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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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Bar Bludorn (photo by Claudia Casbarian) and soft serve at Little Rey
Bar Bludorn
Bar Bludorn (photo by Claudia Casbarian)
It’s about time that Houston’s top chefs move in on the Memorial area — specifically, charming Hedwig Village. Chef-restaurateur Aaron Bludorn swings open the doors to his newest venture, located in the old Jonathan’s the Rub, today, March 29. And although it sounds like a bar, it’s really a stylish restaurant with a roomy bar serving simple, delicious fare.
"Opening Bar Bludorn in Memorial is a continuation of our journey to create inviting spaces that celebrate food, community and hospitality. And just like Bludorn and Navy Blue, Bar Bludorn will embody an elevated approachability,” says Aaron Bludorn. "Our goal with this concept was to create a space that feels uniquely
‘us’ while also tailoring it to fit seamlessly into the fabric of the neighborhood."
Anticipate modern-American bistro classics, like oysters three ways, Ora King salmon, steaks and fried chicken executed by executive chef Alexandra Peña. She also dishes up a few surprises, like beautiful pasta carbonara with fresh spring peas and poached egg yolk, and cornmeal-crusted snapper with kale and black-eyed peas. The space was designed by architect, design and planning firm Gensler with a sophisticated yet approachable look that blends upscale elegance with a warm tavern vibe.
Little Rey
Tacos at Little Rey (photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)
On April 1, Houston welcomes chef Ford Fry’s (of Superica and State of Grace) newest addition near Highland Village. To celebrate, the fast-casual Northern Mexican concept will host a free breakfast taco pop-up on Sat., Mar. 30, starting at 10am — no kidding!
The restaurant menu features wood-roasted “chicken al carbon” at its core plus staples like al carbon tacos, traditional street style tacos, salads and fresh salsas all on hand-made tortillas. In true Texas style, migas breakfast tacos and cult-favorite pancakes served with buttermilk syrup are offered every weekend. Whole, bone-in chicken al carbon for the family, served every day, is available both in-house and for takeaway.
For a sweet treat, Little Rey offers an assortment of rotating soft serve flavors — think tres leches. Its outdoor walk-up window deemed “Uno Mas!” makes skipping the line easy to order another marg or take-out orders. Designed in partnership with Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, the restaurant’s 7,000-square-foot space boasts an expansive, covered patio for al fresco dining and margarita sipping with scents of smoked wood (and sounds of Willie and Waylon) wafting through the air.
Late August
This highly anticipated newcomer from celebrated chef Chris Williams of Lucille’s Hospitality Group has bowed in The Ion in Midtown, joining other restaurants like Andiron in the complex. Late August takes its name from the building’s history as a former Sears department store, and the annual Sears catalog, which arrived in mailboxes towards the end of August. The intriguing menu executed by executive chef Sergio Hidalgo is based on both chefs’ culinary experiences. For instance, Southern-style gumbo is made with chorizo and garnished with nopales, while pork ribs are finished with achiote glaze, and orecchiette pasta features pureed greens, coconut cream and wild-rice crunch. Hidalgo, formerly with The Original Ninfa’s, brings influences from the Houston classic as well as restaurants he’s cooked at in Arizona and Seattle.
GM-sommelier Danny Davis has curated a wine list spotlighting minority- and female-owned wineries and small vineyards. Gin Design Group drew inspiration from the iconic department store with original Sears terrazzo tile flooring and vibrant jewel tones of teal, burnt orange and salmon. Other elements include curvaceous deco architecture, a custom marble bar with contrasting inlaid marble, and sculptural metallic mirrors. Artwork by Houston artist and Hogan Brown Gallery Curator Robert Hodge overlooks the dining space.
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