With Real Emmy Statues as Centerpieces, a Lively Luncheon Raises $250,000 for HSPVA

Jeff Fitlow
With Real Emmy Statues as Centerpieces, a Lively Luncheon Raises $250,000 for HSPVA

Kerry & Charles Walker and Alex Lazar

THE SUN WAS shining as more than 300 supporters gathered on the rooftop gardens of POST for Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.


As they entered, guests enjoyed the sounds of not one but two student-led string quartets as they perused a sculpture garden of ceramic pieces, also created by HSPVA artists. The luncheon honored Kinder HSPVA alumna and eight-time Emmy winner Rachelle Mendez — whose Emmy statues were used as centerpieces on the head tables! Mendez has produced Netflix’s Queer Eye and Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo along with other notable shows.

As lunch by Cafe Natalie was served, the lively program began, with fun moments like a Legally Blonde-themed pop music tribute, and moving ones including a speech from Texas Poet Laureate Lupe Mendez. There was also a performance by Kinder HSPVA’s award-winning Mariachi Los Pasajeros.

The luncheon raised $250,000 to be used for the school’s arts supplies, adjunct faculty, and specialized equipment and technology.

Duke & CC Ensell, Brandon Weinbrenner & Mitchell Greco

Kinder HSPVA's Mariachi Los Pasajeros

Bob Boblitt & Serena Paquette

Tucker Irey

Kim Falconer and Megan Lembcke

Algenita Scott Davis and Wendy Montoya Cloonan

Grayson & Chiarra Stratton, Marcus & Melanie Manning

Rachelle Mendez and Alene Coggin

Emily Schreiber and Austin Thomas

Stephanie Beveridge and Chris Powers

Parties
Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

What year was your organization launched? 1938

What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.

Keep Reading Show less

Casey Axelrod, Stacey White, Christy Robinson, Laura Lewis and Mia Oliva

PETE BELL'S COTTON Holdings company, known for never doing anything halfway when it comes to parties, celebrated the return of the of the A&M-UT football game after a 13-year hiatus with the most lavish tailgating more gridiron fans have ever seen.

Keep Reading Show less
Style+Culture

David Cordua

FOODIES WITH BIG hearts were in heaven at the annual Signature Chefs restaurants expo and fundraising dinner benefitting the March of Dimes. Held at The Revaire and chaired by Kristen J. Cannon and Mignon Gill, the event took in some $425,000 in support of healthier mothers and children.

Keep Reading Show less