parties

Hello, Yellow Brick Road! Oz-Themed YoPro Ball Raises Funds for Barbara Bush’s Literacy Mission

Hello, Yellow Brick Road! Oz-Themed YoPro Ball Raises Funds for Barbara Bush’s Literacy Mission

Nick and Kasey Carnrite, Joselyn and Jeff Carnrite (Photo by Jacob Power)

THERE'S NO PLACE like home, but the Hotel Zaza Museum District isn’t too shabby either! That’s where the 7th annual Storybook Gala supporting the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation — with this year’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” theme — was held.

Hosted by the organization’s young professionals group, this year’s “party with a purpose” drew more than 300, including the late First Lady’s son Neil and his wife Maria, to the venue — which Art Attack had transformed into “a whimsical wonderland with blooming red rose arrangements, fairy lights and glimmering red sequin linens,” said a rep for gala organizers. “The VIP reception featured black trees with hanging poppies, ruby red centerpieces, and a five-foot ruby slipper.”

The dinner buffet was inspired by Kansas, with barbeque pork presented on gouda grits, pork belly bites, and roasted corn in shot glasses. For dessert, cheesecake lollipops, rainbow sugar cookies, and munchkin-sized macaroons.

Houston’s Drywater Band entertained at the colorful ball and dance party, as did the likes of Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow — actors in costume from J&D Entertainment.

Auction items included an autographed Jose Altuve bat donated by Houston Astros Foundation, and a diamond and ruby necklace specially designed for the event and donated by Tego Jewelers. Joselyn and Jeff Carnrite and Kasey and Nick Carnrite chaired the event, with Matt Rogers as emcee and the Deloitte law firm as honoree. “Literacy has the power to transform lives,” said Amy Chronis, Houston managing partner for the firm, “and we are proud to work with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy foundation to help make a meaningful impact in our community.”

The haul for the evening topped $320,000.

Scott and Kelli John with Wizard of Oz Characters (Photo by Jacob Power)

Ben Cotting, Sarah Cotting, Morgan Relyea Colt, Walker Colt (Photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Joe and Ashley Edens (Photo by Jacob Power)

Caroline Edmundson, Anthony Tego (Photo by Jacob Power)

Kate and Joseph Cavanaugh (Photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Lindsey Buchanan, Allison Wells (Photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Carson Brown, Eric Brueggeman (Photo by Jacob Power)

Scott McAlpine, Meghan McAlpine, Nicole Aderholt, Jacob Gibbons (Photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Melissa McDaniel and Patrick Mikkelson (Photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Morgan Relyea Colt, Grace Gosnell, Victoria Villarreal (Photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Devin and Lindsey Sauer, Beverly and Steven Westbrook (Photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Dylan Siebenaler, Sarah Zschappel (Photo by Jacob Power)

Emre Ozsut, Jordan Khalil (Photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Grace Gosnell, Caitlin Rance, Victoria Villareal, Allie Jarreau (Photo by Daniel Ortiz)

From Your Site Articles
Parties
promoted

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.

Keep Reading Show less
music

HGO's First-Ever 'Family Day' Features a Production of 'Cinderella' and More!

Photo by Lynn Lane

HOUSTON GRAND OPERA’S second fall repertoire production is Gioachino Rossini’s Cinderella. The colorful, commedia dell'arte-inspired production opens Friday, Oct. 25, and stars Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard — a breathtaking brunette beauty, even when doused in soot — in bel canto role of Angelina, known to her mean step-sisters as “Cenerentola.”

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment
music

Halloweekend Vibes! Organist Brett Miller Brings Silent-Film Double-Feature to Life at Jones Hall

BRETT MILLER WAS just 10 years old when his parents took him to a screening of the 1925 silent film, The Phantom of the Opera, starring Lon Chaney as “The Phantom” of the Paris Opera House, with an accompanying soundtrack played live by an organist. The film contains one of the most famous “reveals” on celluloid (We won’t give it away!) and is all the more shocking when accompanied by live music played on the Phantom’s favorite instrument.

Keep Reading Show less