YoPros Take It Over the Rainbow for Literacy at 'Storybook' Gala Kickoff

Daniel Ortiz
YoPros Take It Over the Rainbow for Literacy at 'Storybook' Gala Kickoff

Lauren Stanfill, Andrea Coyle, Megan Carrasco

DOROTHY HERSELF GREETED guests at the kickoff for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation's Storybook gala, which this year has adopted a theme of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."


The cocktail party took place at hip Galleria restaurant Joey, which served fusion bites like Korean fried cauliflower and hand rolls — plus Wizard of Oz-inspired specialty cocktails like the Flying Monkey old fashioned and Ruby Slipper cosmo. Joselyn and Jeff Carnrite, who are chairing the main event on Nov. 18 at the ZaZa, welcomed around 75 supporters and thanked them for their generosity.

Auction items were positioned around the restaurant for guests to peruse; the Elton John Yellow Brick Road package, with two tickets to the upcoming concert and a gift card to Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, was a buzzy one. A custom-made necklace and earrings set with rubies, diamonds and gold, courtesy of Tego Jewelers, will be available at the Nov. 18 gala, where Drywater Band will perform and more Oz characters from J&D Entertainment will mingle about!

Tom and Grace Gosnell

Aliyah Griffin

Samantha Gaitz, Lauren Stanfill

Caitlin Rance

Patrick Mikkelsen, Melissa McDaniel

Hannah Mizwa, Bob Ethington, Kalee Garvin

Melissa Craig, Amy Chronis, Kime Smith, Liliana Cruz

Jeff Carnrite, 'Dorothy,' Joselyn Carnrite

Matt Davidson, Allie Jarreau

Maggie and Sylvain Riba

Victoria Villarreal, Caitlin Rance, Monica Buchanan

Julie Baker Finck, Ron Finck

Lindsey and Devin Sauer

Parties
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This isn’t your average comfort food situation. We're talking a shareable fried chicken dinner for two, made with farm-raised birds from Deeply Rooted Ranch, and served alongside buttery whipped potatoes, minted peas, aged cheddar scones, and some over-the-top sauces — including a foie gras sauce supreme that’s as extra as it sounds.

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Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

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