Justin Yu, Chris Shepherd, Robert Del Grande and Hugo Ortega
Carrie Wirsing and Jeanette Jenkins
Olivia Barboza, Wesley Gow and Audrey Gow
“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
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Heather Almond, Elia Gabbanelli, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson and Tara Martin (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)
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)