Jingle Bells of the Ball! Black-Tie Spindletop Soiree Brings Together Energy Execs, Raises $1.1M

Fulton Davenport
Jingle Bells of the Ball! Black-Tie Spindletop Soiree Brings Together Energy Execs, Raises $1.1M

Alex and Allison Sandlin, Holly Krivokapich, Katie Overton

ENERGY EXECS AND industry professionals from all the big players — including ConocoPhillips, Murphy, Transocean and others — came together for a cause. The 49th annual Spindletop Community Impact Partners Holiday Ball took place at the oh-so-festive Post Oak Hotel.


Around 600 partygoers attended the “Jingle Bell Rock”-themed event, which benefits three-dozen organizations that enhance the lives of at-risk youth in and around Houston. Speaking of Houston’s youth, the Ensemble Theatre Young Performers kicked off the night with a special dance number, and Virtuosi of Houston’s small ensemble presented rock’n’roll classics and holiday tunes during dinner.

In addition to the silent auction — which garnered a ton of enthusiasm and dollar signs thanks to prize packages like Houston Astros suites and a dove-hunting trip to Argentina — the night included the presentation of the Spindletop Awards. Those recognized for their commitment to the community included Starlee Sykes of Archaea, Rob Saltiel of MRC Global, and Parker Auld of Kosmos Energy.

The party concluded with Password taking the stage and attendees taking to the dance floor, celebrating the evening’s $1.1M haul.

Beneficiaries of Spindletop’s funding include The Brookwood Community, Houston Children’s Charity, Kids’ Meals, Small Steps Nurturing Center, and many others.

Ann and Alvin Haynes

Veronica and Aaron Foley

Bruce and Laura Miller, Valerie and Nick Tran

Tracy and Laurie Krohn

Casey and Stacy Stewart, Lindsay and Jason Weddle

Steven Bonno and Shelby Hoyt

Ensemble Theatre Young Performers

Virtuosi of Houston Small Ensemble

Jodan and Kaitlyn Zaiser, Kati and Parker Auld

Liam and Gill Mallon, Warwick King

Lisa and Ryan Lance

Signature Rockin’ Sweets Station with Girls Inc. of Greater Houston Decorators

Maggie and Greg Sheridan

Spindletop Award Recipient Starlee Sykes with Dominic Macklon, Lia Vallone and Clay Williams

Parties
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.

Keep Reading Show less

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.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Morris Smith, Tilman Fertitta and Toni Smith

THE HOUSTON CHILDREN'S Charity gala is always anticipated, thanks to the big-deal musical acts brought in to entertain; this year it was Chicago. But the headliners this year were the generous donors, who seemed to surprise even event organizer with their largesse, with a total till of $6.2 million, a record.

Keep Reading Show less
Party People