Raise a Glass

Famed Houston real estate developer Welcome Wilson celebrated his 90th birthday in style — that is, with 500 of his closest pals! One of the first events hosted at the new Post Oak Hotel, his bash was attended by beloved politicians and fellow philanthropists, who made donations in Wilson’s name to UH’s Jack J. Valenti School of Communications. And culture vultures hit the Hobby Center for an exclusive, intimate performance by the O’Jays. The show, put on by Music with Friends, was bookended by Champagne-savvy receptions.

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Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

What year was your organization launched? 1938

What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.

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Gelato and Giving Back: Una Notte Italiana for Vita Living

Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn, and David Guion

VITA LIVING WELCOMED over 300 guests to its annual Pearls of Wisdom Fiesta at the River Oaks Country Club. This year’s dinner — themed Una Notte Italiana — raised more than $207,000 in support of lifelong care for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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parties

With Buenos Aires Theme and Warm Goodbye to a Longtime Leader, Alley Ball Takes the Stage

Derrick Shore, Tom Mays and Owen Conflenti (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

THE ALWAYS MEMORABLE Alley Theatre ball took on special significance this year, becoming not just a sexy Post Oak Hotel soiree — with “A Buenos Aires Affair” as the theme, nodding to the company’s production of Noël Coward’s Private Lives — but also an emotional sendoff to retiring longtime Managing Director Dean Gladden. It raised $1.3 million to boot.

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