Photos by Steven Visneau
Styling by René Garza
Models Grayson Auld and Mila Connally for Page Parkes Agency, Bay Berger for Neal Hamil Agency, and Brandon Connor
Makeup by Wendy Martin for Page Parkes Agency
Styling Assistance by Molly Jodeit
Hair by Zackery Chapa for Hue Salon
Shot on location at the Memorial home of Michael and Lisa Holthouse
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
Robert Clay, Dana Barton, Bobbie Nau and Tony Bradfield
Some “350 guests marveled at intricate French-inspired centerpieces featuring roses of varying colors and candelabras,” said a Symphony rep of the black-tie affair. “Upon arrival, guests mingled while admiring a variety of outstanding wines and spirits part of the silent auction and grazed on light bites including duck cigars, pimento cheese gougères and arancini.”
After guests were seated, a starter of Ora King Salmon with satsuma and parsnip was presented, followed by a rich ravioli filled with short rib, red onion and fig. Filet mignon with pommes puree, creamed spinach and a topping of sauce chasseur was the main course. For dessert: pavlova with strawberry, Chantilly cream and lemon curd.
The sold-out event, chaired by Nancy and Bryan Ruez, with help from wine auction chair was Jack Matzer, raised more than $850,000 for Houston Symphony’s education and community-engagement initiatives, per the company. VIP guests included Jesse Tutor, Bobbie Nau, Margaret Alkek Williams, Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees, Vicki West, Ralph Burch, Daniel Irion, Kirk Kveton, Elia Gabbanelli, Robert Sakowitz, Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook, Jacquie Baly and James Craig.
Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees
Margaret Alkek Williams and John Mangum
Aerin and Quentin Smith
Ann and Jonathan Ayre
Chairs Nancy and Bryan Ruez
Elia and Michael Gabbanelli
Elizabeth Colombowala, Valerie Dieterich, Ann Ayre, Rachel Ellsworth
Kirk Kveton and Daniel Irion
Eric and Lisa Lindsey
A rendering of Hotel Saint Augustine (courtesy of Lake Flato Architects and Ten Eyck Landscape Architect)
From the acclaimed Bunkhouse group, Montrose’s elegant Hotel Saint Augustine will feature all-day restaurant Perseid alongside an intimate lobby bar plus event spaces also helmed by chef-restaurateur Bludorn. The menu will pay homage to the global influences defining Houston’s food through dishes that sit at the intersection of refined comfort and classic technique.
"Perseid is a bistro through the eyes of Houston," Bludorn said in a statement. "Meaning, we are using the ingredients and inspiration from Houston’s diverse population to create a bistro menu that is accessible and exciting. My inspiration is drawn from bistros in Paris and Lyon and their ability to be consistent and timeless. I have always thought, ‘What if we had that, but with Houston as a backdrop?’ and now we will with Perseid."
Meanwhile, at still new but profoundly popular Bar Bludorn in Hedwig Village, things are really heating up. For more on our first visit, see here.
A rendering of Perseid (courtesy of Post Company)
Partners in Bludorn, Cherif Mbodji and Aaron Bludorn (photo by Julie Soefer)
