For the first time, the cancer-fighting Alcides E. Rosaura Diniz Foundation hosted a gala at the Astorian. Ana Paola Diniz, who lost her father Alcides to Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2006, praised MD Anderson, the night’s beneficiary, for its dedication. … Meanwhile, Catholic Charities’ “happy”-themed 75th annual Spirit of Charity event did indeed bring smiles to many faces. The evening, held at the Marriott Marquis, raised $1 million. … This year’s Lyndon Baines Johnson Moral Courage Award dinner honored President George W. Bush for his lifelong commitment to service and country. The total till doubled the previous record, coming in at $4.2 million. … In addition to celebrating the induction of five new members of the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, the Lone Star Flight Museum’s Flights of Fancy event garnered $700K for the museum. … And the 30th annual Goodwill Gala was the organization’s most successful ever, with more than 400 black-tie-clad guests — including Simone Biles and her family, guests of board member Leisa Holland Nelson — partying for a cause at the River Oaks Country Club.
Leadership in Action: Entrepreneur Saba Syed of Moroccan Bath Determined to Build ‘Lasting Legacy’
Saba Syed, Founder of Oasis Moroccan Bath
How did you get to where you are today? My journey began with a need to be financially independent and an even a deeper drive to create a lasting legacy. The centuries-old Hammam tradition has always fascinated me—not just for its relaxation benefits, but for its holistic approach to cleansing the body, mind, and soul. So, combining my passion with a vision to bring an authentic yet luxurious Hammam spa experience to Houston, I took the leap less than two years ago to open my own spa.
The road has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I’ve always believed that success comes from dedication and staying true to your values, and that has been my guiding principle. I focused on creating a serene, authentic atmosphere where every guest feels truly cared for. From hand-picking the best products to carefully curating our services, I wanted every detail to reflect the quality and soul of the OMB Hammam rituals.
I also knew that building relationships would be key. Word-of-mouth, strong community connections, and media support have been instrumental in my growth. I was fortunate to be featured on TV and in several magazines, which brought more visibility to the spa. But at the heart of it, the success comes firstly from God, and then from the positive feedback and loyalty of our clients, who have embraced this experience and helped spread the word.
Today, I’m proud to see how far we’ve come, but I know this is just the beginning.
Who do you credit? First and foremost, I credit God for my success and for giving me the strength and ability to start this business. Without His constant help and mercy, none of this would have been possible.
Next, I credit myself for the determination and perseverance it took to bring this vision to life. I’ve always been someone who, once committed to a goal, pursues every possible avenue to achieve it. Building this business required dedication, resilience, and an unwavering belief in myself.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? Trust your instincts, stay focused, and remain positive. Positive energy is magnetic—you’ll attract people with the same outlook. Don’t let difficulties or obstacles slow you down; they are a part of the journey. And no matter how busy or demanding life gets, always make time for yourself and your family. Balance is essential for both personal well-being and long-term success.
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? I had initially planned for this to be a surprise, but I think now is the perfect time to share some exciting news: God-willing, we’re expanding! It’s something I had envisioned, but I honestly didn’t expect it to happen so soon. Thank God, we’ve had investors reaching out from many different areas, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow the business and bring the Hammam experience to more people. This new venture is a thrilling next step, and I’m eager to see where it takes us.
A First at 4th: Bold Theater Company Gem Touts Successful Debut Gala at Saint Augustine
Olivia Barboza, Wesley Gow and Audrey Gow
ONE OF THE lesser-known gems of Houston’s performing arts scene — the splendid, bold 4th Wall Theatre Company — threw its first-ever “Fête” gala fundraiser at the beautiful new Hotel Saint Augustine in Montrose, raking in $212,000 to support it artistic mission.
“Inspired by the company’s upcoming Hamlet — a stripped-down, modern reimagining of Shakespeare’s masterpiece featuring four actors in over 30 roles— Fête swept guests into a ‘killer’ evening with philanthropic flair,” noted a rep for the company. “The night began with a spirited cocktail hour featuring ‘The Ophelia,’ a rosemary Champagne spritz and nod to Hamlet’s tragic betrothed. A generous lot flocked to the cheeky ‘Skull Pull,’ 4th Wall’s take on the traditional gift pull, while a costumed ‘King Hamlet’s Ghost’ and a dramatic fencing duel offered a theatrical preview of the upcoming production.”
The candlelight dinner was a treat, offered up by celeb chek Aaron Bludorn of the hotel’s Perseid restaurant. Other memorable morsels included performances by pianist Ben Childress, vocalist Rachael Logue, and actor-singer Wesley Whitson, who’ll ply the title role in Hamlet. The traditional “paddles up” fundraising ask took on special meaning as board president Ken Bohan, one of the unsung heroes of Houston philanthropy set, personally matched all donations. Live auctions items included trips to Broadway and London’s West End.
“My heart is full of gratitude for our community of supporters that showed up in a big way to make our inaugural 4th Wall Fête gala a HUGE success,” said Managing Director Catherine Dunaway. “Together we set a new fundraising record for 4th Wall — the fuel we will need to power our biggest and most ambitious season yet.”
Guests included Dean O’Kelley, Jody and Julie Batdorf, Amy Sutton, Gary Chiles, Dominic A. Cellitti, Steven E. Breyfogle, Christopher Bacon, Sharyn Feller, David Harris, Lona McManus, Gary Wulf, Donna and Norman Lewis, George Lancaster, Mark Folkes, Christopher Johnston, and David and Audrey Gow.
Colton Larsen, Hoa Nguyen and David Gow
Kathy Hubbard and Annise Parker
Piper and Chris Madland
Olivia Barboza, Wesley Gow and Audrey Gow
Ken Bohan, Lary Barton and Tripp Carter
Norman and Donna Lewis
Dan O_Brien and Philip Lehl
Mary and Paul Nugent and Sharyn Feller
- Hilariously Depressing New Show Paints Picture of Millennials’ Cubicle Plight ›
- A Timely Meditation on Fact Vs. Fiction, Broadway Hit Takes the Stage at Houston’s 4th Wall ›
Heather Almond, Elia Gabbanelli, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson and Tara Martin (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)
THE SWANKIEST SETUP at the Rodeo Houston “Cookoff” didn’t disappoint, for the fourth year in a row!
Adorned with some 20,000 red roses — it’s always over the top in there — Cotton Holdings’ Cotton ‘Q Club opened its doors to a hand-selected guest list of VIPs over the course of four nights of the 51st Annual World’s Championship Bar-B- Que Contest. As the title sponsor of the whole event, better known as Cookoff, Cotton scored a premium 10,000-square-off cedar-framed tent — and hosted what was widely known as the most exclusive setup at the Rodeo.
Big-deal country musicians took the stage each night, including the likes of Tucker Wetmore, Midland and MacKenzie Porter. Some of the guests in attendance were also big music stars — think Bun B and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. Cotton brass were also on hand, including Co-CEO Pete Bell, Exec VP Zinat Ahmed and Quanta Services CEO Duke Austin.
Food and bev was killer, as always. “The Cotton Culinary team, who won First Place People’s Choice … at this year’s Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites Competition, along with Executive Chef Wade Schindler, prepared outstanding menus with different themes for each night,” said a Cotton rep, “including Angus Ribeye with Chimichurri and Bacon Bearnaise Sauce, Cotton Brie Balls with Peach Bourbon Chutney, Pecan Smoked Pulled Brisket Tacos, Pepper Chicken Bites with Whistlepig Whiskey Glaze, and Hickory Smoked BBQ Brisket, to name a few.”
Special guests included Mayor John Whitmire, Dawn Buckingham; Jim and Whitney Crane, Tilman and Lauren Fertitta; Slim Thug, C.J. Stroud, Andre Johnson, Jalen Green, Jack McGlynn, Pat Mann Phillips, Micah McDonald, Debbie and Rudy Festari, Teressa Foglia, Ty Hays, Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees; Tony Bradfield, Lance and Alicia Smith, Derrick Shore, Brandon Bourque, Norman and Donna Lewis, and Fady Armanious.
Cotton Holdings is a leading disaster recovery and infrastructure support services, its rep said.
Whitney Crane, Zinat Ahmed and Sanette Austin (photo by Ashley Patranella)
Bun B serving Trill Burgers in the Gold Pony VIP Lounge (photo by Anzola Productions)
Pete Bell, Tilman Fertitta and Lauren Ware Fertitta (photo by Ashley Patanella)
Midland performs (photo by Anzola Productions).
Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson and Texans Quarterback C.J. Stroud (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)
Rose confetti cannons after the Champagne toast on opening night (photo by Painted Peacock Photography)