Yo-Pros Go ‘Mad’ for a Cause, Raise $300,000 for Childhood Literacy

Yo-Pros Go ‘Mad’ for a Cause, Raise $300,000 for Childhood Literacy

Erin Koetter, Lauren Stanfill, Joselyn Tego, Megan Carrasco, and Kimi Minor

YOUNG SUPPORTERS OF the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation gathered at Hotel ZaZa for the sixth annual Storybook Gala.


This year's event was truly enchanting, themed "An Evening in Wonderland" and kicking off with a VIP cocktail hour inspired by the Queen of Hearts. In the ballroom, events-décor group Art Attack created a magical forest with fairy lights, butterflies and mushrooms, and characters including Alice, Rabbit and the Mad Hatter took pics with guests all night.

The nearly 400 young professionals participated in both live and silent auctions, touting items like a Peloton and tons of jewelry, while noshing on bites like lamb "lollipops" and grilled elote at various food stations.

Featured speaker Cathy Garcia-Prats spoke about her school, the San Francisco Nativity Academy of Houston, and how the Barbara Bush Foundation has so positively impacted her community. She also recounted the school's need for a new library, which led to a paddle-raising session that garnered more than $40,000 for the cause.

Afterward, Drywater Band took to the stage, playing hits that had the crowd dancing all night long.

The evening raised nearly $300,000 for the Foundation's childhood literacy initiatives.

Ashley Sloan, Disney Harris, and Camille Connelly

Aysel and Zeeshan Amin

Brian Coyle and Andrea Henry

Catherine Houchins and Allie Jarreau

Christine and Trevor Garfield

Diana Kurteshi and Farris Shenaq

John and Laura Goodrum, Catherine and Sean Tobin

Kate Orsini, Jessica Hyams, Rachel Richards, Tori Tolbert

Megan and Joshua Carrasco

Remy Remeikaite and Devin Bogert

Rory and Kayla Tolunay

Ryan and Meredith Cicatello

Parties
Wellness Pro LeBrina Jackson on Gratitude at the Holidays: It’s a ‘Reset Button for my Mind’

LeBrina Jackson

AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

Keep Reading Show less

Late photographer Jhane Hoang (center) and some of her subjects, including fashion models and musicians

WHEN JHANE HOANG died late last month after a quiet, private battle with cancer, Houston lost one of its most talented and exacting photographers — and my colleagues at CityBook and I lost a beloved contributor and friend.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

John Bryan, Mary Jon Bryan, Billy Bob Thornton, J.P. Bryan

MORE THAN 500 guests gathered in Galveston for the Bryan Museum Gala, an evening that celebrated both the 10th anniversary of the museum and some of the most influential names in Texas oil and gas. Titled the Wildcatters Gala, the event honored Ernie H. Cockrell, Mary Ralph Lowe, Trevor Rees-Jones and the families of Eddy C. Scurlock and R.E. “Bob” Smith — all recognized for their legacy of leadership and philanthropy in the industry.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties