The timing couldn't have been better for the annual "A Night in Havana" charity bash that on Saturday saw more than 600 revelers pour onto the steamy garden grounds and into the air-conditioned disco scene at Concepción in Montrose. The tropical rains had subsided. A summer breeze blew. Even Castro hit the scene.
Make that a 10-foot Castro on stilts, who lent a surreal element to the Cubano-themed night that was sultry in many ways. The garden flamed with torchieres and, inside the restaurant, furnishings were moved out for disco light boxes and white linen-covered banquettes, those on the second floor reserved for VIPs.
For the fourth annual mid-summer charity fundraiser, hosted by a close-knit group of young philanthropists, the mojitos and margaritas flowed and the cigars flared. Cigar chief Matt Harris outfitted the cigar girl with 50 Croft stogies but for many of the players it was BYOC. Case in point, "A Night in Havana" ringleader John Andell with his own smoke and his smokin' hot wife Stacy.
A 10-foot Castro on stilts lent a surreal element to the Cubano-themed night that was sultry in many ways.
She was one among many Cute Young Things that sauntered through the party scene in body-sculpting dresses or short shorts that were, shall we say, cheeky. What's a hot summer noche without muy picante fashions? And without sizzling tunes — those provided by DJ Senega.
Each year, the party planners select a different charity to receive proceeds from the event. Saturday's take is earmarked for the Broach Foundation for Brain Cancer Research.
Organizers included Kelly and Jay Cliburn, Emily and John McAleer, Katie and Anil Mahendra, Peter Bales, James Easterling and Jamie DeMore, Hasti Taghi and James Gietz, James Zafereo, Ember and John Paul Hull and Elizabeth and Scott McKnight.
