and galagoers perused silent-auction items like a trip to New York Fashion Week, a chance to be a Houston Rockets ball boy (or girl!), and more.
In the Grand Foyer, Richard Flowers and The Events Company created a lavish and luxe scene with layers of lace and velvet, a black-and-white dance floor and striking chandeliers. Everyone savored the dinner courtesy of City Kitchen, and applauded the night's honorees, Deborah and Edward Koehler, who established a scholarship fund in honor of the inimitable principal dancer Lauren Anderson.
Suddenly, though, 21 ballet dancers stormed the dance floor for a surprise performance set to Harry Styles' "Golden," choreographed by Demi Soloist Jack Wolff and featuring former Principal dancer Lauren Anderson. After gold streamers rained from the sky, guests joined the packed dance floor and boogied to the tunes of party band Stratosphere. The night raised more than $1.65M for the Houston Ballet.
Co-Chair Melissa Juneau, Honorees Edward and Deborah Koehler, Co-Chairs Kristy and Chris Bradshaw
Akemi and Yasuhiko Saitoh
Victoria Gutierrez and Nick Pierce
Ann and Murphy Graham
Troy and Allison Thacker
Dancers Harper Watters and Karina Gonzalez with Ballet supporters
Terry Wayne Jones and Jay Jones
Daniel Irion, Marguerite Swartz, and Kirk Kveton
Gary and Susan Binney
Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees
Suprise Performance to Harry Styles' "Golden"
Henry and Andrea Medina
Steven and Mignon Gill
Henry and Jean May, Stanton Welch
Jim Jordan and S. Shawn Stephens
Sharon Roark, Michelle Iversen Jeffery, Leslie Alston
Roslyn Mitchell and Stephanie Tsuru
Phoebe Tudor and Fady Armanious
Jo Furr, Myrtle Jones, Sasha Davis
Margaret and Jonathan Cox
Kristy Bradshaw, Alicia Smith, Melissa Juneau
Co-Chair Melissa Juneau, Honorees Edward and Deborah Koehler, Co-Chairs Kristy and Chris Bradshaw
Akemi and Yasuhiko Saitoh
Victoria Gutierrez and Nick Pierce
Ann and Murphy Graham
Troy and Allison Thacker
Dancers Harper Watters and Karina Gonzalez with Ballet supporters
Terry Wayne Jones and Jay Jones
Daniel Irion, Marguerite Swartz, and Kirk Kveton
Gary and Susan Binney
Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees
Suprise Performance to Harry Styles' "Golden"
Henry and Andrea Medina
Steven and Mignon Gill
Henry and Jean May, Stanton Welch
Jim Jordan and S. Shawn Stephens
Sharon Roark, Michelle Iversen Jeffery, Leslie Alston
Roslyn Mitchell and Stephanie Tsuru
Phoebe Tudor and Fady Armanious
Jo Furr, Myrtle Jones, Sasha Davis
Margaret and Jonathan Cox
Kristy Bradshaw, Alicia Smith, Melissa Juneau
- Ballet Building Officially Named in Honor of Margaret Alkek Williams at Downtown Fete ›
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- A Sparkling Night: Ballet Ball Returns to Wortham with ‘Jewels’ Theme, Collects $1.4 Million ›
- Recalling Royal Bashes and Crown Princes of Old Europe, Ballet Ball Dazzles, Raises $1.6 Mil ›
- Virtual ‘Home Edition’ Ballet Ball Stars Ballet Dancers Gone Disco! ›