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.
THE WRATH OF Hurricane Beryl couldn’t stop the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo from presenting 70 students, representing 57 Future Farmers of America chapters from across Texas, with $1.4 million in scholarships to a college of their choice. Scholarships were awarded at last week’s 96th annual Texas FFA State Convention which, amazingly, was held July 8-12 in the George R. Brown Convention Center for the first time in 20 years. The scholarship awards are part of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s $27.3 million dollar commitment this year to support Texas youth and statewide educational programs.
“The tradition of awarding Texas FFA scholarships has been the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s longest-standing educational commitment,” said Chris Boleman, president and CEO of the Rodeo in a statement. “The passionate link between the Rodeo and FFA for livestock and agriculture makes these scholarships even more special.”
Despite delays and closures caused by Hurricane Beryl, including the loss of power in George R. Brown on the first day of the convention, FFA members from all across Texas managed to attend, and even visit some parts of the city. On Monday, attendees took part in workshops in the dark and by the light of cell phone cameras, and throughout the week, both students and adults used TikTok to share their experiences.
FFA is a student-led leadership development organization for students of agricultural education. Since its establishment in 1929, the Texas FFA Association has provided students through its agricultural science curriculum classroom learning and hands-on agricultural projects, while developing their potential for leadership, personal growth, and career success.
And which colleges do these young scholars plan to attend? Among the 70 FFA scholarship recipients, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, West Texas A&M University and Sam Houston State University are the top four choices. The top four majors include Animal Science, Agricultural Business, Agricultural Communications and Pre-Veterinary Medicine.
WITH POWER OUTAGES over many portions of the city, Houstonians need alternative places to cool off more than ever before. Below is an updated list of open restaurants where you can eat well and stay a while. Pack up and seek out one of these respites!
The Annie Cafe & Bar
Known for crowd pleasing American fare, the Post Oak classic sports lots of elbow room and seating options.
Azumi
Enjoy a spacious modern newcomer in River Oaks District serving Japanese fare and sushi.
Backstreet Cafe
Come for the classics in a laid-back setting near River Oaks.
B&B Butchers
Steak, seafood and a butcher shop beckon.
Cafe Express
All three newly remodeled locations are open with an all-day menu, WiFi and plenty of space.
Candente
Come hungry to this Tex-Mex joint in Montrose serving queso with chopped brisket, tacos, fajitas and salt-rimmed margs.
Caracol
Mexican seafood in a sleek setting are hallmarks at this Post Oak Blvd. mainstay.
Dish Society
The Heights outpost of this casual fave is open today, while the Cypress, Memorial and River Oaks locations remain closed. Sister restaurant Daily Gather in CityCentre is open too!
Etoile
Find authentic French fare with modern touches in Uptown Park.
Eunice
Just looking at the white marble bar and breezy space at this pretty Cajun-Creole favorite in Greenway Plaza will cool you off.
Home Run Dugout
Take the whole family for a little baseball fun while feasting on pub grub.
Kin Dee
Bright Thai dishes star at this Heights area haunt.
Kirby Ice House
The biggest bar in Texas? Sounds good right about now. Grab a few icy cold beers and hit the bar or patio with food trucks. Fido welcome!
La Griglia
The sceney staple is open in its new location — with plenty of wine.
Le Jardinier
Talk about wide open air-conditioned spaces. Grab a bite at the MFAH's beautiful Le Jardinier pre- or post-museum browsing.
Little Rey
Ford Fry's still-new taco joint is open now, and tomorrow, July 10, from 8-11am, will give free breakfast tacos to first responders at their Uno Mas takeout window!
Loch Bar
Barrel up to the fancy bar or grab a booth for upscale seafood including oysters, lobster rolls and more.
Mandito's Tex-Mex
The new Katy location is open and serving Tex-Mex options galore.
Mastro's
If you have the energy to put your fancy pants on after these last couple of days, head to Mastro's for exquisite steak and more.McCormick & Schmicks
Another Landry's seafood-and-steak resto, this one is open in Town & Country, Uptown Park and Downtown.
Puttshack
Pick up a club for a little practice and indulge in fun cocktails while on the mini golf course — global foods on tap as well!
The Pit Room
Cue up for smoked meats and more at the Montrose and Memorial locations.
POST
The Downtown food hall is open, with tons of room to spread out — and a showing of tonight's COPA match.
Saltgrass Steak House
Need a steak meal for the whole fam? Hit the Conroe, Fulshear, Katy, Humble, Baytown, Kemah, Galveston or Pasadena locations of this Landry's restaurant.
The Savoy
The bar, restaurant and lounge on Emancipation is open until 2am today, and is inviting anyone without power to come hang out and enjoy the AC and charge their devices (no purchase necessary). First responders also receive a happy-hour item for free.
Tacodeli
All things tacos are waiting at the Washington Ave location, which is giving each customer a free bean-and-cheese or chicken fundita taco and a fountain drink while supplies last.
Taste Kitchen + Bar
All-day brunch is on the menu at this Downtown restaurant, open late.
Urbe
Counter-service Mexican street food — including eye-opening pastries — are featured at this Uptown Park spot.
Zanti River Oaks
Grab the full menu of Italian specialties at this roomy restaurant with a lounge and covered patio.
Houston Food Bank
Also, Houston Food Bank is open today and doing deliveries to their partner agencies who are open and operational. They need volunteers to sort and pack food for distribution, and cash donations. Sign up to volunteer!