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    Shelby's Social Diary

    International glamour and diplomacy reign at Museum of Fine Arts Islamic arts gala

    Shelby Hodge
    shelby hodge
    Jan 26, 2013 | 5:42 pm

    The city's rich international profile was never more vibrantly witnessed than Friday night when the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston celebrated the premiere of the new permanent gallery dedicated to arts of the Islamic world. The biennial black-tie gala, supporting this initiative, resonated with a cultural communion that brought diplomacy, politics and partying together in one beautiful evening.

    Beyond the stunning allure of the cosmopolitan coterie of 400 guests, the beauty of the pieces from the al-Sabah Collection from Kuwait mesmerized those who made their way from the intense socializing in the museum's north foyer to the new gallery.

    "These are not possessions for they are possessions in their own right that prove to go beyond boundaries."

    Guest of honor was Sheikha Hussah Sabah al-Salem al Sabah, director general and co-founder of the Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah organization which provided some 60 objects on long-term loan to the MFAH. In brief remarks to the dinner assemblage, she noted the U.S. role in freeing Kuwait from the arms of Iraq and the bond formed therein. Of the works being shared, she said, "These are not possessions for they are possessions in their own right that prove to go beyond boundaries."

    The committee that organized the evening, which raised close to $450,000, was comprised of Zeina Fares, Rania Daniel, Monsour Taghdisi, Franci Crane, Sima Ladjevardian, Sultana Mangalji, Sabiha Rehmatulla, Vahid Kooros, Aliyya Stude, Dr. Cenk Ozdogan and Frank Hevrdejs.

    Contributing further to the evening's riches were Franci and Jim Crane and Zeina and Nijad Fares, who purchased a 17th century Safavid ceramic bottle (valued at $89,000) for the collection.

    It might be noted that the evening marked MFAH director Gary Tinterow's first anniversary with the museum and thus his first Arts of the Islamic World gala.

    The vibrant tableau included oversized wall projections of Islamic art motifs, a Middle Eastern-flavored music and dance presentation and the seductive sounds of DJ Hector. City Kitchen provided the impressive Middle Eastern-flavored repast.

    Among out-of-town guests soaking up the brilliant ambiance were Mimi and Bill Gates, parents of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates III. She is director of the Seattle Art Museum.

    Notables in the gathering included principal underwriters Jaleh and Bruce Sallee, plus Anne and Charles Duncan, Aliyya and Herman Stude, Lily and Hamid Kooros, Christopher Gardner, John and Becca Cason Thrash, Abolala and Nasrin Soudavar, Martha Long, Elyse Lanier, Courtney Sarofim, Diane Lokey Farb, Elizabeth and Gary Petersen, Kathy and Marty Goossen and Alma Kombargi and Hagop Kantarjian.

    3, Islamic World gala, January 2013, Giovanni Curatola, Salam Kaoukji, David Sulzberg
      
    Photo by © Roswitha Vogler Photosbyrovo.com
    unspecified
    news/society

    Songs & Support

    Hamilton star Miguel Cervantes brings Broadway power to Houston luncheon

    Joel Luks
    Apr 16, 2025 | 9:30 am
    Blue Bird Circle spring luncheon 2025
    Photo by Priscilla Dickson
    Miguel Cervantes.

    Broadway met brainpower as Miguel Cervantes, best known for his star turn playing the lead role in Hamilton, headlined The Blue Bird Circle’s Annual Spring Luncheon, themed “Arts and the Brain: Joyful Engagements.” Held March 18, the sold-out midday affair brought together more than 380 supporters to celebrate the legacy and impact of the century-old nonprofit, which has become a Houston institution in advancing pediatric neurological care.

    Blue Bird Circle spring luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Priscilla Dickson

    Miguel Cervantes.

    Chaired by longtime volunteers Maggie Austin and Ellen Stough, the luncheon honored Dr. Debra F. Sukin, president and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital, for her leadership and commitment to improving children’s health. Dr. Sukin highlighted the importance of research in pediatric neurology and shared personal reflections on her own journey as a mother.

    Guests were visibly moved as Cervantes took the stage, performing signature numbers from Hamilton and opening up in a conversation with Ernie Manouse about the loss of his infant daughter to epilepsy. His emotional tribute and advocacy for research through Cure Epilepsy struck a powerful chord, turning the spotlight toward the children and families served by The Blue Bird Circle’s mission.

    The event raised $300,000 in support of life-changing programs, including The Blue Bird Circle Clinic for Pediatric Neurology at Texas Children’s Hospital and affiliated research and treatment centers at Baylor College of Medicine and the Duncan Neurological Research Institute.

    Spotted among the do-gooding daytime crowd were Annette Griffin, Gail Branca, Sally Barber, Becky Chapman, Tanya and Andy Greenwood, Betty Ann and Beth Graves, Jenny Murphy, Dagmar Deason, Jan Sexton, Mikki Donnelly, Sallie Gordon, Jan Cobler and Trish Greaser, Dodi Willingham, Julie Little, Dr. Howard Weiner, and Dr. Huda Zoghbi.

    fundraisersblue bird circle
    news/society
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