Springtime perfection

Young professionals polish off 800 pounds of crawfish at a sunny Buffalo Bayou bash

What a delightful springtime afternoon for an al fresco shindig Saturday, which is surely why more than 700 young professionals streamed for the Buffalo Bayou Partnership's young professionals party. The "Bayou Bash," hosted by the eco-conscious cluster knows as the Bayou Buddies, baked in the sunshine that made the Sabine to Bagby Promenade a rolling meadow in which to see and be seen.

But it wasn't a good day for crawfish as more than 800 pounds of steamy crustaceans, provided by Louisiana Foods, were no match for the hungry crowd, who were hanging loose around picnic tables and tents. The only survivors were Speedy, Sunshine and Summer, the three crawly creatures that entertained guests at the Yelp crawfish race.

It wasn't a good day for crawfish as more than 800 pounds of steamy crustaceans, provided by Louisiana Foods, were no match for the hungry crowd.

And beer? Who knows how many kegs of Saint Arnold Brewing Company suds were siphoned dry. Barefoot Wine & Bubbly mimosas were just as in-demand.

A waterside stage was home base for bands Electric Attitude and The Journey Agents to add their lively tunes — not far from the quay from where pontoon boats sailed up and down the gentle currents.

All the outdoor fun didn't distract from the event's mission, which raised $30,000 through a silent auction that featured goodies such as a Revival Market basket, art by Mei Chang Stansbury and travel packages.

Basking in the sun with executive director Anne Olson and PR director Trudi Smith were good-doing Young Professionals from Gensler, Frost Bank, Katy Optiks and The Morgan Group, alongside Jason Fuller, Tom Broughton, Meghan Miller, Bill Kelly, Kellie Dupree, Daniel Romero, Bob Fretz, Leslye Weaver, Suzanne Weaver, Jack Blanton, Thomas Thornton, Caroline Urquhart, John Andell, Tony Essalih and Brittany Taggart.

Jennifer Gress, left, and Tom Broughton with Floyd

Bayou Buddies Bash April 2013 Jennifer Gress, 'Floyd' and Tom Broughton

Photo by Morris Malakoff

Jennifer Gress, left, and Tom Broughton with Floyd

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Dignity Delivered

Houston Furniture Bank turns compassion into comfort for kids

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Dean Todd, Stacey Todd, Cinde Matocha, and Gary Matocha.

A child sleeping on the floor isn’t just a statistic — it’s a crisis. And on May 8, more than 400 guests packed River Oaks Country Club to do something about it.

The Furniture Bank’s No Kids on the Floor gala, chaired by advocates and board members Francie and Mike Willis, raised more than $300,000, a record-breaking figure for the organization. The funds support its mission to provide beds to the estimated 300,000 children in Houston without one, a mission that has already placed more than 4,000 beds since the program launched in 2018.

The evening, emceed by Linda Lorelle, featured the moving video highlighting founder Oli Mohammed and the organization’s impact. Ralph Marek was posthumously honored as the night’s Legacy Honoree, with his son Stan Marek accepting on behalf of the family. The inaugural Jodie Hoffer Community Service Award — named for the late Furniture Bank champion — was presented to Youval Meicler of Texas Mattress Makers, whose support has been both generous and hands-on.

A heartfelt speech from the eldest child of a family served by the organization reminded the crowd what this night was really about: Dignity, safety, and the power of something as simple as a bed.

Pianist Doug Montgomery provided the soundtrack for the evening, while Johnny Bravo rallied the room for a spirited live auction and appeal. Elegant florals by H-E-B, a sold-out Giving Tree, and a silent auction featuring rare wine lots rounded out the festivities.

In attendance were Ben Marek, Roz and Alan Pactor, Scott and Samantha Hoffer, Karen and Larry Cress, Michele Meicler, Jody Merritt, Christine Johnson, Janice Hall, Hershey Grace and Ed McMahon, Cinde and Gary Matocha, Edna Meyer Nelson, Jeff and Harry Cummins, Lisa and Bob Gulitti, Regina Rogers, Steve Finger, Frank Monacelli and Gloria Nino-Monacelli, Danna and Hal Lynde, Allison and Stuart Peterson, Jill and John Parsley, Molly and Miles Marks, Kip Altstaetter, Frank Billingsley and Kevin Gilliard, Audrey and Phillip Davis, Michael Galloway, Laura Ward, Cathy and Bud Geisinger.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Dean Todd, Stacey Todd, Cinde Matocha, and Gary Matocha.

fundraisers houston furniture bank