Just Hours Before It Sold, Luxury Manse Is Setting for Posh Charity Soiree

Just Hours Before It Sold, Luxury Manse Is Setting for Posh Charity Soiree

William Finnorn with artist Erick Sandlin

COMMERCE, ART AND charity merged at a swank schmoozer in the Galleria area last week.


Real estate agent William Finnorn of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty hosted an open house at one of his listings — the beautiful manse, a 5,800-square-feet spread that had been offered for $1.9 million — which doubled as a fundraiser for the Houston Area Parkinson Society.

For one night only, Sandlin's works were available with proceeds to benefit HAPS.

"When I had the idea of hosting an art-filled open house, I immediately thought of Erick, who I met through HAPS when we were both serving on the board of directors," said Finnorn. "Erick and I both have fathers who are living with Parkinson's Disease."

The house itself proved a hot commodity, as it went under contract "within 48 hours" of the event, per a rep for Finnorn. Luxury homes in many Houston neighborhoods routinely sell fast as the city's — and the country's — record-shattering realty market continues apace.

Chef Claudia Echeverria's refreshments for the evening included lychee spritzers and bite-size nibbles of beef tenderloin. Guest for the evening included Martha Turner Sotheby's President Robin Conner, Neal Hamil, Jason Villarreal, Freddie Minahan, Martha Turner Sotheby's relocation director Tess Chaney and HAPS Executive Director Kathleen Crist.

Meghan Horne, Caroline Dawson and Mary Ann Mason

Molly Solich, William Finnorn and Laurel Flores

Richard Dawson and Krish Arora

Josh and Anna Moore

Javier Vargas, Lauren Johnson and Justin Estes

Lauren Johnson and Annie Rinker

Parties
Theresa Roemer Is an Entrepreneur and Podcaster with Great Audience Connection

I AM AN accomplished philanthropist, esteemed motivational speaker, renowned fitness expert, and host of an engaging podcast UNHINGED. Through my diversified endeavors, I have established several successful ventures, including TR Beauty and The Vault, a private community catering to like-minded people. Additionally, I am the founder of Houston Style Icons, a platform dedicated to honoring and acknowledging Houstonian style, and Fashion Woodlands, an annual fashion show that I have meticulously curated. Furthermore, I actively engage with my audience through my YouTube channel, providing valuable content and insights.

Keep Reading Show less

What is your mission? The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC) provides healing services to over 6,300 child sexual abuse victims and their families each year. We offer forensic interviewing, family advocacy, mental health services, medical care, and court services at no cost. We facilitate community outreach and prevention training to raise awareness about child abuse in our community and how to keep children safe. Last year, we provided prevention training to over 35,000 community members, including 23,500 children in schools.

Keep Reading Show less

What year was your organization launched? Urban Harvest’s Saturday Farmers Market started in 2004 with just seven vendors, providing an outlet for local farms, community and backyard gardeners to sell fresh produce harvested directly from their soils. Now in its 20th year, the market has grown to be one of the largest markets in Texas, supporting over 100 local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans all from within 180 miles of Houston. The market draws 3,000 customers every Saturday morning and includes many original vendors like Animal Farm, Atkinson Farms, and Wood Duck Farm.

Keep Reading Show less