parties

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

promoted

Fall Philanthropy Report: Children’s Assessment Center Touts ‘Healing’ for Child Abuse Victims

Fall Philanthropy Report: Children’s Assessment Center Touts ‘Healing’ for Child Abuse Victims

What is your mission? The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC) provides healing services to over 6,300 child sexual abuse victims and their families each year. We offer forensic interviewing, family advocacy, mental health services, medical care, and court services at no cost. We facilitate community outreach and prevention training to raise awareness about child abuse in our community and how to keep children safe. Last year, we provided prevention training to over 35,000 community members, including 23,500 children in schools.

Keep Reading Show less
art

Five Fabulously Diverse Exhibits Are Arriving at Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Bill Viola’s ‘Ascension,’ on display as part of ‘Living with the Gods’ at MFAH

THE ARTIST WHO ushered in the expressionist movement in the early 20th century was not, in fact, Picasso or Matisse. It was Paul Gauguin, whose career spanned the decades just preceding the turn of the century. The French painter is the subject of the Museum of Fine Arts’ latest exhibit, Gauguin in the World, which was organized by Henri Loyrette (formerly of the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, Paris). The show, just one of the museum’s diverse winter season shows, debuted in Australia in June and will be on display through Feb. 16, 2025, at the MFAH, the only U.S. venue for the survey.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment
art

Great Eight: Here Are Our Picks for Arts and Culture in the Holidays and New Year

Cirque du Soleil's 'Echo'


Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment