parties

Lance McCullers Jr. and Houston ‘Sweethearts’ Feted at Saks Schmooze

Lance McCullers Jr. and Houston ‘Sweethearts’ Feted at Saks Schmooze

Brigitte Kalai, Ghada Ali, Lance McCullers Jr. and Christine Johnson

OFF-DUTY ASTRO Lance McCullers Jr. was among those honored at the “Houston Sweethearts” event at Saks Fifth Avenue just before Valentine’s Day.

The truly heart-felt annual tradition, always held in early February, offers praise for generous community leaders, and support for the Mission of Yahweh. The annual event was created by Anne Carl, Deborah Duncan, Sylvia Forsythe, Kim Moody, Warner Roberts and Alicia Smith, who were all on hand for this year’s 13th annual celebration.

Pro pitcher McCullers’ fellow 2024 Sweethearts included his wife Tara, who couldn’t make the event as she was home tending to the couple’s new baby daughter, as well as Elsie Eckert, Scott Evans and Stacey Lindseth. The baseball star kindly schmoozed the gathered crowd of about 100.

The Houston Sweethearts Tea took place in Saks’ Designer Rotunda, with new GM Heidi Parkhurst Turney — returning to the Houston store after having served as its assistant manager in the past — offering a kind welcome. “I’m extremely happy to be back in Houston and surrounded by such an incredible group of people,” she gushed.

The Mission of Yahweh has been serving homeless women and children since 1961, according to organizers of the event. Charly Gay, the granddaughter of the founder of The Mission, was on hand to represent the beloved nonprofit. Other VIP guests included Betty Tutor, Brigitte Kalai, Sidney Faust, Cora Sue Mach, Lilly Andress, Christine Johnson, Mary Ann and David McKeithan, Ann Ayre, Nini Hale, Cheryl Byington, Anna Dean, Beth Wolff, Donae Chramosta, Jacquie Baly, Ellie Francisco, Kirk Kveton and Daniel Irion.

Deborah Duncan and Kim Moody

Brigitte Kalai, John Calton and Alicia Smith

Beth Muecke and Stacey Lindseth

Angie Roberts, Lance McCullers Jr and Warner Roberts

Ellie Francisco and Lesha Elsenbrook

Al Lindseth, Stacey Lindseth, Donae Chramosta and Brianna Hurdle

Charly Gay and Pam Lockard

Roz Pastor, Lesha Elsenbrook, Vicki Rizzo and Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman

Stacey Lindseth, Lance McCullers Jr., Elsie Eckert and Scott Evans

Parties
promoted

Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

Al Torres
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

Cowboy Cool: Crime Stoppers’ Texas-Themed Gala Raises $2 Mil for Safer Streets in Houston

Michelle and Jonathan Zadok (photo by Jacob Power)

WITH A COWBOY theme and terrific country band — think big hats and big hearts, said organizers — the Crime Stoppers gala was a huge hit and moving evening.

Keep Reading Show less
parties

Party Arty! Hobby Center Bash Raises $325K for Public Art

Johnny Than

Breanna Blankenship, Nicholas Stuart, Zsavon Butler, Outspoken Bean

SUPPORTERS OF THE Houston Arts Alliance pulled inspiration from global art, fashion and culture for a spectacular gala at the Hobby Center. “The World’s Stage” gala, chaired by Zsavon Butler and Nicholas Stuart, raised $325,000 to benefit the Houston Arts Alliance’s public-art and artist resiliency initiatives.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties