Shelby's Social Diary

Guys & gals take over Warehouse Live for parallel parties

News_Bo's Place_March 2010_auction winner

He won the black lab, "Raisin" in the live auction and he was plenty happy.

Photo by Jenny Antill

We love it when a non-profit thinks even a bit outside of the box for its fundraising efforts. So we applaud Bo's Place for taking the popular "Girl's Night Out" concept to another level.

Thursday night, 550 women and men poured into Warehouse Live (definitely NOT the traditional hotel venue) for two mostly-separate parties under one roof — "Girls' & Guys' Night Out." Lynn Russell, Kelly McWherter and Whitney Russell chaired the female party fix while Craig Plumhoff, Jonathan Plumhoff and David Valentine headed the manly side of things.

As is tradition, the girls shopped 'til they dropped, perusing offerings from Elaine Turner, Nest & Cot, Define, Tootsies and a score more boutiques. Champagne and Cherry Blossoms was theme of the girly half where they noshed on taste treats from Gigi's Asian Bistro & Dumpling Bar, Nit Noi and YAPA. The guys were entertained at a March Madness party where four oversized screens broadcast the NCAA games and casino tables beckoned. Their sustenance was provided by the Rockwood Room, Fajita Flats and Raising Canes.

It all came together around 8:45 p.m. when the doors opened between the two party sites and the girls rushed in to try their luck at the casino tables while the guys moved trepidatiously into the deep shopping waters.

All ended on a happy note when both sexes merged for one major live auction that brought in $40,000 for Bo's Place.

In the mix were Lindy and Larry Neuhaus, Sue Smith, Lisa and Kolby Beich, Meredith Turner, Patricia Lind, Katherine Paxton, Meredith Riddle, Leslie Ballard Hull, Courtney Robertson, Larry Kachier and Andy Cyrus.

They chaired the event that drew 550 partygoers.

News_Bo's Place_March 2010_Whitney Russell_Lynn Russell_Kelly McWherter

Photo by Jenny Antill

They chaired the event that drew 550 partygoers.

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