parties

Grammy-Winning Ensemble Hits a High Note, Honors Founders at its First Gala Since 2019

Jeff Grass
Grammy-Winning Ensemble Hits a High Note, Honors Founders at its First Gala Since 2019

Marianna Parnas-Simpson and Robert Simpson

MORE THAN 150 supporters of the Grammy-winning Houston Chamber Choir filtered into the Petroleum Club for a magical, musical evening honoring founder and artistic director Robert Simpson and Marianna Parnas-Simpson.

A VIP cocktail reception — complete with bubbly and bourbon — preceded the main event, which kicked off with a silent auction accompanied by pianist Marvin Gaspard. Magician Scott Hollingsworth made his way around the room, wowing guests who were simply pleased to be gathering in person for the first time since 2019.

Following a performance by the Houston Chamber Choir, gala-goers enjoyed dinner and a video tribute to the Simpsons, who gave remarks to the audience. Marianna’s emotional and gracious speech included references to her birth in Ukraine and upbringing in Russia, while Robert thanked the board and donors profusely for their support.

Thanks in part to a unique live auction — items included things like an opportunity to guest-conduct a rehearsal — the evening garnered more than $160,000. Talk about a high note!

Jack Byrom, Greg Goedecke

Emily Hobson, April Harris

Yesely Love, Masha Field

William and Heather Orr

HCC singers

Paula Cordoba, Carolina Borja

Dean Barkley Thompson, Jay Jones

John Catalani, Doreen Stoller, Bill McKenzie, Cece Fowler

Joshua Wilson, Kelli Lawless, Rebecca Castillo, Rachael Castillo

Amanda and Jacob Malinoff

Alli and Sean Bittner

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Parties
promoted

Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less
parties

Rodeo Season Alights with Record-Breaking (and Vibrant!) Trailblazers To-Do

Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith and Deborah Duncan

A WHOPPING 2,100 people showed up to toast the 25th annivesrary of the Trailblazers Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show, one of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo's most successful events.

Keep Reading Show less
Style
parties

'Homemade' Haute! Runway Show at Tootsies Raises $75K for At-Risk Kids

Lisa Rich, Jessica Givens, Coco Lu

BETWEEN AN EXCITING raffle and runway show, Homemade Hope's fash bash at Tootsies was a truly tasteful success! More than 160 well heeled attendees also enjoyed browsing the season's most stylish offerings and chatting with Homemade Hope's executive director, Blair Bentley Ozenbaugh, about its mission to support at-risk children via mentoring and culinary lessons.

Keep Reading Show less
Style