This SEARCH party at the Tasting Room rounded up funds for uniforms for homeless children

Whoever said that nothing much happens in Houston during the summer just hasn't been paying attention to the myriad events taking place at venues around the city. The most recent happening — a benefit for SEARCH — drew more than 250 involved citizens who wouldn't let a drought or soaring temps diminish the party mood.

Of course, there's never a drought at The Tasting Room and Tuesday night was no exception. Thanks to owners Laura and Jerry Lasco, the wine and less potent libations flowed as guests ponied up $20 for a school uniform voucher that entitled them to a free pizza. The fundraiser was sponsored by BoyarMiller, Brand Extract, CultureMap and The Tasting Room.

The month-long program runs through July 26th when a celebration will be held at The Tasting Room at CityCentre. The goal is to raise $10,000 via the sale of those $20 uniform vouchers (the purchase of which entitles you to one of The Tasting Room's yummy artisanal pizzas). In addition, on Tuesday 15 percent of the value of every bottle or case of wine sold went into the SEARCH kitty and for every glass of wine sold $1 was added.

Key players making the scene included BoyarMiller chairman Chris Hanslik and wife Catherine, BoyarMiller founding shareholders Bill Boyar and Gary Miller, The Tasting Room owners Laura and Jerry Lasco, CultureMap CEO Stephen Newman and wife Katharine, CultureMap president Nic Phillips, and Connie and Troy Pike. Pike is president of Parker Uniforms which is helping SEARCH buy the school uniforms at cost. And loving the entire scene was SEARCH executive director Thao Costis.

The partying throng included Tena Faust, Tama Lundquist, Tim Moloney, Karyl Van Tassel, Jennifer Arriaga-Gindorf, Ellen Elam, Ashley Wehrly, Meredith Philipp, Laurie and Art Huffman, Charla and George Wilson and Amy Pierce.