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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: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

Al Torres
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

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Healthcare Org Toasts to 30 Years of 'Making a Difference' in East End

Daniel Ortiz

Cyndy Garza Roberts, Stephanie Ramos, Michele Leal Farah, Vicky Dominguez and Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman

WITH A GOAL of ensuring access to quality healthcare for underserved families in Houston’s East End, El Centro de Corazón has been making a difference for 30 years. Its annual Making a Difference luncheon, this year chaired by Vicky Dominguez with honorary chairs Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman and Leila Perrin, raised more than $150,000.

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This Weekend: Axiom Quartet Plays Contemporary-Classical Concert in the Heights — and Doesn't Play It Safe

ONE CANNOT ACCUSE Houston’s Axiom Quartet of playing it safe. When it comes to exploring the outer limits of string quartet repertoire, engaging audiences who don’t normally attend classical music concerts, and putting in the collective time necessary to nail the gnarly idiosyncrasies of 20th- and 21st-century composers, Axiom continues to walk the walk as they talk the talk.

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