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    party watch

    NFL legends and Houston stars score big at college football awards gala

    Steven Devadanam
    Jan 28, 2019 | 5:41 pm

    What: The Lombardi Award and Conversation with Gridiron Greats

    Where: The Post Oak Hotel

    The scoop: Houston society A-listers Wallis Marsh and Hallie Vanderhider scored a major touchdown with their football-themed event, Conversation with GridIron Greats at the Post Oak Hotel. A highlight of the night was the presentation of the Lombardi Award, presented to an NCAA Division 1 football player, regardless of position, based on performance and leadership honed by character and resiliency.

    Seven finalists were up for the award, including Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray, Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, and Washington State quarterback Gardner Minshew II. Two-time Super Bowl champion Tony Casillas being named the winner, standout college safety Ugochukwu Amadi (from the University of Oregon), who offered a heartfelt acceptance as he was presented with the prestigious award — named for legendary football coach Vince Lombardi.

    NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana and fellow 49er and Hall of Famer, defensive back Ronnie Lott, were both inducted as Lombardi Fellows. Montana and Lott were joined by co-captain of the Super Bowl XXIV team, Spencer Tillman, in a lively conversation led by award winning Fox sportscaster Tim Brando. The group discussed winning big games, teamwork, friendship, and leadership on and off the field. Sports Radio 610 talk show host Sean Pendergast emceed the evening.

    Football star power continued following the interview as awards were presented to one of the most recognizable voices in college sports legendary broadcaster, Tim Brando. Legendary coach Bob Stoops, whose 18-year record of 190-48 at the University of Oklahoma made him winningest coach in school history, was also honored. College Coach of the Year was awarded to Jeff Monken of Army for his leadership in building a successful team with integrity, honor, and respect.

    The Lombardi Foundation is recognized for leadership, commitment and determination on the football field and in the medical field for victory over cancer through research and treatment especially for children. The event raised over $300,000. Proceeds support cancer research and treatment organizations including Texas Children's Cancer Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Harris Health Cancer Treatment Centers.

    Seen in the crowd: DeeDee Marsh, Trini Mendenhall, Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, Brian Bosworth, Keith Jackson, Fred Zeidman, Regina Rogers, George Masi, Anne Clutterbuck, Dr. ZoAnn Dreyer, Rick Slemaker, Jeff Baker, Alicia and Lance Smith, Brigitte and Bashar Kalai, Fady Armanious, Bill Baldwin, Norman Lewis, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Michael Vanderhider and Madelyn Bramlet, Dennis and Susan DeBakey, George Masi, Nate Griffin, Dr. Katherine Pisters, Ali and Stephen Lewis, and Beth Wolff.

    Lombardi Award winner Ugochukwu Amadi.

    2019 Lombardi Awards Gridiron Greats
      
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    Lombardi Award winner Ugochukwu Amadi.
    awardscelebritiessports
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    Victory Houston’s lavish Parisian bash brings in $1.8 million

    Joel Luks
    Jul 2, 2025 | 9:30 am
    Victory Houston Moulin Rouge gala 2025
    Photo by Jacob Power
    Fady Armanious and Maria Moncada-Alaoui.

    Paris, anyone? Bien sûr que oui!

    Victory Houston Moulin Rouge gala 2025
      

    Photo by Jacob Power

    Fady Armanious and Maria Moncada-Alaoui.

    Victory Houston transported more than 700 guests to Paris via 713 Music Hall for a glittery, Moulin Rouge-themed fundraiser that raised $1.8 million for cancer research and local initiatives.

    Presented by Sonic Automotive, "A Night in Moulin Rouge" turned the downtown venue into a crimson-drenched cabaret, all under the chic orchestration of ball chairs Cissy Abel and Hallie Vanderhider, with decor by Let It Fly Events. Think crystal chandeliers, velvet draping, decorative windmills, and just enough feathers to make the Can-Can blush.

    Cotton Culinary rolled out grazing stations stacked with artisanal cheeses, grilled vegetables, and charcuterie, alongside hearty options like beef tenderloin, pulled short rib tacos, and roasted corn tamales. Guests floated from tequila tastings to the glitter bar before placing bets at pop-up craps and blackjack tables, channeling their inner high rollers.

    The real show, however, was the auction. Johnny Holloway led the charge with paddle-raising fervor, offering up an eclectic mix: A private dinner with Nobel Prize-winning immunotherapy pioneer Dr. James P. Allison, a VIP pass to a "Dancing with the Stars" taping, and a 19-carat London blue topaz necklace that found its forever home with high bidder Becky Edmondson. Jody Merritt nabbed an exclusive reception for 100 at Steak 48, while John and Bebe Falik scored matching 2025 Ford F-150 King Ranch trucks.

    And because no swanky gala is complete without a puppy, Vanderhider adopted a nine-week-old Labrador from DogLab TX, charmingly named Jack.

    Frank Billingsley emceed the night with wit, as Q The Band kept energy levels high on the dance floor. As guests departed, they were sent off with black quilted swag bags and late-night Chick-fil-A biscuits.

    Among those in the crowd were Cyvia Wolff, Jo Ann Petersen and Mike Taylor, Diane Watson Cain, Lisa and Joel Bender, Susan Plank, Rob Dale, Maria Moncada-Alaoui, Jackie and Monty Eubank, Dr. Michael Taylor, Lisa and Sean McCoy, Joni and John Ballis, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Bill Baldwin and Fady Armanious, Elaine Finger, Betty and Jess Tutor, Sandra Burgess, Miriam Overton and Dr. Sujith Joseph, Tammy and Kim Norman, Davis Hance and Kittsie Klaes, Robin and Alex Brennan Martin, Khynnedi Wright, Lauren Smith Devadanam, Jim Jordan and Shawn Stephens, Danny Rolph, and Denise Monteleone.

    news/society
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