More than 500 supporters of the Children’s Museum of Houston donned scary-chic gowns, makeup and accessories for the elaborate Día de los Muertos gala. Bergner & Johnson Design adorned the walls, ceilings, tables and more with images of sugar skulls and marigolds, while Jackson & Company served an inspired spread of stuffed jalapenos, spicy steak and Mexican wedding cookies. An exciting live auction and raffle included a nearly $16,000 pair of his-and-hers Rolex watches, courtesy of Deutsch Houston. The night’s total till topped $1 million. Meanwhile, the Ronald McDonald House also raised nearly a mil at its annual Boo Ball, held at the Hilton-Americas. Costume-clad revelers enjoyed Halloween-inspired fare like the Witches Brew dessert. Spooktacular!
Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala
WHETHER YOU PREFER Alice, the Mad Hatter or the Queen of Hearts, Communities In Schools of Houston’s A Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary GalaA Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary Galais not to be missed! Join in the celebration for a whimsical good time on Thursday, April 4th, at the luxurious Post Oak Hotel.
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
THE LATEST IN a series of hot spots from serial restaurateur Ben Berg, Prime 131 may just be his hottest one yet.
We mean that literally: The live-fire steakhouse and sushi restaurant just bowed in a revamped industrial space called The Docks at Timbergrove. Designed to recall New York’s Meatpacking District in the ’90s, the restaurant occupies what was once a factory; an old crane was painted red and hangs from the ceiling, above original polished-concrete floors.
There are four central wood-fire grills, and two Josper charcoal ovens, plus a sushi bar and four Korean-barbecue-style tables.
Stadium-style seating in the main dining room ensures that all patrons are treated to a great view of the grills, chefs, and fellow guests. According to Berg, his OG steakhouse B&B Butchers & Restaurant has an oft-requested table in its main dining room — Table 131.
“This restaurant has been marinating in my mind for a long �me and I’m excited to finally bring it to life,” he said in a statement. “Our first steak-centric concept since the success of B&B Butchers 9 years ago, Prime 131 is a testament to our commitment to providing unforgettable moments and exceptional food for Houstonians.”
It’s the first restaurant opening since Berg onboarded Regional Culinary Director Alisher Yallaev and Executive Pastry Chef Ruchit Harneja. Yallaev says that Prime 131’s menu differs from a traditional steakhouse in the sense that a standard appetizer-entrée-side-dessert order need not apply. “We designed a menu that the entire table can share as it comes off the grill,” he says.
Unique plates include chicken-fried lobster and salt-grilled branzino, plus a mouthwatering selection of USDA Prime cuts, along with American, Australian and Japanese Wagyu “ranging from A5 and Snow Beef to Kobe.” Harneja’s desserts include Skillet Fudge: República del Cacao Mexican chocolate, brown butter ice cream and frosted pecans. Alternatively, roast your own s’mores at your table.
To drink, expect cocktails that also may bring to mind Manhattan in the ’90s: Appletini or Miami Vice, anyone? Plus, the wine list tops 150 labels.
Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ
Inside Prime 131
Retro Cocktails
S'mores
Prime 131
THE 2024 RODEO season has come to an end. Usually known for world-class concerts, BBQ and the can’t miss wine garden, the rodeo can now add high-fashion to its list of credentials — thanks to an article and very popular social media posts from the bible of fashion, Vogue.
The article by Houstonian Amber Elliott, with photos by NNoema Ajiwe, opens backstage at Bun B’s epic takeover concert, where Bun talks about the rise in popularity of westernwear. He credits Pharrell Williams at Louis Vuitton, Beyonce’s highly anticipated Mrs. Carter album, and “the horse-girlification of Bella Hadid.”
Across an expansive pictorial, rodeo-goers of all ages and genders are highlighted for their unique take on westernwear. Vogue makes a note that disco-cowgirl is still very much a trend. Thanks, Beyonce!
The diverse group includes Victor Martin by a churro stand on the fairgrounds in sequin leopard pants and jacket with even louder accessories; Ashley Butler in a Prada bolo; and Brandon Citizen in a vintage jacket passed down from his late father. Looks like RodeoHouston is officially Anna Wintour approved!