Shelby's Social Diary

Houston's Green Machine roars into action, raising $1.2 million for downtown park

Natives of southern Californian Soraya and Scott McClelland had hoped for a California vibe when they chaired Saturday night's Discovery Green "Gala on the Green." Mother Nature obliged with a perfect evening for the black-tie coterie that arrived via the Brown Foundation Promenade where massive oak trees were hung with crystal chandeliers and uplighted in swaths of emerald green.

There was plenty of green on this night as the gala, held in a party tent on the edge of the 12-acre downtown park, grossed $1.2 million, proceeds supporting the free programming that draws one million visitors to the park each year.

The spring-like evening was just right for mingling on the tree-shrouded walkway and on the newly-built deck at the Jones Lawn. The Houston Encore Strings provided lilting tunes and the wait staff from Tony's circulated with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres while Mr. H-E-B and Soraya welcomed the 460 guests.

Once inside the party tent, the chatty throng was reluctant to be seated as Tricia and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, Super Bowl Host Committee chair Ric Campo and wife Mo, luxury apartment developer Marvy Finger and wife Elaine and the like appeared to be having too much fun to be seated.

The evening was short on program and long on fun as KPRC Channel 2 news anchor Dominique Sachse emceed and Discovery Green board chair Anne Duncan introduced past Gala on the Green chairs who were present. Taking bows for their previous fundraising efforts were Franci Crane, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor and Bobbie and John Nau. Duncan also recognized Nancy and Rich Kinder, the forces behind the public/private partnership that made Discovery Green possible. After that, it was dancing long into the night to the sounds of Simply Irresistible.

Savoring the California-style weather were Discovery Green executive director Barry Mandel, Susan McEldoon and Nick Smeloff, Sharon Adams, Saundria Chase-Grey and Jerome Grey, Katy Caldwell, Gilbert Herrera, Zane and Brady Carruth, Yvonne and Rufus Cormier, Meredith Cullen, Lori Krohn and Phillip Sarofim, Donna and Tony Vallone, receiving kudos for the delicious dinner.

Desrye Morgan, left, with Jerome and Saundria Chase-Gray at Gala on the Green.

27 Saundria and Jerome Gray, from left, with Desrye Morgan at Gala on the Green February 2014

Photo by © Jenny Antill

Desrye Morgan, left, with Jerome and Saundria Chase-Gray at Gala on the Green.

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Cupid approved

Houston baseball legend Roger Clemens pitches in at 15th Sweetheart Tea

Mission of Yahweh Houston Sweetheart Tea 2026

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Deborah Duncan, Roger Clemens, and Brittany Hebert Franklin.

Red heart-shaped balloons hovered overhead, champagne flutes clinked, and racks of designer finery were on display.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Deborah Duncan, Roger Clemens, and Brittany Hebert Franklin.

Cupid would certainly have approved of the 15th annual Houston Sweetheart Tea benefiting the Mission of Yahweh. What began as a simple, heartfelt thank-you among friends has over the years blossomed into a pink-and-red parade of do-gooders.

Hosts Anne Carl, Deborah Duncan, Sylvia Forsythe, Kim Moody, Warner Roberts, and Alicia Smith welcomed 100 guests who took the sweetheart attire seriously. After a warm greeting from Roberts, vice president and general manager of Saks Fifth Avenue and last year’s honoree, Heidi Turney, shared Saks’ pride in sponsoring the fête for much of its 15-year run.

Co-host and KHOU-TV Great Day Houston’s Deborah Duncan offered a moving snapshot of the Mission of Yahweh, describing its commitment to sheltering and rehabilitating homeless women and children into self-sufficient futures. She then introduced new development director Marilu Garza, who announced the upcoming Leaders and Legends Gala slated for September.

The 2026 Houston Sweethearts were introduced, which included Farida Abjani, Debbie and Roger Clemens, Caroline Esses, Brittney Herbert Franklin, Jordan Seff, and Michelle Verbois Wasaff. Though Debbie was in Florida welcoming a grandbaby, Roger brought down the house with remarks that sparked applause and laughter.

Guests lingered over champagne and bites from 5115 Restaurant, savoring the fellowship as much as the fare.

Spotted in sweet style were Sidney Faust, Elsie Eckert, Hallie Vanderhider, Brigitte Kalai, Saula Valenti, Nini Hale, Tena Faust, Leila Perrin, Beth Wolff, Angie Roberts, Cheryl Byington, Laurette Veres, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Heidi Rockecharlie, Cindy Bendy, Gayla Gardner, Chris Kase, Sandra Porter, Sherri Zucker, Charity Yarborough Cox, Sonia Soto, Merele Yarborough, Kathy Herr, Alex Blair, Raquel Lewis, Linda Lorelle, Melisa Murphy, Jerre Williams, Kim Padgett, Angela Poujol, Phyllis Williams, George Crawford, Laura Wald, Melissa Clann, Mary Ellen Verbois, Steve Smith, Jamie Sparacino, Anita Wilson, Cindi Proler, Courtney Adame, Mary Jo Hunt, Jody Martin, Becky Wheeler, Margret Pinkston, Samantha Stewart, Gaye Mayeux, Connie Kwan Wong, Teresa Reading, Dana Collins, Alce Kwan, Ritu Nadkami, Stephanie Nelson, Jacquie Baley, Marian McClendon, Shawntell McWilliams, and Tammie Anne Johnson.

fundraisers