With Real Emmy Statues as Centerpieces, a Lively Luncheon Raises $250,000 for HSPVA

Jeff Fitlow
With Real Emmy Statues as Centerpieces, a Lively Luncheon Raises $250,000 for HSPVA

Kerry & Charles Walker and Alex Lazar

THE SUN WAS shining as more than 300 supporters gathered on the rooftop gardens of POST for Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.


As they entered, guests enjoyed the sounds of not one but two student-led string quartets as they perused a sculpture garden of ceramic pieces, also created by HSPVA artists. The luncheon honored Kinder HSPVA alumna and eight-time Emmy winner Rachelle Mendez — whose Emmy statues were used as centerpieces on the head tables! Mendez has produced Netflix’s Queer Eye and Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo along with other notable shows.

As lunch by Cafe Natalie was served, the lively program began, with fun moments like a Legally Blonde-themed pop music tribute, and moving ones including a speech from Texas Poet Laureate Lupe Mendez. There was also a performance by Kinder HSPVA’s award-winning Mariachi Los Pasajeros.

The luncheon raised $250,000 to be used for the school’s arts supplies, adjunct faculty, and specialized equipment and technology.

Duke & CC Ensell, Brandon Weinbrenner & Mitchell Greco

Kinder HSPVA's Mariachi Los Pasajeros

Bob Boblitt & Serena Paquette

Tucker Irey

Kim Falconer and Megan Lembcke

Algenita Scott Davis and Wendy Montoya Cloonan

Grayson & Chiarra Stratton, Marcus & Melanie Manning

Rachelle Mendez and Alene Coggin

Emily Schreiber and Austin Thomas

Stephanie Beveridge and Chris Powers

Parties
Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

Keep Reading Show less

A giant astronaut now looks over Discovery Green where the PCMA conference will host its opening event

AMAL CLOONEY, LIZ Cheney and Brené Brown will be in Houston this week to speak at the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual conference. Houston First is bringing the conference — for meeting-planners who work on behalf of companies and associations to book conventions — to town. Houston First president and CEO Michael Heckman has referred to the event as “the Super Bowl of our industry,” as the organization hopes to book $200 million in new incremental business over the next five years.

Keep Reading Show less

Windsor Fire cocktail at Marigold Club

HOUSTON BARS AND restaurants are making the most of Dry January by revamping their cocktail and mocktail lists. Increasingly, patrons are searching for non- and low-alcoholic options to capitalize on health and wellness benefits — and the city's best mixologists are taking note. Standard offerings like a virgin mule or a fun lemonade remain, but read on for some of the more inventive mocktails you'll find on menus around town!

Keep Reading Show less
Food