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.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? “The only constant is change!” I have found that we often cannot control events that affect our lives. Our power comes in the way in which we react to these events. We can learn from difficult times and must find strength and faith to press on, most recently we talk of “pivoting.” A positive attitude, which is sometimes hard to maintain, goes a long way in influencing the outcome.
It is important to have a passion for what you do. I think back and realize that I always wanted to be in business, although it was not common for women when I graduated from college.
I also found when I focused on others instead of myself, I became successful. Zig Ziglar said, “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”
How has community service impacted your business? I felt so fortunate to be a woman in Houston that I wanted to give back to the city that had been so good to me. I started volunteering at the downtown Chamber of Commerce, now the Greater Houston Partnership, and was selected for the third class of Leadership Houston. I found that I received so much more than I gave. Eventually I served on their board and have been selected by five mayors to serve the city that I love so much. It is an opportunity to make a difference and has enriched my life. Most recently I co-chaired the Symphony Ball. The arts are so important to our city, not only for the quality of life but also economic development.
What’s new in your life or work that you are excited about? Beth Wolff Realtors is in its 44th year and has grown over the years. I never wanted to be the biggest, just the best. My son Ed is the president of the company and has been with me for 29 years. My daughter Cynthia has just joined us! Cynthia is an attorney and Realtor who has not been home since she attended Tulane and LSU Law School. The innovation and enthusiasm infused by their addition to Beth Wolff Realtors propels our firm to excellence.
Black-and-White Drawings by Houston Luminaries Reinterpreted as Colorful Pillowcases — for a Cause!
TO KICK OFF the fall arts season, Andrew Durham Gallery is hosting a unique cross-cultural collaboration between 22 Houston and Texas artists, and 28 members of the sewing co-op and non-profit, Honduras Threads. Founded in 2001, Honduras Threads seeks to provide women in Honduran rural communities with the means to lift themselves out of poverty and support their families.
The sprawling exhibit, titled Side by Side, is an inspiring example of artists coming together to benefit the lives of people they’ve never met, using the most basic tools at their disposal: pen, ink and paper. Black-and-white drawings by such Houston luminaries as David Aylsworth, Rachel Gardner, Joseph Havel and Sharon Kopriva have been reinterpreted by members of the Honduras Threads collective in color with embroidery and textiles to create a total of 88 one-of-a-kind pillowcases. This exhibition opens Sept. 7, and proceeds from the sales of the drawings and pillowcases will go to the members of the Honduras Threads.
“We are simply doing this because it just seemed like a great thing to do,” says gallery director and participating artist Bob Russell. “The artists are so excited. They have all donated 100% of the sales of their drawings for this cause.”
Honduras Threads was founded in 2001 by Dallas couple M’lou and Bill Bancroft, who served together in Bolivia in the Peace Corps. While on a mission trip to Santa Cruz Arriba, the couple learned that many women in the village worked as live-in domestics for wealthy families in Tegucigalpa, a two-hour bus ride away. For some, poverty and the threat of violence drove them to leave their children behind and attempt the perilous migration to the United States. Honduras Threads provides an opportunity for these women, who learn to embroider at an early age, to earn a living closer to home by designing and sewing pillows, table runners, placemats, and other textiles in a variety of decor styles. Since its inception, the organization has returned $700,000 to the participating women, enabling them to afford food, school supplies, and medications for their children and families.
While the drawings are definitely cool, the pillowcases are even cooler, and there are four for each drawing. The 22 framed drawings will be auctioned off on 32Auctions online Sept. 3-21; the pillowcases will go on sale on the same site on Sept. 7.
- In New ‘Cool 100,’ Mag Counts Down Houston’s Top Movers, Shakers and Makers. Did You Make the List? ›
- New Artist-Run Gallery Rises and Hits the Ground Running with Diverse Group Show ›
After a Tough Year for Strays, Country Star Headlines September Gala Benefiting Houston's Homeless Animals
IT’S A MILESTONE year for Houston PetSet, a local nonprofit organization working to end Houston’s homeless animal crisis. The much-needed organization will celebrate 20 years of advocating for the animals of Houston with its biggest Fierce & Fabulous Soirée yet!
On Sept. 6 at 6:30pm, the fete returns to the glamorous Post Oak Hotel for a philanthropic night featuring a live concert from Texas Country superstar Pat Green, who will also auction off a private concert for one lucky bidder. Houston PetSet co-presidents (and beautiful twins!) Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust will co-chair, as they have since the first gala in 2010, and Deborah Duncan will return as the entertaining emcee to guide guests through an evening of retrospection and celebration. Guests should anticipate a delightful dinner followed by the concert and then a VIP set with Pat Green at the end.
Beyond the posh annual fundraising gala, the rest of the year means lots of hard work for the Houston PetSet staff, many of whom are volunteers. The organization is involved in collecting pet supply donations, organizing adoption events, filing cruelty prevention reports, research and community outreach, micro chipping events, and transporting animals — even out-of-state. In July, after Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc on the community, including animal shelters and foster-family homes, PetSet coordinated a delivery of food and supplies, and also sent dozens of homeless dogs to a group in Minnesota. Additionally, with the help of partner organizations, PetSet offers free community vaccine events and spay and neuter services.
For its 20th birthday, Houston PetSet will be honoring 20 Houstonians who have left an indelible mark on the lives of animals and their people in Houston. These “20 for 20” have made the work of Houston PetSet possible through their commitment and generosity.
“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate 20 years than honoring 20 others who have been on this mission with Houston PetSet,” says Lundquist.
“Houston’s stray animal crisis is finally getting the attention that is needed to solve the problem. We know that this year is not just an important year for HPS, it is also a pivotal year for the animals,” adds Faust.
Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available at FierceFabulous2024.
PetSet Houston team on Great Day Houston
Pat Green