Photos by Jhane Hoang
Styling by Leslie Rivas-Kelly
Model Krystle Wilson for Neil Hamil Agency
Hair and makeup by Bianca Linette
Photography assistance by Josue Salinas
Styling assistance by Tanesha Seafous
CIS 2024 Gala Honorary Co-Chair Judy Tate, Co-Chair Lauren Brollier, Co-Chair Cassie Milam, Honorary Co-Chair Kirby McCool
Chaired by philanthropists Lauren and John Brollier and Cassie and John Milam, with honorary chairs Kirby and Scott McCool and Judy and Charles Tate, the magical evening supporting the valuable and impactful work of CIS of Houston begins at 6:30pm with a cocktail hour, then dinner and the program. Rounding out the event is live entertainment by the popular Houston-based band Klockwork. Guests can dance the night away, starting at 9pm.
The always diverse crowd makes for a dynamic event. Party-goers are encouraged to dress in “Wonderland Whimsy Cocktail” attire, with the goal of fun and festive. Cocktail attire is also a great option.
Don Friedell and emcee Lisa Malosky at a previous CIS Gala
Attendees at a previous CIS Gala
A full ballroom at a prior CIS Gala
CIS of Houston's Martha Montoya Sanchez with Northbrook High School seniors
CIS of Houston CEO Lisa Descant and CIS of Houston Dir. of Development Donna Watkins with CareSource Foundation
Special guest at the 45th Anniversary Gala is Rey Saldaña, President & CEO of Communities In Schools National in Arlington, VA. During the program, guests will view a powerful video about the life-changing work of CIS Houston, in addition to hearing heartwarming testimonials, bringing a personal touch to the evening.
Funds raised from A Night in Wonderland will support the CIS mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Currently serving 163 campuses across Greater Houston, CIS places at least one full-time CIS Student Support Manager on each partner campus to deliver comprehensive direct services including counseling, academic support and health and human services.
The chairs want to thank the event’s top-tier donors to date: Judy and Charles Tate; CenterPoint Energy; Sharon G. Dies; The Marie and James H. Galloway Foundation; Beth and Bob Gower; and Marathon Oil.
Tickets are going fast! They start at $500, and tables for 10 range from $5,000 through $50,000. Underwriting opportunities are still available.
Judy Tate (photo by Emily Jaschke)
Scott and Kirby McCool
Kit Detering, Cassie Milam, Carl Detering (photo by Jenny Antill)
Sharon G. Dies and Lauren Brollier
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JUN is hosting a special Lunar New Year dinner (photo by Luke Chang)
January 23: Mutiny Wine Room’s Fifth Anniversary
Mutiny Wine Room in the Heights is celebrating five years with a bash. Enjoy the exclusive release of Kagan Cellars' 2019 Vintages and a grazing table from chef Eduardo, plus discounts on wine club memberships.
January 27: Kata Robata’s Southern Smoke Dinner
Chef Chris Shepherd and Chef Manabu Hori
Chris Shepherd and Chef Manabu Hori of Kata Robata are joining forces for a multi-course dinner to celebrate Houston’s vibrant culinary community. The evening is raising funds for Southern Smoke Foundation, Shepherds’ Houston-based nonprofit that helps hospitality workers in need — including those affected by the L.A. fires.
January 29: Lunar New Year Fundraiser at JUN
JUN is celebrating the Lunar New Year with Wine & Dine XV. This fundraiser for World Central Kitchen features a four-course dinner prepared by Chef Suu Khin and Chef Henry Lu with an option wine pairing. World Central Kitchen is also on the ground in L.A. helping those affected by the fires.
January 30: Plume Cocktail Bar X Feges BBQ Dinner
Super-chic Plume is taking steak nights to a whole new level. The pitmasters of Feges BBQ are firing up a premium six-ounce porcini-rubbed grilled hanger steak, with rich, flavorful romesco sauce and roasted cauliflower for $30. Don’t miss Mostly Chocolate's chocolate truffles and cookies, as well as Cosmic Ice Cream’s classic vanilla treat for dessert!
February 6: Littorai Wine Dinner at MARCH
MARCH (photo by Julie Soefer)
Recent Michelin star recipient MARCH is hosting a five-course tasting menu with pairings from Littorai Wines, one of California's most iconic wineries. The evening toasts Littorai’s 30th anniversary and includes rare vintages from the 1990s through present-day.
Snacks and apps at 1891 (photo by Andrew Hemingway)
1891 American Eatery & Bar
Appetizer platter at 1891 (photo by Andrew Hemingway)
This Heights neighborhood hangout has a couple of options for party platters that include everyone's favorite part: snacks!!! One has crispy pork rinds; corn chips with smoked queso; and cornbread bites with jalapeno jam (serves 8-10, $60.99). And another inclues soft pretzels with chili-crunch butter and smoked queso; pimento cheese with tortilla chips and "wickles;" and hot honey ribs (serves 8-10, $89.99). Need something a little bigger? Snag 12 sliders smothered in spiced aioli, cheddar cheese and grilled onions for just $59.99.
Buttermilk Baby
Gameball Cake (courtesy of Carvel)
No party is compete without dessert! Score a Gameball Cake (serves 10-12, $29.99) made with Carvel ice cream from Buttermilk Baby, also in the Heights. The three-layer ice-cream cake includes vanilla ice cream and chocolate ice cream, separated by a layer of the brand’s famous Chocolate Crunchies. Cakes are available for walk-in pickup at Buttermilk Baby, or call the restaurant to place an order.
Candente
Beef fajitas at Candente (photo by Jenn Duncan)
Tex-Mex made with smoked goodness? Sign us up. Candente's Fajita Feast — mesquite-smoked chicken or beef fajitas with all the fixings — can be scaled to feed up to 50 people (10lb, $999).
Hugo's
Carnitas at Hugo's
Opt for the usual suspects — carnitas, enchliadas, taquitos, and quarts upon quarts of margaritas and other large-format cocktails — or choose the mouthwatering Carne Brava Family Meal. It comes with 1lb of marinated wood-grilled skirt steak, onions, poblano peppers, salsa and a dozen corn tortillas ($55).
Phat Eatery
The delectable restaurant with locations in Katy and The Woodlands supplies some fun twists on standard game-day fare. Try the salt-and-pepper wings — breaded, fried salt-and-pepper style with red onion, jalapeño, Thai basil, and a 13-spice house blend. They come with a choice of sweet mango chili or Phat curry sauce. Or, for a little variety, snag a party tray of Malaysian street food. Phat's famous roti canai with curry dip; equally famous and award-winning beef rendang; satay skewers; stir-fried noodles and veggies; and salt-and-pepper calamari are among the options. Choose a half-tray or full tray.
The Savoy
This Third Ward bar has an electric game-day atmosphere, but is catering to at-home parties, too! Its Super Bowl special offering is the Savoy Super Platter with a whopping 300 wings, naked or in a variety of sauces, with fries for $450. Preorders are required and can be made on The Savoy's website.
Tipsy Treats To-Go
Level up the bar with a selection of two dozen grab-and-go frozen craft cocktails. This fun spot on the Southwest Freeway has great deals on offer for Super Bowl weekend, including a half-gallon of frozen sidecars for $60; a gallon of Shan's Lemon Drops for $100; and 8oz variety packs starting at $50. It's also a one-stop shop for food, with gallons of gumbo and chili, red beans and rice, and scratch-made fried chicken available for pickup as well.
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