A Polished, Posh Crowd Fetes the Twin Sisters of PetSet and Their Animal-Loving Cause

Quy Tran
A Polished, Posh Crowd Fetes the Twin Sisters of PetSet and Their Animal-Loving Cause

Tena Faust, Brigitte Kalaifor, Tama Lundquist

FOR THE 17TH time, Houston's In Crowd came together for a chic event benefitting one of its favorite causes.


"Houstonians came out in full force and opened their hearts and wallets to make this year's gala a resounding success," said a rep for organizers of the annual Fierce and Fabulous Soirée in support of Houston PetSet, which provides grants to Houston area animal charities and is committed to spaying, neutering, rescuing, adopting, and otherwise caring for the city's homeless pet population.

Guest tippled and mingled and perused the silent auction in the vestibule outside the ballroom at The Post Oak Hotel, at a spirited cocktail hour before entering the dining room for dinner and the evening's program. Highlights of the evening included a live auction and remarks by PetSet's longtime leading ladies, twin sisters Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust. They were joined this year by Brigitte Kalaifor as co-chair. Deborah Duncan was a vivacious and sometime musical emcee, and Jan Duncan, the honoree of the evening, delivered moving remarks via video.

Faces in the crowd included Susan and Denis DeBakey, NickBoulle, Denis Boulle, Bill King, Tracy and Harry Faulkner, Peter Farrell, Sandra Smith-Cooperand, Matthew Cooper, Jamie and John Sparacino, Jonathan Cooper, Courtney Hopson, Ellen Weitz, Elaine and Tim Day, Melissa and Michael Mithoff and Trini Mendenhall. Other VIPs such as Sue Smith, Les Alexander and Don Sanders attended the event remotely.

Allison Bereswell, Nick Boulle

Cheryl Byington

Debra Law, Harriett Gertner

Doug Sain, Erin O'Neill

Harry and Tracy Faulkner

Jamie and John Sparacino

Jeff and Kathryn Smith

Jimmy and Betsy Montgomery

Marnie Greenwood, Josh Green

Max Meeks, Kristen Cannon

Melissa and Michael Mithoff

Natascha LaFranchesca, Rob Rutherford, Mauney Mafridge

Tim and Elaine Day

Parties
‘Natural Passion’ Makes Fourth-Gen Houstonian Sarah Callaway Sulma a Realty Star

AS A FOURTH-generation Houstonian, Sarah Callaway Sulma has a unique and invaluable view of the city. Her deep seeded connection to Houston led her down the path to becoming one the city's most well-respected, and renowned real estate agents. Sarah's natural passion for the real estate industry from a young age led her to where she is today. "I know that it sounds cheesy, but it is the truth! I wanted to be in real estate from a young age," Sarah shares. "The late-great restaurateur, Tony Vallone, put me together with real estate legend, Martha Turner, and Martha put me together with Cathy Cagle. The rest is history-13 years of success and counting!" Now with over 13 years in real estate and $55M+ in residential real estate sales, Sarah brings a rare combination of knowledge, skill, and advocacy to each one of her clients.

Keep ReadingShow less

THE MEANING OF “cool” evolves. In the ’50s you might have thought greasers were cool, with their leather jackets à la Danny Zuko. In the ’70s, a long-haired activist or a Studio 54 reveler in Halston. In the ’80s, a Wall Street master of the universe?

Keep ReadingShow less
People + Places

Gong Cha's Pride Lemon Ai Love Yu bubble tea (photo by Jayna Kropas)

HOUSTON RESTAURANTS, BARS and other venues are getting in on the month of fun with specials and donation opportunities in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. From glittering rainbow cake to eye-popping cocktails and rooftop movies, check out these local spots.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food