Photos by Samantha Jane Beatty
Styling by Kate Stukenberg
Grooming by Tonya Riner for Page Parkes Agency
Models Madison Johnston for Wallflower Management and Jake Atterberry for Page Parkes Agency
Photo assistance by John Lewis
Styling assistance by Molly Jodeit
Men’s styling consulting by Cody Sever
and Whitney Wiggins for M Penner
Shot on location at Hotel Alessandra in Downtown
Marita Fairbanks, Palmer Schooley, Kasi Kubiak and Connor Estes
The decked-out patrons perused a silent auction featuring art exclusively from Houston artists to the sounds of The Charlie Trio Band, and enjoyed cocktails from LALO Tequila and Boheme. Following cocktail hour, a dinner from Hungry’s was served while radio personality Sarah Pepper emceed the night, and also hosted a live auction that included a trip to Paris!
Fresh Arts executive director Angela Carranza was cut off during her closing remarks by the White Rabbit, who announced that everyone was very late for an important date! As the lights dimmed “Heads Will Roll” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs played, and a 10-foot Red Queen appeared to usher all the guests to the awaiting dance party!
DJ Hiram kept revelers on their feet, while bubbles, with the gas from dry ice trapped inside, poured onto the dance floor. One touch of the bubble released the gas to dazzling effect.
“The Wonder Ball transported guests into a world of wonder and imagination,” said Carranza of the over-the-top evening. “Every detail spoke to the power of imagination, and our supporters wholeheartedly embraced the theme, showcasing an impressive diversity of creativity.”
Pizza from Betelgeuse Betelgeuse and popsicles from Wonder Pops HTX were served on the dancefloor as the party continued until close to midnight. Funds raised from the gala will go toward supporting Fresh Arts long-anticipated return to Winter Street Studios following the 2022 fire.
Cole and Lulia Rockman and David Nelo
Bob and Cynthia Card
Matt Manalo and Sarah Darro
Rouzi and Eva Sagisaka
Sha Samiuddin, Gabriel Luna, Andrew Carlin and Chris Cuellar
Annabeth Turcios, Christopher Manriquez, Ruby Rivera and Cynthia Rojas
Brigitte Kalai, Ghada Ali, Lance McCullers Jr. and Christine Johnson
The truly heart-felt annual tradition, always held in early February, offers praise for generous community leaders, and support for the Mission of Yahweh. The annual event was created by Anne Carl, Deborah Duncan, Sylvia Forsythe, Kim Moody, Warner Roberts and Alicia Smith, who were all on hand for this year’s 13th annual celebration.
Pro pitcher McCullers’ fellow 2024 Sweethearts included his wife Tara, who couldn’t make the event as she was home tending to the couple’s new baby daughter, as well as Elsie Eckert, Scott Evans and Stacey Lindseth. The baseball star kindly schmoozed the gathered crowd of about 100.
The Houston Sweethearts Tea took place in Saks’ Designer Rotunda, with new GM Heidi Parkhurst Turney — returning to the Houston store after having served as its assistant manager in the past — offering a kind welcome. “I’m extremely happy to be back in Houston and surrounded by such an incredible group of people,” she gushed.
The Mission of Yahweh has been serving homeless women and children since 1961, according to organizers of the event. Charly Gay, the granddaughter of the founder of The Mission, was on hand to represent the beloved nonprofit. Other VIP guests included Betty Tutor, Brigitte Kalai, Sidney Faust, Cora Sue Mach, Lilly Andress, Christine Johnson, Mary Ann and David McKeithan, Ann Ayre, Nini Hale, Cheryl Byington, Anna Dean, Beth Wolff, Donae Chramosta, Jacquie Baly, Ellie Francisco, Kirk Kveton and Daniel Irion.
Deborah Duncan and Kim Moody
Brigitte Kalai, John Calton and Alicia Smith
Beth Muecke and Stacey Lindseth
Angie Roberts, Lance McCullers Jr and Warner Roberts
Ellie Francisco and Lesha Elsenbrook
Al Lindseth, Stacey Lindseth, Donae Chramosta and Brianna Hurdle
Charly Gay and Pam Lockard
Roz Pastor, Lesha Elsenbrook, Vicki Rizzo and Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman
Stacey Lindseth, Lance McCullers Jr., Elsie Eckert and Scott Evans