Dining in Black-Tie Splendor

Grandiose ballroom setting backdrop for city's most elegant black-tie dinner

The record turnout of 104 formally-attired guests for the Rienzi Society annual dinner called for a different approach to seating than in the previous 15 years. Four banquet style tables, dressed in a French blue and crystal motif and laced with flowers, were centered in the grand ballroom of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston house museum of decorative arts.

Inspired by the grand ballrooms in English country houses, not unlike Downton Abbey, it was a setting fit for blue bloods and, indeed, the Rienzi Society is comprised of leaders of the city's old guard.

In years past, the elite Rienzi Society membership dined at smaller tables spread throughout the formal areas of the John Staub-designed house that is filled with priceless European antiques.

On this evening, as is tradition, members voted from several options on the purchase of a work to add to the collection. Wining the hearts and pocketbooks of the society was a portrait of Archduchess MariaAmalia of Austria, Duchess of Parma.

Christiana and Luke McConn and Marilyn and Christopher Winters chaired the dinner that raised $303,000 for the collection of European decorative arts and paintings that are displayed in the former of the late Carroll Sterling (Christiana's grandmother) and Harris Masterson III.

This was Katherine Howe's final dinner as Rienzi founding director. She announced her retirement last month. In her honor, guests raised their glasses in a champagne toast.

Elizabeth Swift's Swift + Company created the regal setting and provided the elegant dinner that included fried quail salad, a main course of petit filet and herb-roasted shrimp and assorted bite-sized desserts.

The sophisticated crowd of Rienzi patrons included MFAH director Gary Tinterow and Christopher Gardner, Isla and Tommy Reckling, Randi and Johnny Carrabba, Nancy Allen, Eddie Allen, Ann Trammell, Carroll Goodman, Rosslyn and Marshall Crawford, Elise and James Reckling, Margaret Wilson Reckling, Melissa and Doug Schnitzer, Mary Eliza and Park Shaper and Eleni and Thad Fuller.

Gary Tinterow, Margaret Alkek Williams.

Rienzi society dinner, Feb. 2016, Gary Tinterow, Margaret Williams

Photo by Jenny Antill

Gary Tinterow, Margaret Alkek Williams.

dinner fundraisers galas luxury

Building dreams

Sold-out Houston luncheon celebrates Habitat for Humanity

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kristi Gilliam, Janis Priest Neal, Laurie Allen, and Michelle King.

Houston Habitat for Humanity laid the foundation for the future at its annual "Building a Dream" luncheon on October 22. The fundraiser at the Briar Club roused an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, community leaders, and volunteers to champion the mission of erecting affordable homes and being a catalyst for brighter futures.

With a sold-out crowd filling the room to the rafters, the energy was palpable — a testament to the dedication of event co-chairs Chinhui Juhn, Linda Epner, and Paige Erwin. Their commitment, along with that of the audience, celebrated a milestone moment for the organization, which has helped more than 1,200 families build and achieve safe, affordable housing.

The event featured an inspiring keynote by women’s rights advocate Sima Ladjevardian, this year's recipient of the Building Dreams Award. Known for her work championing women’s rights and economic mobility, Ladjevardian's words resonated deeply with Houston Habitat for Humanity’s mission. Her speech laid brick by brick the importance of homeownership in creating stability, economic resilience, and a prosperous future — values that echo the nonprofit’s commitment to empowering families across the city.

In a touching tribute, attendee Lillie Robertson honored Ladjevardian’s recognition by making a donation of $30,000 on the spot, dedicating the gift to Houston Habitat’s ongoing work. This generous moment was one of many cornerstones throughout the event that highlighted the organization’s impact on families and communities. A powerful lineup of videos showcased the testimonials of Habitat homeowners and the heartfelt dedication of volunteers who help lay the foundations and raise the roofs to make homeownership a reality. These stories highlighted not just the organization addressing Houston’s growing housing challenges but the ultimate outcome: Creating spaces where people can build families, create memories, and thrive.

Serving as master of ceremonies, KPRC meteorologist Justin Stapleton brought his warmth and energy to the afternoon, building momentum as he guided patrons through a program focused on Houston Habitat's achievements and ambitions. Since Hurricane Harvey alone, the organization has rebuilt and repaired more than 800 homes.

Looking forward, Houston Habitat remains committed to expanding its reach and building up neighborhoods across the city, from the Fifth Ward to Clinton Park and beyond. This luncheon laid the groundwork for the organization’s ambitious goals in the coming year.

Among the 350 builders of hope were Masoud Ladjevardian, Rania Daniel, Whitney Radley, Sabiha Rehmatullah, Annette Mullins, Christopher Gardner, Carrie Pepi, Sue and Randy Sim, Jane Cizik, and Dr. Esmaeil Porsa.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kristi Gilliam, Janis Priest Neal, Laurie Allen, and Michelle King.

fundraiser habitat for humanity gala