Hitting a High Note

Even though Hurricane Harvey displaced the HGO from its home in the Wortham, patrons and staff found much to celebrate at this year’s Opera Ball. Held at the impossibly glam Post Oak Hotel, the white-tie event channeled Old-Hollywood style, with a ballroom that recalled a swanky supper club on Sunset Boulevard. The Encore after-party continued well into the night, and included a Champagne toast, specialty cocktails dubbed “Fred” and “Ginger,” and plenty of dancing. The night raised more than $1.25 million.


Audrey Defforey and Hayden Lasher McGuiness
Special
Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less

Ally Shell and Martijn van Koolwijk

BLAME IT ON the Moon! Mercury Chamber Orchestra’s 2025 gala at the Thompson hotel — themed “Moonlight Serenade and chaired by Ally Shell and Martijn Van Koolwijk — was a night of glamour and big band vibes, raising more than $350,000 for the company.

Keep Reading Show less
Art+Culture

Glenda and Russell Gordy and Alicia and Garrett Gordy (photo by Wilson Parish)

EVEN AS RODEO season winds down, the party people at the Stage Houston theater company were still donning boots and shouting yahoo — and taking in a record haul of $1.4 million!

Keep Reading Show less