The newly minted Almquists savor a romantic and intimate “last dance” amid the chandeliers at the end of their reception.
Alto started driving in Houston in late 2020, and it has quickly become a favorite way to get around. The experience is unparalleled. Think luxury SUVs with leather captain chairs, thoughtful amenities like complimentary water and umbrellas, and even curated playlists to choose from in the Alto app. Those who have ridden know that Alto is more than a ride from point A to B, but a journey to be enjoyed — because the recap of every dish on the ride home should be just as good as the dinner.
Community is at the heart of Alto. Rather than hiring independent contractors, Alto has hired W-2 employee drivers who are trained and supported by a local Houston team. The service also offers a Membership that unlocks Alto benefits as well as unique offers from Houston partners. Those who join Alto’s exclusive Membership gain full access to the Alto fleet during the busiest "Members Only" hours, savings on every ride, and Alto’s prescheduling feature for booking rides in advance (Pro tip: Lock in your ride when you lock in your dinner reservation!). Join a community of adventurous, in-the-know Houstonians, at only $12.95 a month.
Alto shared the top pick-up and drop-offs that make up their Members most recommended spots — and also happen to be celebrating Houston Restaurant Week! — so you can plan the perfect night out.
Trattoria Sofia A top drop-off among Alto Members, we recommend Trattoria Sofia for authentic Italian with the perfect atmosphere.
The Annie Cafe Another frequent destination, The Annie Cafe and Bar serves classics, totally reimagined.
MAD Houston A spot as innovative as your Alto. Book a ride to MAD for a night of tapas with a twist that are sure to be a new adventure.
Ouzo Bay The Alto team’s go-to modern Mediterranean spot for a perfect night out.
B&B Butchers and Restaurant This upscale steakhouse and traditional butcher shop is a classic Alto favorite.
FLORA A must try this month — FLORA is a culinary journey through the small towns of Mexico with a Texas touch.
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Evan and Kate Elsenbrook and Elyse and Drew Tolson
More than 700 costumed revelers — Cinderella, Jack and his beanstalk, and more! — were greeted a magical-castle photo backdrop, and grabbed a glass of bubbly on their way into the main ballroom. Event chairs Jennifer and Scott Allison mingled with the creatively dressed guests and gala honorees Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook, Vuong Ho, Deric Jech and others. And the organization's CEO, Cristina Vetrano, gave remarks thanking guests for their support of their ongoing mission to provide the safety and comfort of "home" to seriously ill children and their families during long hospital stays.
In addition to a silent auction, a raffle and a "Baubles and Bottles" draw, a "paddles up" contest generated more than $185,000 in less than five minutes — plus a match of $150,000 from an anonymous donor. Johnny Bravo emceed this portion of the evening, which raised funds specifically for 15 one- and two-bedroom apartments for families who need extended stays in the Med Center.
Partiers packed the dance floor thanks to Radio Live, who kept the beats pumping all night long.
Aaron and Victoria Bludorn
Zac and Courtney Hamon
Angel and Amy Hinijosa
Ben and Bethany Buchanan
Will and Semmes Burns
Cristina Vetrano, Tom and Lesha Elsenbrook, Jennifer and Scott Allison
Tinkerbell
Crowd dancing and singing with the band
Tiffany Riggs, Angela Majors, Gracie Hernandez, Logan Harrison
Susan Blaney and ZoAnn Dreyer
Edward Sanchez and Kristen Cannon
Steve Genest, Peggy Micko, Peggy East, Dick East
Erica Bartlett, Matthew Begnaud
Frank and Natalie Vega
Gary and Judith King
Hallie Vanderhider and Bobbie Dees
Ronald McDonald and Johnny Bravo
Jessica and Gray Lisenby
Kurt and Michelle Lyn
Mike and Susan Blaney
Laura Thompson
Nicole Mott, Michelle Marandi
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Buddy & Kylie Carruth, Margaret & Jay Magness
Chaired by Zane and Brady Carruth, the evening started with a ghoulish reception that included magicians and fortune tellers in the Equine Rescue Arena that was decorated to look like a haunted mansion — floating candles and ghost dancers included! The horse barn was open for photo ops, and some of the horses wore costumes to partake in the night’s festivities.
Emcee Deborah Duncan welcome the crowd before it was time for a spellbinding three-course dinner as TUTS dancers performed “I Put a Spell on You”. Bone-appetit!
The live auction included a game in the Buzbee Suite at Kyle Field; a night out with Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud; a weekend getaway for at a Galveston beach house; and the opportunity to experience a release of rehabilitated bald eagles.
After dinner, “cocktails, cuddles and cookies” were available in the dog and cat adoption area, where sweet pups and kittens were available for petting and holding. The fab-boo-lous evening raised $1.3 million for those animals in need.
Allison and Jim Bagley
Bill Boyce, Ray Echevarria, Bruce Lundstrom, Scott Davenport
Carl and Cindy Bohannon
Deborah Duncan & Duncan Horner
John and Terry Johnson
Kristen & Mike Kelly
Brady and Zane Carruth
Hannah Barker, Ashley Nguyen
Cathy and Larry Kelley
Chris & Susan Dray
Hershey Grace and Ed McMahon
Ryan & Katherine DeLongchamps