Who Are You Calling Tacky?! At Festive Function, YoPros Stuff Backpacks Instead of Stockings

Daniel Ortiz and Michelle Watson
Who Are You Calling Tacky?! At Festive Function, YoPros Stuff Backpacks Instead of Stockings

Jeff Carnrite and Joselyn Tego

NEARLY 2,000 BOOKS were bundled up and distributed to local kiddos, thanks to the young-professional supporters of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation.


Forty guests donned their tackiest sweaters to a festive event at the Children’s Museum, where they stuffed backpacks with books, school supplies and sensory toys, all of which were purchased using the funds from the organization’s Storybook Gala. The next day, they distributed the backpacks at San Francisco Nativity Academy of Houston and Small Steps Nurturing Center, where they found dozens of kids eager to continue their learning through reading, writing and critical thinking.

Members of the Foundation’s young professional group are proud to carry out its mission of breaking the intergenerational cycle of low literacy in Houston.

Alexa Bode and Grace Gosnell

Victoria Villarreal and Allie Jarreau

Eleni McGee and Lindsey Hennigan

Stephanie Marcos

Saqqara Campbell and Jennifer Thompson

Cameron Nazminia

Kevin Aguilar, Ashley Monic, Elyssa Buntzell, Cameron Crenwelge, Eleni McGee, and Grace Gosnell

Pre-K student at San Francisco Nativity Academy looking through his new book

San Francisco Nativity Academy students holding up their new books

Students with their new books

Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

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Betty Hrncir, Sidney Faust, Julie Baker Finck

ACTUAL WINTER WEATHER was in the forecast the night of the Winter Ball, benefiting the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and honoring the Women of Distinction, a festive and fitting detail that sparked a flurry of conversation at the Omni Hotel.

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Parties

Concert of Arias finalists on the Wortham stage, including first place and audience choice winner Geonho Lee of South Korea, third from left. (Photo by Michael Bishop)

LONG ONE OF the HGO’s most exciting evenings on the calendar — Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers called it the best night of the year — the 37th Annual Concert of Arias and gala dinner afterward dazzled and inspired opera fans.

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Art + Entertainment