Brian Benoit and Natalie Pappas at ‘Samaritan’
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CIS 2024 Gala Honorary Co-Chair Judy Tate, Co-Chair Lauren Brollier, Co-Chair Cassie Milam, Honorary Co-Chair Kirby McCool
Chaired by philanthropists Lauren and John Brollier and Cassie and John Milam, with honorary chairs Kirby and Scott McCool and Judy and Charles Tate, the magical evening supporting the valuable and impactful work of CIS of Houston begins at 6:30pm with a cocktail hour, then dinner and the program. Rounding out the event is live entertainment by the popular Houston-based band Klockwork. Guests can dance the night away, starting at 9pm.
The always diverse crowd makes for a dynamic event. Party-goers are encouraged to dress in “Wonderland Whimsy Cocktail” attire, with the goal of fun and festive. Cocktail attire is also a great option.
Don Friedell and emcee Lisa Malosky at a previous CIS Gala
Attendees at a previous CIS Gala
A full ballroom at a prior CIS Gala
CIS of Houston's Martha Montoya Sanchez with Northbrook High School seniors
CIS of Houston CEO Lisa Descant and CIS of Houston Dir. of Development Donna Watkins with CareSource Foundation
Special guest at the 45th Anniversary Gala is Rey Saldaña, President & CEO of Communities In Schools National in Arlington, VA. During the program, guests will view a powerful video about the life-changing work of CIS Houston, in addition to hearing heartwarming testimonials, bringing a personal touch to the evening.
Funds raised from A Night in Wonderland will support the CIS mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Currently serving 163 campuses across Greater Houston, CIS places at least one full-time CIS Student Support Manager on each partner campus to deliver comprehensive direct services including counseling, academic support and health and human services.
The chairs want to thank the event’s top-tier donors to date: Judy and Charles Tate; CenterPoint Energy; Sharon G. Dies; The Marie and James H. Galloway Foundation; Beth and Bob Gower; and Marathon Oil.
Tickets are going fast! They start at $500, and tables for 10 range from $5,000 through $50,000. Underwriting opportunities are still available.
Judy Tate (photo by Emily Jaschke)
Scott and Kirby McCool
Kit Detering, Cassie Milam, Carl Detering (photo by Jenny Antill)
Sharon G. Dies and Lauren Brollier
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A model wearing Savannah Friedkin's Broken Collection (photo by Jeremy Choh)
Friedkin’s goal is to bring transparency and traceability to the fine-jewelry industry. “I created this brand to create a conversation not only about the way we consider and consume fine jewelry, but to also honor women’s uniqueness — the cracks and characteristics that make us uniquely whole,” says Friedkin, who graduated from The Kinkaid School. “I’ve always loved the creativity and innovation behind fashion and fine jewelry. It is a topic I’m personally passionate about.”
Savannah Friedkin (photo by Steve Lawton)
The Broken Collection (photo by Jeremy Choh)
Friedkin, who studied art history at Vanderbilt University, got the idea of starting the jewelry brand while working on her MBA at London Business School. “I started putting together an amazing team to launch the brand in April 2023.”
Besides being sold online, the brand is hosting traveling pop-ups at select boutiques and Auberge resorts nationwide this year. “I want to bring our pieces to the customer, get to know them and build a relationship with them,” she says. Friedkin’s father, Houston mogul Dan Friedkin, owns luxury hospitality management firm Auberge Resorts Collection, as well as Gulf States Toyota, one of the world's largest independent distributors of Toyota vehicles and parts.
“Our jewelry is made in environmentally and socially responsible facilities across the globe,” she explains, noting the brand has a 100-Percent Promise, which states that their factories are subject to on-site audits regularly from independent third parties such as the Responsible Jewelry Council and SCS Global Services. “The entire SF team has visited each facility to see first-hand that our high standards of capability, ethicality and sustainability are being met.”
Friedkin is touting two different collections for the launch; prices range from $150 to $7,000. The Broken Collection showcases 19 styles — earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings, all “inspired by the resilience inherent in humans, and how the broken within all of us can be beautiful and should be celebrated.” The designs feature various cracks and breakage that catch the eye.
The Emergence Collection encourages people to find strength in adversity and beauty through balance. Here, the broken motif takes a new form, one of powerful growth and resilience. Friedkin says each piece is a celebration of challenges faced, embraced and overcome. Emergence features five pieces, including a cigar band ring, pendants, and hoop earrings.
Regarding hobbies and leisure time, the 29-year-old artist is currently exploring clay as a medium. “I have been devoting a large portion of my free time to building that skillset both on the potter’s wheel and in sculpting. Additionally, I love being in nature and enjoying the outdoors, and sharing time with close friends and family.”
Friedkin also revealed to CityBook exciting news that she is engaged. “I look forward to that chapter of my life.”
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Lobster Bene at PostScript
The Annie Café & Bar
Brunch at The Annie (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)
Hop into the holiday with Easter brunch from 11am-3pm and savor a fresh take on Texas-influenced cuisine with seasonal specials. Be sure to snap a photo with the Easter Bunny!
Bloom & Bee
Bloom & Bee brunch spread
Easter Brunch at this flower-flocked Post Oak Hotel stunner starts with a luxurious choice of fancy deviled eggs, white asparagus soup, or burrata and stone fruit salad. Mains range from smoked salmon Benedict croissant to herb braised lamb shoulder, plus a dessert buffet of French pastries and cakes. Brunch runs 11am-4pm, and afterwards, families can participate in an Easter egg hunt led by a floppy-eared guest.
Brennan's of Houston
Brunch at Brennan's
The iconic Creole house has three dates for Easter dining this year, starting March 29 with Brunch with the Bunny featuring photos with the Easter Bunny. March 30 is the Very Hoppy Brunch, also family-friendly with live bunnies on the terrace from nearby Boling Bunny Farms! Sunday brunch March 31 is the most leisurely with seatings throughout the day. Reservations are required for all events.
CRU Food & Wine Bar
This smart, cozy spot features a three-course wine country-style brunch ($45 per person), along with brunch cocktails and specials on mimosas, bellinis, Domaine Chandon rosé and Veuve Cliquot by the glass. Highlights include crab cake Benedict, smoked salmon deviled egg toast, New Zealand lamb chops and desserts.
Four Seasons Houston
Texas cheese station
The Four Seasons Houston’s annual extravagant Easter Brunch in Toro Toro will feature classics with a Latin twist from 11am-4pm ($165 per adult; $65 per child, 12 and under). Come hungry for the sushi station with seafood on ice; the carving station with cedar-plank salmon, prime rib and more; a breakfast station, and grand desserts. Reservations are required and can be made on the website.
The Lancaster
Tea at The Lancaster
This year, the Lancaster Hotel Downtown will offer Easter brunch and afternoon tea. Conveniently, Easter brunch runs from 11am-4pm. Seatings for Easter Afternoon Tea service are noon or 2:30pm. Classics like fresh-baked scones with Devonshire cream, jam and lemon curd; various tea sandwiches; and a patisserie presentation with festive Easter touches will be paired with fine teas.
Le Jardinier
Seasonal fare at Le Jardinier
Who wouldn’t want to hang with “the gardener” (Le Jardinier in English) on Easter Sunday? This MFAH gem serves its three-course menu from 11am-4pm. Anticipate lovely choices including Murray’s burrata with strawberry rhubarb; spiced roasted lamb; and Ora king salmon. Save room for the award-winning desserts!
Local Table
Chicken and waffles at Local Table (photo by Jenn Duncan)
It’s easy to find a Local Table, as they are all over the Houston area with a casual family-friendly menu of egg dishes, chicken and waffles, and savory sidekicks. We hear the Easter Bunny will be hopping around from table to table this year.
Navy Blue
Celebrate Easter Sunday in the heart of Rice Village at Aaron Bludorn’s modern American seafood concept. An a la carte brunch with Easter specials — including plenty of delectable seafood — will be served from 11:30am-2pm.
NoPo Café
Cookies at NoPo (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)
Hunting for Easter treats? Perfect for filling Easter baskets or beautifying tablescapes, pre-order festive Easter cooking March 25-30. Set of 3 Easter cookies, $4; 1 dozen cookies, $13. Closed March 31.
Ostia
Surrounded by bougainvillea and greenery, this restaurant with a Greenhouse room is a picturesque (yet laidback) spot for brunch. Chef Travis McShane’s focaccia French toast with blueberries and mascarpone; ricotta pancakes with maple syrup; and pizza-dough doughnuts will appease carb lovers. Savory dishes include the signature chicken salsa verde, pizzas, gnocchi and a frittata. Brunch runs 10am-3:00pm.
Postino
Brunch at Postino (photo by Becca Wright)
This come-as-you-are casual spot boasts an eye-opening brunch menu, perfect for dining al fresco on the restaurant’s large, shaded patio. Served on weekends, the menu offers myriad shareable dishes. Think Umbria egg toast, cast-iron sticky bread, and seeded avocado toast. Sip mimosas, bellinis and a huge selection of wine and bubbles!
PostScript
For PostScript’s first Easter brunch, chef Caswell will whip up a menu of savory delights including Lobster Bene with chili hollandaise, and Frenched Texas Toast soaked in rum custard. Classic brunch libations will be flowing, including espresso martinis, Bloody Marys and mimosas.
State of Grace
Cinnamon rolls at State of Grace
This River Oaks mainstay showcases Gulf Coast cooking with Latin, Asian and even German touches. For this year’s holiday brunch from 10am-3pm, which includes a visit from the Easter Bunny, expect comfort food like chicken-fried chicken, cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting and crawfish Benedict.
Xochi
Chef Hugo Ortega and his team will serve a spectacular Sunday brunch buffet from 10am-3pm this Easter. Expect the usual coastal Mexican favorites as well as a carving station, new seasonal items, and Easter desserts. $55 per adult; $15 per child.
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