Ten Houstonians were honored for their selfless and generous ways of life at an event held at the Royal Sonesta. Mayor Sylvester Turner offered opening remarks before recipients of the Houston Humanitarian Awards — including NFL mom and philanthropist Karen Johnson, pastor Fernando Ruata, music-industry honcho James Prince, and several Hurricane Harvey heroes — received a standing ovation. The evening was put on by a local nonprofit called Houston Random Act of Kindness Day, which was founded by Treveia Dennis in order to spread love throughout her community.
WHAT WAS THE highlight of 2022 at your business? Winning Best of Show at the 2022 ASID Ruby Awards was very exciting. It was an honor to be recognized and supported by amazing industry partners and friends.
Successful people usually have many choices in what to do professionally. Why did you choose this? I discovered interior design purely by accident. Growing up on a farm in East Texas, I didn’t even know this was a profession. I took a beginning interior design class with a friend in college, and I fell in love with it. I believe I’ve been successful because I work hard, and I truly love what I do.
We’re fans of late educator Stephen Covey, who used to say that successful people “begin with the end in the mind.” At your business, what are you striving to accomplish? At this point in my career, I am working more as a mentor to my team. I want to leave my team and clients better off because they worked with me. Even though I’ll probably never 100 percent retire, I am slowing down and thinking more about what I want to leave behind. I feel so blessed with the success that I’ve experienced creating and building Eklektik Interiors, and I want to focus more on giving back to my industry and community.
Covey also spoke of having a “win-win strategy,” in which both the business owner and the customer win in the transaction. Can you describe your win-win strategy? When my clients are happy, I’m happy. It’s just that simple. I believe having a win-win strategy is being aware of the impact that you have and owning it. Every day that I get to get up and do what I love to do is a win. Figuring out different solutions, thinking outside the box, and finding inspiration in the process, is how I continue to find ways to make myself and others happier.
What’s special about your team? My team is eager to learn and tackle challenges. They love it just like I do! We all work together and individually to reflect Eklektik and our philosophy. We believe that the project isn’t about us; it is about our client and what they have asked us to do. I trust the fact that my employees know how to do just that. I love to see each designer flourish on their own and work together as a team for Eklektik’s success.
What’s new for 2023 that you’re excited about? We are very excited to announce our new location at 9434 Katy Freeway, Suite 200! Our studio in now dedicated 100 percent to interior design. We know that everyone is worried about inflation and being careful with their money. We are committed to working smarter as we give our clients the most bang for their buck. I’m excited to slow down and simplify my business and life and give my staff an opportunity to grow.
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Astros Altuve, Tucker and Hader Host Major League Fundraiser for Kids, Pets and Other Causes
Daniel Ortiz and Jacob Power
Sep. 13, 2024
AN ANNUAL EVENT to raise funds for some of the top Astros players’ favorite causes was a glam slam, thanks to a new venue and major league star power.
José Altuve, Kyle Tucker and Josh Hader hosted the event — attended by many of their teammates and more than 500 other guests — at Post Oak Hotel and won big for their charities. Tucker supports Hospice care organizations, while Altuve's foundation donates to several groups, including the Sunshine Kids Foundation. And Hader backs foster-care nonprofits like Covenant House and Be a Resource (B.E.A.R.). The Lance McCullers, Jr. Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for pet rescue and adoption groups, also received proceeds from the party.
This year's Team Up bash was more of an expo-style soiree, with an entrance flanked by Rolls Royce and Bentley vehicles and a towering Champagne Wall. With an open bar courtesy of Maven — which is also co-owned by Astros players — and stations serving bites from some of the best restaurants in town, the party was a hit. And who wouldn't want to pet the precious puppies who are up for adoption? Reps from local nonprofits brought their furry friends to promote the cause.
But add in a raucous live auction emceed by Johnny Holloway and touting all-star prizes, and it's no wonder that the Team Up fundraising record of $600,000 was topped! One of the most sought-after items was a private catered dinner with hosts Tucker, Altuve and Hader; the trio also donated autographed gear and custom art created by Skel and signed by the players. There was also the chance to throw the first pitch at a game, and to sit in owner Jim Crane's personal Diamond Club seats to cheer on the 'Stros.
Adonis Braithwaite and Jose Altuve
Josh and Maria Hader
Trevor and Emily Finnan
Audrey White, Kathy DeLamora and Julie Chen
Tammy and Tim Andreas
Brian Ching and Lindsey Yates
Susan and Mike Plank
Courtney McKinney and Samantha Tucker
Shooting Stars dancers
Craig Biggio
Shelli Lindley, Jenna Lindley, Adonis Braithwaite, Steve Lindley, Amber Braithwaite
Emily George, Lindsey Leigh, Natalie Jobe
Sam and Kyle Tucker
Eugene and Caroline Zhadanov
Rita Shuma, Marian Harper and Jennifer Wisler
Garrett and Jayne Johnston, Jennifer and Scott Allison
Peter and Helen Crain
Jim and Whitney Crane
Nick and Kristin Johnson, Lori Schultz, John and Lindsey Leigh Hohlt
Joe and Pamela Espada
Nancy and Mauricio Dubon
John and Terri Havens
Morgan Bourque, Jasmine Wilcoxson
Kat and Ryan Pressly
Tootsies models
Katie MaGee, Samantha Tucker, Maria Hader, Lauren Whidden
Mike Lowenberg, Daphne and Stephen Savva
Kyle Tucker, Skel and Johnny Bravo
Michelle and Chris Durham
Matthew Lindley, Jayme Hunt, Peter and Helen Crain
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- Astros McCullers, Altuve and Tucker Host Bash to Raise Bucks for Kids, Pets and Other Causes ›
- Glam Slam at Tootsies Draws Attention — and an All-Star Crowd — to Great Causes ›
- Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen and 'Dec My Room' Supporters Kick Up their Boots for Kids - Houston CityBook ›
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WHILE FALL WEATHER might still be a couple of weeks away (boooo), Houston restaurants are rolling out new patio-friendly brunch menus just in time for al fresco season! From spritz carts to toast topped with caviar, these new brunches have it all for fall.
Tavola
Pancakes with Homemade Ricotta at Tavola
Every Sunday, be transported to the Italian coast with Tavola’s Brunch a Capri. This ultra-chic Post Oak hotspot has updated its patio with floral accents and the iconic colorful umbrellas that populate Capri’s coast as the backdrop for its boozy Sunday brunch — complete with a spritz cart and DJ. The food is equally as beautiful: The pancakes are topped with edible flowers, and gooey Nutella crepes are served with a mound of fresh strawberries. For an extra Italian twist, try the Buongiorno Negroni — it’s a carajillo meets a negroni and it’s delicious. Buon appetito!
Mandito's Tex-Mex
Brunch Spread at Mandito's (photo by Claire McNeal)
After partying at Armandos on a Thursday, the weekend calls for a more casual brunch at its sister restaurant Mandito's. The Bellaire outpost offers brunch on Saturday and Sunday on its colorful, family-friendly patio. The menu serves up classic Tex-Mex brunch dishes like Migas, Chilaquiles, Huevos a la Mexicana and breakfast tacos. Bloody Mary’s are served with vodka or tequila. And, speaking of tequila, the menu has five unique takes on the classic margarita. The cucumber-mint version has fresh cucumber and lemon juice, housemade mint syrup and a hibiscus-salt rim — healthy enough for brunch!
Best Regards
The patio vibe at Best Regards
Speaking of healthy, Best Regards has collaborated with Thrive Juices — the expanding juice bar that donates healthy meals to underserved zip codes in the Houston area — to create a fresh and unique brunch menu. Offerings include the Thrive Juice Acai Bowl topped with granola and coconut flakes, and the blueberry-lemon-oat-milk pancake stack. For the decadent eater, don’t miss the Summer Toast: It’s topped with garlic Greek yogurt, cucumber, grapefruit, orange and habanero — and a heaping scoop of caviar!
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