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Boo! Animal Lovers Have a Scary Good Time at SPCA’s Annual Halloween-Themed Bash

Boo! Animal Lovers Have a Scary Good Time at SPCA’s Annual Halloween-Themed Bash

Cherry Whitley, Brian Teichman, Amber Richardson and Hershey Grace

IT WAS DOWNRIGHT scary how much fun those gathered at the Houston SPCA Equine Rescue Arena for the annual SPCA Halloween-themed gala had this year!

The event, chaired by Cheryl Byington and Brian Teichman, raised $850,000 for Houston SPCA’s mission to improve and protect the lives of animals in the community and alleviate their suffering and abuse, a rep for the organization said. Guests opted between full-on costumes — the Laird Doran’s bull rider with the inflatable bull was memorable — and elegant black-tie.

“Inspired by the theme, guests were transported to an elegant, haunted Howl-O-Ween mansion as they made their way into the arena,” noted the rep. “Fashioned by Bergner and Johnson, wispy lilac-colored ferns feathered through flowers creating a ghost effect.

“Partygoers sipped on libations and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour while perusing the silent auction. Highly sought after items included a Texas A&M suite experience at Kyle Field, Bald Eagle release and Palm Desert getaway.”

Dinner included a bibb lettuce salad with grilled pear, followed by pan-seared chicken with caramelized-shallot and Armagnac jus. Pumpkin molasses muffins provided a seasonal touch. Dessert was vanilla panna cotta with apple compote accompanied by calvados caramel, white chocolate and shortbread cookies. “Cupcakes, coffee, cocktails and cuddles were also available in the adoption center,” said the nonprofit rep.

Even better than dessert? The sweet sounds of soulful musician Bubba McNeely, a beloved Houston favorite who played for the dancing throngs after dinner.

Guests included Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, Frances Moody and Tony Buzbee; Zane and Brady Carruth, Hershey Grace, Ed McMahon, Beth Wolff, Cynthia Wolff, Bruce Padilla, Shelby Kibodeaux and Constable Alan Rosen.

Cynthia Wolff, Beth Wolff and Brittany Clark

Tony Buzbee and Frances Moody Buzbee

Brian Teichman and Cheryl Byington

Gayle and Mike Klaybor

Hershey Grace and Ed McMahon

John and Debbie Putnam

Patricia Mercer and Evelyn H. Griffin

Tommy Venus and Mia Holstead

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Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

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Peppered with Meaningful Moments, the Riviera Maya’s Original Resort Delivers Unparalleled ‘Quiet Luxury’

William Jess Laird & Lizzet Ortiz

UPON ARRIVAL AT Maroma resort on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, a beautifully dressed attendant, briefcase and tablet in hand, ushers guests to their respective rooms. “Here’s your welcome amenity,” she says, gesturing to ceramic vessels on the coffee table with one hand as she completes the check-in process with the other. “It is tequila.”

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People + Places
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Children’s Museum Supporters Go Goth-Glam at Million-Dollar Gala

Alexander's Fine Portraits

THE CORINTHIAN WAS the scene for a haunted happening benefiting Children’s Museum Houston. The decidedly adult bash was filled with dark allure, gothic glamour, and generosity to the tune of $1.14 million, the second-highest total in the event’s history.

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