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
‘Natural Passion’ Makes Fourth-Gen Houstonian Sarah Callaway Sulma a Realty Star

AS A FOURTH-generation Houstonian, Sarah Callaway Sulma has a unique and invaluable view of the city. Her deep seated connection to Houston led her down the path to becoming one the city's most well-respected, and renowned real estate agents. Sarah's natural passion for the real estate industry from a young age led her to where she is today. "I know that it sounds cheesy, but it is the truth! I wanted to be in real estate from a young age," Sarah shares. "The late-great restaurateur, Tony Vallone, put me together with real estate legend, Martha Turner, and Martha put me together with Cathy Cagle. The rest is history-13 years of success and counting!" Now with over 13 years in real estate and $55M+ in residential real estate sales, Sarah brings a rare combination of knowledge, skill, and advocacy to each one of her clients.

Keep Reading Show less

The patio at Toca Madera (photo by Connie Anderson)

EXPERIENTIAL, OR “VIBE,” dining has been trending for a few years now in Houston, from restaurateurs who assume that diners want more than just a meal. Well, they all just got some stiff competition with the opening of Toca Madera in the Pavilion at The Allen.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

The pool at Ritz-Carlton Residences, The Woodlands

IS A HEALTHY, balanced real estate market finally here? Per HAR data, the answer is ... kind of? Inventory is at the highest level since 2011, prices are holding steady, and the city and metro area continue to grow in population. Having lost population after Harvey and Covid, the city welcomes significant yet sustainable growth — and a housing market that can handle it.

Keep Reading Show less
Home + Real Estate