While the Consular Corps partied in white-tie splendor in the second-floor ballroom of the Hilton Americas-Houston, it was an entirely different scene several floors up, where Citizens for Animal Protection held its 25th anniversary celebration Celebrity Paws Gala. It was glamorous, alright. But there were plenty of pooches and a sprinkling of kitties adding extra life to this gala scene.
In fact, there was a four-legged celebrity guest: Pooka, Donna and Bob Bruni's standard poodle, who took top honors at the gala last year. In a turn on tradition, this year's event honored the 25 past chairs and their pets. Large color portraits of the duos were staged around the ballroom that was fancifully decorated by Darryl Murchison. No pet chateaux and no voting with your pocketbook on the favorite pet as in years past.
The evening honored Jane and Bob Cizik with the Melcher Humanitarian of the Year Award and recognized KTRK Channel 11 Great Day Houston host Deborah Duncan with the CAP Cherished Companion Award. The ever-effervescent Duncan doubled her role on this night by serving as emcee.
More than 600 guests arrived to show the love for our four-legged friends by raising $500,000 for the non-profit that provides rescue, shelter and placement for homeless animals.
The live auction generated the excitement of the evening, particularly when it came to Cathy and Jesse Marion's offer of private jet transport for four to Dallas for a regular season Dallas Cowboys game in a private suite. The item was so popular that the Marions agreed to sell it three times, with each buyer ponying up $8,500 for the privilege. Heading to Cowboys Stadium next season are Frank DiMaria and Pat Keller, Liz and Pete Carragher and Lindsey and Mike Fiuzat.
Just to name a few of the past chairs that were present to accept honors — Susan and Dan Boggio, Hershey Grace, Francie Willis, Pamela Wright, Linda Schmuck and Todd Zucker, Beverly Loftis, Melanie Johnson, Judy Nichols, Barbara Van Postman and Rachel Regan.
Balletomane Bliss
Artistry, opulence, and a dash of drama pirouetted into a night to remember for the Houston Ballet Ball at Wortham Theater Center on February 22. Inspired by artistic director Stanton Welch’s vibrant reimagining of Raymonda, the soirée took its cue from the ballet’s decadent Peacock Ballroom, with every shimmering detail practically winking at the crowd.
Photo by Melissa Taylor
A surprise performance to Harry Styles' Golden was a highlight.
Co-chairs Kristy and Chris Bradshaw and Melissa Juneau set the stage for an evening that sashayed between elegance and playful fantasy, all in honor of Deborah and Edward Koehler, whose unwavering love for the Houston Ballet has been standing-ovation worthy.
Upon arrival, 500 couture-clad guests were greeted by cascading gold drapes and a photo op that could easily double as a set piece — a magnificent peacock fashioned from a kaleidoscope of fresh florals. With signature cocktails in hand, the crowd perused a silent auction that felt more like a treasure hunt, boasting experiences from a Rockets ball kid gig to a coveted Nutcracker walk-on role.
Gary and Susan Binney with the stunning floral peacock. Photo by Daniel Ortiz
The pièce de résistance? A jaw-dropping, not-so-secret surprise that unfolded after dinner. Just as balletomanes settled into their seats, the Grand Foyer transformed into a living stage as twenty-one Corps de Ballet dancers took over the black-and-white checkered dance floor, moving in shimmering synchronicity to Harry Styles’ anthem "Golden." The choreography — dreamed up by demi-soloist Jack Wolff — sparkled with personality, blending classical technique with contemporary flair. And when Lauren Anderson herself joined the dancers, the crowd’s applause rivaled the final bows at a prima’s farewell.
As gold streamers rained from above, partygoers couldn’t resist taking over the dance floor themselves, moving to the beats of Stratosphere and proving that Houstonians, even in black-tie, know how to bust a move. We’re looking at you, Fady Armanious.
Before bidding adieu, revelers were gifted gluten-free lemon poppyseed pound cakes courtesy of Michelin-starred Le Jardinier, a sweet send-off to match a night with spectacle and spirit.
More than $1.65 million was raised to support Houston Ballet’s mission to inspire a lasting love and passion for dance across the city and beyond.
Sur la pointe were Jim Nelson, Julie Kent, Margaret Alkek Williams, Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, Jennifer and Scott Allison, Sarah and Scott Barrett, Michele and Bobby Marandi, Anne and Albert Chao, Jerry Ann Woodfin-Costa, Isabel and Danny David, Pamela and Bruce Earthman, Martha and Richard Finger, Jo Furr, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Christine and David M. Underwood Jr., Allison and Troy Thacker, Marguerite Swartz, S. Shawn and Jim Jordan, Leigh and Reggie Smith, Shara and Kent Schaffer, Akemi and Yasuhiko Saitoh, Roslyn and Derrick Mitchell, Andrea and Henry Medina, Yana and Warren McFatter, Jean and Henry May, Chad Libertus, Jay and Terry Wayne Jones, Patti Murphy, Laura and Brannon Robertson, Bernie Cantu, Sharalynn and Tim Fenn, and Sarah and Bryant Lee.