David Hoctor, Sue Smith, Gregg Harrison
Raising a whopping $4.2 million — including the purchase of some 45 disabled-friendly vans to be given directly to underprivileged families with kids with special needs — the organization’s 26th annual ball blew away previous records. Jana and Richard Fant bought 10 of them themselves.
The night’s entertainment blew away the crowd, too. Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Association and Herman’s Hermits! — yes, all three bands — performed. Iconic hits from the 1960s filled the ballroom, and party people filled the dance floor.
Highlights of the evening included remarks from Trini Mendenhall, who was honored with HCC’s “Lifetime of Giving” award. Also: the electric moment when Randy Nichols placed the winning bid of $110,000 for a 2024 Porsche Cayenne.
HCC’s leadership — the likes of Laura Ward, Tilman Fertitta and Gary Becker — welcomed a who’s who for the bash. Those spotted in the crowd included Margaret Alkek Williams, Gary Petersen, Amy and Rob Pierce, Paige Fertitta, Michael Fertitta, Blake Fertitta, Blayne Fertitta, Patrick J. Fertitta, Kristina Somerville, District Attorney Kim Ogg, mayoral candidate John Whitmire, Ajay and Sippi Khurana, Frances Moody Buzbee and Tony Buzbee, who took center stage to help encourage van buying.
HCC describes its mission as seeking to improve the quality of life for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused and disabled children who have been otherwise left behind.
Tilman Fertitta, Laura Ward
Trini Mendenhall, Philip Royalty
Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees
Omar Alaoui, Maria Moncada Alaoui
Carson Brown, Kristina Somerville
Gary Becker
Jose Lopez, Kelli Lopez
Emely Valadez, Maria Moncada Alaoui, Ashley Parker, Marianna Brasel, Robert
Dale
Laura Ward, Tony Buzbee
Lane Craft, Chita Craft, Wallis Marsh, DeeDee Marsh
Olives from the 25-foot olive bar at Phoenicia's west Houston store
The immersive stores are stocked with olive oils, Greek honey, thousands of rare spices, wines, handmade flatbread, European pastries, fresh seafood and meats, as well as prepared foods. But the most distinguishing feature at the original Westheimer store is the 150-foot pita conveyor belt that has produced half a billion loaves in 40 years! It can create 40-50,000 loaves of pita per day, which is the top-selling product. A smaller pita belt sits adjacent to the large pita belt and produces specialty handmade breads such as Iraqi bread, pizza dough, cheese bread, zaatar bread and more.
Zohrab and Arpi Tcholakian
Legendary shawarma sandwiches
Phoenicia's Westheimer market
Famous pita bread
Traditional baklava at Phoenicia
Fans of the delicious puffy pitas will get bonuses with bag purchases during Phoenicia’s Golden Ticket Grocery Giveaway through Nov. 5. Prizes include $5 or $10 Phoenicia “Yummy Bucks,” as well as swag such as the anniversary tee shirt or tote bag. Other surprises could be free food items like a pita pack, baklava, or a legendary shawarma sandwich at Arpi’s Phoenicia Deli (this is located next to the superstore). One very lucky customer will find the top prize in the pita bag: a $1000 grocery gift card.
Think you’re a social media whiz? Then the #YUMANDTELL Challenge is just for you. Here’s how it works: Competitors can show off their favorite Phoenicia Specialty Foods products by posting videos or photos on Instagram mentioning @phoeniciafoods and including hashtag #YUMANDTELL. The top posts will be featured on Phoenicia’s social media channels. Bonus points for music, singing and dancing, as well as posting on multiple platforms.
Owners Arpi and Zohrab still got to work every day, but now their grown kids who grew up in the biz are also a part of the team. Many Phoenician staff members have worked with the Tcholakians for decades, too. The company accepts online ordering and can ship specialties to other cities and states, including remote places without many options for Mediterranean culinary delights. Phoenicia has expanded its wholesale side of the business and added curbside pick-up and local delivery at both locations.
There are ongoing plans to modernize and grow the business, and of course, keep spreading the YUM.
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