Gelato and Giving Back: Una Notte Italiana for Vita Living

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 Italianaraised more than $207,000 in support of lifelong care for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.


In true Italian style, the evening began with a lively cocktail hour featuring Aperol Spritzes and a silent auction. Top items included a six-night Colorado retreat, a private casita stay in the Yucatán, and Golden Koi, a striking photograph by Joe C. Aker. Guests.

Dinner in the ballroom followed, where guests — dressed in bright Italian summer colors — enjoyed an Italian meal and an inspiring program. Emcee Kip Altstaetter opened the evening, followed by remarks from CEO Joseph Cooper and event co-chairs Kristen Perrin, Pamela Perilloux and Bryan P. Smith. A moving video presentation highlighted testimonials from those touched by Vita Living’s work.

The live auction brought plenty of energy, led by auctioneer Johnny Bravo. The night ended on a sweet note with an After Event Toast and gelato bar, where guests finished the night in dolce vita fashion.

Kara Willis, Chacole Santiago

Allison Padon and Luke Fechtman

Christina O'Donnell and Larry O'Donnell

Isabel Wynn, Livi Ingram, and Larkin Steen

John Hoffman, Beth Hoffman

Johnny Bravo

Niki Galbert, Lorrie Chretien

Myrla Menn, Roberto Vanegas, and Myrla Vanegas

Peter Cawthorne, Krystyna Cawthrone, John Hoffman, Beth Hoffman

Parties

ON MARCH 29, the same day Beyoncé dropped her celebrated Cowboy Carter album and sent Nashville’s most prickish pundits into a tizzy, Texas icon Willie Nelson and young buck Orville Peck released their duet, “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other,” further scrambling the brains of close-minded country fans with the catchy refrain: “Say, what do you think all them saddles and boots was about?”

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Julia Davis, Sophia Cantu, Christiana Reckling, Julia Hotze, Randa McConn

AN INTIMATE GATHERING of around 125 guests toasted the 25th anniversary of Rienzi, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's house of European decorative arts. Beautiful blooms in shades of pink, white and blue, complemented by blue-toile linens, were found all around the verdant grounds, illuminated by simply chic string lights hanging from above.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties