CIS 2024 Gala Honorary Co-Chair Judy Tate, Co-Chair Lauren Brollier, Co-Chair Cassie Milam, Honorary Co-Chair Kirby McCool
Chaired by philanthropists Lauren and John Brollier and Cassie and John Milam, with honorary chairs Kirby and Scott McCool and Judy and Charles Tate, the magical evening supporting the valuable and impactful work of CIS of Houston begins at 6:30pm with a cocktail hour, then dinner and the program. Rounding out the event is live entertainment by the popular Houston-based band Klockwork. Guests can dance the night away, starting at 9pm.
The always diverse crowd makes for a dynamic event. Party-goers are encouraged to dress in “Wonderland Whimsy Cocktail” attire, with the goal of fun and festive. Cocktail attire is also a great option.
Don Friedell and emcee Lisa Malosky at a previous CIS Gala
Attendees at a previous CIS Gala
A full ballroom at a prior CIS Gala
CIS of Houston's Martha Montoya Sanchez with Northbrook High School seniors
CIS of Houston CEO Lisa Descant and CIS of Houston Dir. of Development Donna Watkins with CareSource Foundation
Special guest at the 45th Anniversary Gala is Rey Saldaña, President & CEO of Communities In Schools National in Arlington, VA. During the program, guests will view a powerful video about the life-changing work of CIS Houston, in addition to hearing heartwarming testimonials, bringing a personal touch to the evening.
Funds raised from A Night in Wonderland will support the CIS mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Currently serving 163 campuses across Greater Houston, CIS places at least one full-time CIS Student Support Manager on each partner campus to deliver comprehensive direct services including counseling, academic support and health and human services.
The chairs want to thank the event’s top-tier donors to date: Judy and Charles Tate; CenterPoint Energy; Sharon G. Dies; The Marie and James H. Galloway Foundation; Beth and Bob Gower; and Marathon Oil.
Tickets are going fast! They start at $500, and tables for 10 range from $5,000 through $50,000. Underwriting opportunities are still available.
Judy Tate (photo by Emily Jaschke)
Scott and Kirby McCool
Kit Detering, Cassie Milam, Carl Detering (photo by Jenny Antill)
Sharon G. Dies and Lauren Brollier
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Boozy slushees and the double smashburger, exclusive to Loro's new Kirby location
The Loro Kirby (5333 Kirby Dr., to be exact) menu will balance Southeast Asian flavors with the rich textures of traditional Texas barbecue. “Houston really embraced our first Loro location in the Heights, so we decided pretty early on that we wanted to open another location in the city,” said founding chef Tyson Cole. “This location will feature a variety of fan favorite dishes along with new options guests will only find at Kirby.”
The casual space in a former autobody shop takes cues from its siblings in Austin and Dallas, with inspiration drawn from Texas Hill Country dance halls. The interior dining space seats 120, with 70 dining seats outdoors on a dog-friendly patio with a pergola overhead. For waiting guests, there is an expansive shaded patio with a walk-up outdoor bar serving beverages, plus some outdoor games.
The vast counter-serve menu showcases shareables, smoked meats, salads, warm rice bowls, sandwiches, sides and cocktails. Tempting shareables include smoked salmon dip with shishito salsa, chicken karaage and pork tostadas.
Some of Loro’s most popular items are found under the Meat selections, including the char siew pork belly served with house hoisin sauce; oak-smoked salmon with cucumber-yuzu broth; and crispy Thai pork ribs in a sweet-chili glaze. Starting at 4pm, Loro serves up signature smoked beef brisket with chili gastrique and Thai herbs. Two-fisted sandwiches also hit the spot. The oak-smoked pulled-pork sandwich with sesame slaw and smoked pepper barbecue sauce and the double smash burger are exclusive to the Kirby location.
The perfect antidote for transitional weather includes the Chilled Ginger Noodle Salad with ginger-cashew sauce, and the arugula-and-melon Salad with cucumber tomato and lime vinaigrette. Optionally, add one of several proteins: Crispy Szechuan tofu, Malaysian curry chicken, or curry marinated grilled shrimp. So much to eat here, so little time!
To celebrate the opening of the second location,
Loro Kirby will participate in several events and collaborations this fall. For opening day, Sept. 28, Loro will offer $5 all-day boozy slushees. Also, Oct. 26, Loro will pop up at Rice Village neighbor, Tecovas, serving bites and taking entries for a Tecovas/Loro giveaway.
Additionally, Loro chef de Cuisine Esai Negrete and Houston’s own “Sugar Fairy,” Rebecca Masson of Fluff Bake Bar, will collaborate on a pastry item for one of her Saturday Pop Ups — date to be announced soon.
Crispy corn fritters
Sweet-chili shrimp
Ribs at Loro
Crispy chicken sandwich
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Kat Pressly and Reagan Bregman
Smith and LaForce established their nonprofit HelpCureHD, which provides support for those suffering from the progressive brain disease. Huntington’s Disease hereditary, and there’s a 50 percent chance of passing the gene along to offspring. However, going through IVF and screening embryos before implantation is one way to eliminate the risk, and HelpCureHD has committed to help couples cover the cost of that process. More than 60 babies have been brought into the world HD-free thanks to the nonprofit’s grant program, and there are many more on the way!
As has become tradition at this annual event, the raffle and live auction touted truly covetable prizes: Presenting sponsor Shaftel Diamonds donated a stunning diamond necklace created in collaboration with LaForce, and there was Astros swag aplenty — autographed items, an opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a home game (and sit in Jim Crane's personal seats!), and tickets to all of the playoff games at Minute Maid Park.
Among those raising a glass for the cause were Adrienne and Jared Crane, Kat Pressly, Sue Rogers, Reagan Bregman, Sam Tucker and Jordan Seff.
Sydnee Hilburn Davis and Jared Davis
Alexander Kelly and Kristin Foteh Kelly
Bobby Dees, Hallie Vanderhider, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin
Sue Rogers, Kat Pressly, Tory Graveman, Kim Seitler
Carrie and Austin Stanton
Danny and Iris Shaftel, Allie LaForce and Joe Smith
Reggie Jackson and Johnny Bravo
Kevin and Brooke Lee
Emily Carruth and Ashton Bremer
Michael and Ileana Trevino
Jo Furr, Erin Furr Stimming, Erin Goldman
Maxx Chewning and Taylor Kessler
Joan Purcell, Dorothy Roach, Darcy Morgan, Jennifer Browining
Matthew and Katherine Kardesch and Erin and Brian Goldman
Jody Merritt, Angela Hernandez
Emily Carruth and Ashton Bremer
Jamie and Chris Garner
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