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    The Cool Kids

    Houston's young and the restless celebrate the rites of spring at "La Dolce Vita" bash

    Shelby Hodge
    Apr 20, 2015 | 12:46 pm

    Ah, the rites of spring are seldom celebrated with such fertile enthusiasm as during Hotel ZaZa's annual welcome of the season. Thursday night's "La Dolce Vita" bash lived up to tradition as more than 400 of H-Town's young and restless arrived to rock, despite the miserable rains.

    Typically held around the hotel's sexy pool, the event moved indoors as the savvy ZaZa clan had rainy day plans. First off, the Veuve Cliquot and the Grey Goose helped keep spirits high. Decor transformed the hotel ballroom into a La Dolce Vita (the movie) atmosphere as wait staff, dressed as gondoliers, helped fuel enthusiasm for the theme. Kudos to Spencer Lane, director of food and beverage at Hotel ZaZa, for Plan B.

    Divisi Strings launched the action after which DJ Tran kept the party beat rumbling. Not a dull moment on this evening where confetti rockets, dancing sharks and glow-in-the dark-champagne flutes kept the dance party going. Page Parkes models dressed in the latest styles from Tootsies lounged on Vespas (another nod to La Dolce Vita) and posed on pedestals scattered across the ballroom.

    Partying guests sampling banquets chef de cuisine Larry De La Flor's party foods included Amy and Hatch Hilliard, Dr. Sheena Garner, Chester Pitts, Michael Chabala, Jennifer and Doug Bosch, Chris Goins, James Sivco, Taylor Crowley, Michael Collins, Ceron, Courtney Perna and Ray Dennison.

    Michael Chabala, left, and Chester Pitts.

      
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    Michael Chabala, left, and Chester Pitts.
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    Heroes in Action

    Batman, bidders, and Houston's big hearts raise $1.8 million at Wish Ball

    Joel Luks
    May 19, 2025 | 1:33 pm
    Make-A-Wish Ball Houston 2025
    Photo by Jacob Power
    Tony and Laurie Nevotti; Sarah and Hunter Nevotti.

    Every detail at The Post Oak Hotel on May 2 felt like the answer to a wish.

    The ballroom glowed in celestial tones of blue, silver, and gold, with galactic florals blooming from each table. More than 650 guests gathered for The Hero Within, the 2025 Wish Ball benefiting Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana, a night where generosity turned dreams into action.

    This year’s honorees, longtime board member Mandy Williams and Corporate Honoree Enterprise Mobility, were celebrated by Beth and Dan Bellow, who served as honorary chairs. But the emotional core of the evening came from Fox 26 anchor Melissa Wilson and her 17-year-old son Caleb. Diagnosed with leukemia 12 years ago, Caleb took the stage to reflect on his wish experience, describing how it gave him strength when he needed it most.

    Surprises unfolded throughout the night, beginning with Batman’s arrival in the Batmobile to thrill Wish Kid Adonis, whose wide-eyed reaction may have outshined the Caped Crusader himself. Guests mingled over espresso martinis at the Nov-sponsored ice bar, eyed silent auction items, and took chances on raffles, including a shimmering ring from Kim Chau and Co. Fine Jewelers.

    The appeal brought in more than $500,000, with many pledging support for Wish Kid Aria’s dream of planting 1,000 trees—an effort completed symbolically as the final 100 trees were granted during the program. Bidding wars broke out over a live painting by Edgar Medina, a miniature Poodle puppy, fashion wunderkind Max Alexander’s Aspen show tickets, and deBoulle’s dazzling earrings.

    The dance floor filled quickly, with Party in the City keeping the crowd moving well into the night. In all, the evening raised $1.8 million, a record for the chapter and a major boost for wishes to come.

    Granting wishes takes a village, and this one included Courtney and James Jennaro, Genevieve and Ed Razim, Gregory Miller, Claudia and Brad Freels, Teri and Jim Andrepont, Cathy and Robert Brewton, Susan and Larry Kachler, Pam and Joe Slovacek, Kay and Tommy Austin, Holly and Ryan Lambert, Jerrie and John McGillis, Charity and David Stone, Yuliya and Daniel Penny, ZoAnn and Jeff Dreyer, Michael Vanderhider, Max Alexander, Mark Reed, Stephanie and Ryan Moss, Ashley and Jonathan Sloan, Kristin and Barry Palmer, Frani and David Denenburg, Aabha and James Brown, Stephanie and Thomas Hatfield, April and Scott Townsend, Becca and Scott Schwinger, Renee Montgomery, Marye and John Nickens, and Stephanie and Daniel Milwit.

    Make-A-Wish Ball Houston 2025
      

    Photo by Jacob Power

    Tony and Laurie Nevotti; Sarah and Hunter Nevotti.

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