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    Shelby's Social Diary

    Naked ladies in body paint, bottomless glasses of bubbly & more mark San Luis Salute

    Shelby Hodge
    Feb 10, 2013 | 12:00 pm

    The Galveston Island Convention Center rocked to the rafters Friday night as Tilman Fertitta proved once again that there's just no topping his annual San Luis Salute to Mardi Gras. Each year, he mixes it up, providing myriad surprises that this year included models in furs, which opened to reveal little more discretion than briefs and body paint.

    Need we say that the camera phones blazed.

    Even before the curtains opened on the ballroom, decorated as a sophisticated jazz club, the crowd of 1,400 revelers was well into a party mood. And why not, what with the free-flowing Veuve Cliquot served from an ice bar, the martini bar where a topless/painted model reclined in a bathtub filled with olives and the standard bar service where IDs were seriously checked for the younger crowd.

    The partying throng honored the college-aged Knights of Momus duchesses, accompanied by their youthful friends and dates. Also honored was Dr. Ken Fujise, University of Texas Medical Branch chief of cardiology. Proceeds from the party support construction of UTMB's New Jennie Sealy Hospital.

    Such was the energy level in this fast crowd that most of the partygoers hit the dance floor even before taking their seats for dinner.

    As the Philadelphia Mummers arrived to launch the revelry, the curtains opened to reveal the stunning nightclub scene as envisioned by The Events Co.'s Richard Flowers and Kirksey Gregg. In addition to the glamorous tone set by the super-sized disco ball rotating overhead, the party landscape included a baby grand piano painstakingly covered in Swarovski crystals (an effort that required more than two months to complete).

    Such was the energy level in this fast crowd that most of the partygoers hit the dance floor even before taking their seats for dinner. Credit for that early action goes to Big Blast and the Party Masters, a killer show band from Atlanta. Both the young crowd and veteran Mardi Gras fans found their music irresistible.

    "This party gets better every year. I don't know how they do it," mused one guest. Another enthused, "It's always an incredible party, it really is! It has a life of its own."

    Then there was Kool & the Gang providing an '80s vibe as the crowd rocked to familiar tunes such as "Celebrate" and "Ladies Night." The set concluded with a massive balloon drop as good as any New Year's Eve fete.

    Kudos to San Luis VP Paul Schultz and executive chef Brian Robertson for a stellar dinner that had guests praising the three-course menu, surely a challenge when serving 1,400.

    Grooving to the upbeat tempo of the San Luis Salute were Paige Fertitta, who with Tilman chairs the evening; Knights of Momus King Frivolous Thomas Perich and wife Debra, astronauts Mark Kelly and Scott Kelly, Maria and Neil Bush, State Rep. Craig Eiland and wife Melissa, State Sen. John Whitmire, Dancie and Jim Ware, Nicole and George Postolos, Laura and Dave Ward, Miya Shay and State Rep. Gene Wu, Ellie and Michael Francisco, Jordy Tollett, Doe and Henry Florsheim, Dianne and Ed McDonough and on and on.

    The Veuve Cliquot flowed all night long.

      
    Photo by © Michelle Watson CultureMapSNAP.com
    The Veuve Cliquot flowed all night long.
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    Mission Continues

    Spirit of Spring Gala honors 30 years of healing and hope in Houston

    Joel Luks
    Jun 6, 2025 | 12:45 pm
    Children’s Assessment Center Gala 2025
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    Ed Emmett and Adrian Garcia.

    The ballroom at The Houstonian welcomed more than 400 guests gathered for the Spirit of Spring 30th Anniversary Gala, celebrating the enduring mission of The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC). The evening proved both a tribute to three decades of service and a forward-looking pledge, culminating in a fundraising total that exceeded expectations.

    Children\u2019s Assessment Center Gala 2025
      

    Photo by Daniel Ortiz

    Ed Emmett and Adrian Garcia.

    Chaired by philanthropic duo Sam and Kasteena Parikh, the night began with a swirl of activity. A lively social hour offered a kaleidoscope of attractions — raffles, a photobooth, a caricature artist, and coveted wine and jewelry pulls — designed to loosen up wallets while lifting spirits. It was a lighthearted start to an evening rooted in something far more profound: the protection and healing of children affected by sexual abuse in Harris County.

    Former sports broadcaster Lisa Malosky emceed the program, guiding the audience through stirring testimonials and community honors. More than 20 individuals and partner organizations were spotlighted for their unwavering support of The CAC’s work over the past 30 years, a testament to the collaborative muscle it takes to protect the most vulnerable.

    “We are grateful to our dedicated community partners and individual supporters for their unwavering belief in our mission, collaboration and support of our services,” said Kerry McCracken, executive director. “Our vital work can only be sustained through the generosity of all those who deeply care about the children and families we serve. With their help, we can continue to bring hope to children who have experienced sexual abuse in Houston.”

    In attendance were Russell and Glenda Gordy, Christopher DeClaire, Elaine Stolte, Honorable Ed Emmett, Ken and Kathy Wells, Lisa Helfman and Lee Haverman, Mike Lowenberg, Rob Wilson, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Adrian Garcia, Joan Huffman, Teneshia Hudspeth, Honorable Ted Poe, Honorable Julian Ramirez, Honorable Bruce Bain, Kieth Seaous, Brady Crosswell, Adam Peters, and David Key.

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