Shelby's Social Diary

Houston Grand Opera's Concert of Arias searches for — and maybe finds — the next Renée Fleming

Each year, the Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers culminates in a crescendo of music and a flurry of social activity as finalists in the national competition sing their hearts out for top prizes and slots in the Houston Grand Opera Studio. For opera fans, the Concert of Arias at Wortham Theater Center is one of the highlights of the social calendar and last week's fundraiser was no exception.

While the eight finalists competed/entertained with rounds of arias requested by the judges, audience members marked their ballots to select their favorite. Although the first place prize of $10,000 was awarded to soprano D'Ana Lombard, the People's Choice award of $1,000 went to soprano Amanda Woodbury, whom the judges awarded second place and a $5,000 check.

Selecting the winners were Houston Grand Opera artistic and music director Patrick Summers, managing director Perryn Leech and San Francisco Opera general director David Gockley, former director of HGO and founder of the Houston Grand Opera Studio. As the judges made their selection, the music continued, as is tradition, with a performance by studio members.

This 26th anniversary of the competition raised $750,000, earmarked for HGO and opera studio efforts to identify and nurture young opera talent. Applause, applause for Concert of Aria chairs Bobbie-Vee and Gerald Cooney, who presided over the evening that began with the concert before 900 guests and concluded with more than 625 sitting down for the black-tie dinner in the theater's Grand Foyer.

The sold-out dinner by Jackson and Co. honored Dian and Harlan Stai for their long-standing support of both the opera company and the studio.

The sophisticated dinner gathering included HGO boad chair Dr. John Mendelsohn and wife Anne, Glen Rosenbaum, Donna and Bob Bruni, Marcia and Alfredo Vilas, Beau Miller, Caroline Leech, Frances Marzio, Beth Madison and Ralph Burch, Brucie and Andy Moore, Nina and Edd Hindee, Jana and Scotty Arnoldy and Marianne and David Duthu.

Jerry and Bobbie-Vee Cooney, from left, and Dian and Harlan Stai at HGO Concert of Arias.

Photo courtesy of © Wilson Parish Photography

Jerry and Bobbie-Vee Cooney, from left, and Dian and Harlan Stai at HGO Concert of Arias.

unspecified

Sky’s The Limit

Hot air balloons lift spirits at Houston mental health nonprofit's gala

Photo by Dave Rossman

Co-chairs Will and Caroline Brown; Virginia and Cramer Williams.

With dreamy hot air balloons drifting overhead and a mission firmly grounded in impact, Communities In Schools of Houston’s Soaring to New Heights Gala lifted off at The Post Oak Hotel on April 9. More than 550 guests gathered for an evening that paired playful elegance with a powerful purpose: Raising $603,000 to support local students navigating real-world challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

Photo by Dave Rossman

Co-chairs Will and Caroline Brown; Virginia and Cramer Williams.

Co-chaired by Caroline and Will Brown and Virginia and Cramer Williams, the evening honored longtime Communities In Schools champion Jan Redford, whose 46-year commitment to the organization was celebrated with warmth and gratitude. Guests began with a spirited cocktail hour before moving into the grand ballroom for dinner and a program emceed by Lisa Malosky.

The mood was celebratory, but the message was clear: Communities In Schools is a lifeline for students. CEO Lisa Descant emphasized the organization’s impact across 135 campuses and its role as the largest provider of school-based mental health services in Harris County, reaching more than 143,000 students each year.

Special guest Linda Gale White, former First Lady of Texas and a steadfast Communities In Schools supporter, was on hand, as was Joseph Patty of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, who offered a blessing.

The program featured moving testimonials from staff and students. Mandy Kolbaba, Madison Wimmer, Alma Nava, Melody Hall, and Julia Barnwell-Joseph shared stories of academic triumphs, emotional resilience, and transformational support. Standout moments included Marisabel, once homeless and now college-bound for psychology, and Joshua, a Lone Star College graduate heading to UH with an eye on politics.

Funds raised will help the organization continue surrounding students with the community and care they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Present were Omar Reid, Bob Gower, Judy Tate, Margot Cater, Bill Kroger, Pat Rosenberg, Cody Biller, Jennifer Espey, Allison Gower, Maynard Holt, Suzie Johnson, Deanna Jones, Cathy Malone, Cassie Milam, Jill Ramshaw, Brian Salazar, David Sambrooks, Suzanne Stiles, William Walker, Elizabeth Young, Diana and Russell Hawkins, Terri Lacy and Jim Baird, Ginny and L.E. Simmons, Sue White, and many more.

communities in schools fundraisers