40, Fabulous — and Touting a Never-Before-Seen Bidding War — the Heart Ball Was a Bash to Beat 'Em All
Daniel Ortiz and Wilson Parrish
Feb. 20, 2024
Dance floor at the Heart Ball
ON THE EVENING of the American Heart Association's 40th-annual Houston Heart Ball, event chair Kelly Hackett gleefully welcomed more than 500 guests — many clad in rich shades of the night's signature color, red — to the ballroom of the Hilton Americas.
The gala also toasted the 100th anniversary of the national organization, and raised $1.25 million to further its life-saving work.
The night began with electric tunes courtesy of Demola, Houston's hippest violinist, who serenaded guests to their tables with a rendition of "I've Got a Feelin." Khambrel Marshall directed the evening from the stage, where featured speaker Wallis Marsh took to the mic to share his story of survival. Later, 16 honorees received a standing ovation for their tireless dedication to working toward health equity, whether that's via food security or heart health.
A live auction brought on a different kind of excitement and emotions. Led by Logan Thomas, the lively event touted vacations, jewelry and more. One especially fun moment was when gala chair Hackett engaged in a bidding war with Peter Fluor, all over a pair of ruby-and-diamond earrings, donated by Diamonds Direct. She eventually won — and walked over to Fluor to gift him the baubles!
Tunes courtesy of Midtown 10 Band, followed by a big balloon drop, closed out the evening.
Tim Singletary and JoAnne Houck
Alicia and Esmaeil Porsa
Angela and Chad Cole
Steve and Janna Roberson
Beth Wolff and Cheryl Byington
Russ Laberasca, DJ Warner and Damien LaPar
Leila Gilbert, Mona Williams, Liz Jameson
Beverly and Jim Postl
Kelly Hackett and Danielle Hammons
Bruce Padilla and Courtney Cole Hall
Jennifer and David Balevic
Jody Merritt and Christine Johnson
Judy and Russ Labrasca
Meryl Johnson and David McPherson
Julia Andrieni and Robert Phillips
DeeDee and Wallis Marsh with Jack and Julia
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Lucchese pops up in conjunction with the Rodeo Smoke Show at Truth BBQ.
THE HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW and Rodeo is right around the corner, and wearing chic western threads is a big part of the tradition. Lasso the look at these retail pop-ups — and wrangle up a little fun while on the hunt.
Miron Crosby Trunk Shows
Miron Crosby's Sophie boot
Join Miron Crosby Feb. 21 (4-8 pm) and Feb. 22 (10am-6pm) at its River Oaks shop for a rodeo celebration featuring trunk shows from some of MC’s favorite brands. Miron Crosby will be hosting La Vie Style House and Shiprock Santa Fe. Explore La Vie Style House’s one-size-fits all caftans and discover Shiprock Santa Fe’s captivating collection of historic and contemporary Native American artwork. Additionally featured will be Olympia Le Tan on consignment. Mark your calendars for March 8-10 (10am-6pm), as Lady Lancaster joins Miron Crosby with her unique denim and quilted clothing collection.
Kemo Sabe at Nan & Company
Kemo Sabe
Beginning Thursday, Feb. 22, through March 3, luxury real estate firm Nan and Company Properties in the Heights is hosting a pop-up fashion shop showcasing Kemo Sabe high-end western wear for men and women. The grand-opening VIP event is this Friday, Feb. 23, 4-7 pm — enjoy cocktails, light bites and live music. This collaboration and event are where luxury fashion meets home.
Tecovas Rice Village
Tecovas
Thursday, Feb. 22 (6-8pm), stylish Houstonian Lyndsey Zorich of The Avenue will join Tecovas for a hoedown and shopping fun including the unveiling of the new Tecovas rodeo collection. Up your rodeo style with curated looks by Lyndsey Zorich, along with live music, line dancing, and Pendleton Whiskey. Shop new styles, Tecovas boots, and score raffle tickets for RodeoHouston.
Rodeo Smoke Show at Truth BBQ
Lucchese at Truth BBQ
This Saturday, Feb. 24, 6 pm, Truth BBQ will host the Garden & Gun Rodeo Smoke Show, a lively evening of bourbon, mouthwatering barbecue, and artisan wares by top names in Western goods. The collaboration with Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Lucchese Bootmaker, and Garden & Gun , not only brings Texas smoked meats, unconventional sides and decadent desserts, but quality cocktails and live country music. Kick back in an exclusive lounge provided by Lucchese Bootmaker, where the artful, quality boots are available for purchase.
Shop until you drop at Texas-based Chap’s Choppin’ Tops, Hibiscus Linens, Kemo Sabe, Laura Goodson Art, Leather and Vodka, Modern Marla, and Richter Goods. Dance the night away to Palmer Anthony a Fort Worth, Texas-based singer-songwriter with a Red Dirt flare, and The Ransom Brothers, hailing from Austin, Texas, and epitomizing the spirit of Southern country rock. Tickets ($85) can be purchased here.
Four Seasons' Kemo Sabe Pop-Up
Kemo Sabe pops up with handmade sterling treasures at the Four Seasons.
Downtown’s Four Seasons Hotel will be home to the Kemo Sabe retail pop-up during the Houston Livestock and Rodeo championship week, March 12-17 (10am-6pm). The renowned maker of custom Western-inspired luxury boots, hats, belt buckles and accessories will stage a mini outpost in the hotel’s expansive lobby. Come primed to shop for Texas-crafted Kemo Sabe Grit hats, Grit boots, and handmade buckles with customizing available for each. Other popular Kemo Sabe finds include vintage jewelry, belts, western apparel, knives, leather goods and more. Let the Kemo Sabe team work with you to craft a custom piece!
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