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    Shelby's Social Diary

    Oilman's $5 million birthday gift for Hermann Park a surprise for "An Evening in the Park" guests

    Shelby Hodge
    shelby hodge
    Apr 26, 2013 | 10:27 am

    Cherie Flores received oodles of wonderful gifts for her birthday but none more lasting and more meaningful to the community than the $5 million that her husband, oilman Jim Flores, gave to the Hermann Park Conservancy in her honor. In return, the Centennial Gardens Pavilion will bear her name.

    Announcement of that pretty package was made Thursday night at the conservancy's annual al fresco benefit, "An Evening in the Park," with the 500 guests offering up generous applause. The Flores weren't there to bask in the appreciation as he is chairing the All American Wildcatters annual bash in Las Vegas this weekend.

    Hermann Park Centennial campaign chairs Phoebe Tudor and Sanford Criner made the announcement of the gift that placed the campaign within shouting distance of its $30 million goal for the Centennial Gardens project, groundbreaking for which is set for the fall.

    The evening's theme, "Havana, A Night in White Linen," inspired all manner of white attire from gents in linen suits to ladies in garden party whites. Setting the fashion pace were chairs Heidi and Marcus Smith and Melissa and Michael Mithoff and honorary chairs Shafik Rifaat and this writer. As is rain-or-shine tradition, the party began with cocktails beside the Jones Reflection Pool, continued with dinner in a party tent overlooking McGovern Lake and closed with dancing to DJ spins in the Molly Ann Smith Plaza.

    Adding to the Havana magic of the night was the open-air cigar lounge provided by Hector Villarreal, owner of Lucho, where the hand-rolled, Cuban-style cigars are available. A Fare Extraordinaire put a flavorful spin on the Cuban theme with dinner and the dessert bar that followed on the plaza.

    The weather was perfect for outdoor partying, a happy circumstance for Hermann Park Conservancy director Doreen Stoller and board chair Ann Kennedy, both of whom have seen this fundraiser take place during downpours.

    Stepping out in a white night mood were guests including Laurie and Reed Morian, Dorothy and Mickey Ables, Andrea White, Lora and Dr. John Clemmons, Valerie and Tracy Dieterich, Kim and Dan Tutcher, Jana and Scotty Arnoldy, Karen and Mike Mayell, Anita and Gerald Smith, Patsy and Greg Fourticq, Isabel and Danny David, Ann and Don Short and Winell and Doug Herron.

    Gregory and Patrick Burk at the Herman Park Conservancy's "Evening in the Park."

    Hermann Park Conservancy Gala April 2013 Gregory Burke and Patrick Burke
      
    Photo by © Gary Fountain
    Gregory and Patrick Burk at the Herman Park Conservancy's "Evening in the Park."
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    Party Watch

    Houstonians brunch and give big at Star of Hope bingo benefit

    Joel Luks
    Jun 9, 2025 | 1:00 pm
    Star of Hope Bingo 2025
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    Lauren DeSpain, Ashley Brown, Kacey Maestas, Grace Fuhrman, Becca Thomas, and Lindsay Garrett.

    What: Bingo, Brunch and Brighter Futures

    Where: River Oaks Country Club

    The Scoop: An elegant afternoon of merriment met mission at River Oaks Country Club as more than 300 guests gathered for Bingo, Brunch and Brighter Futures, benefiting Star of Hope and the children they serve. Hosted by the Boards of Trustees of Star of Hope and Trees of Hope, the high-spirited fundraiser mixed bubbly, bingo, and benevolence in true Houston fashion.

    Star of Hope Bingo 2025
      

    Photo by Daniel Ortiz

    Lauren DeSpain, Ashley Brown, Kacey Maestas, Grace Fuhrman, Becca Thomas, and Lindsay Garrett.

    While the crowd clinked glasses and dabbed bingo cards, a moving testimony from a Star of Hope resident brought home the day’s deeper purpose — reminding everyone that behind each game board was a life being changed. Guests cheered through multiple rounds of prizes, but the real winner of the day was the Children’s Critical Care Fund, which received a generous $350,000 boost.

    This year’s honoree, Amegy Bank, was recognized for their steadfast support of Star of Hope’s mission to uplift Houston’s homeless children. As Kim Thompson, Star of Hope’s chief advancement officer, put it: The afternoon was “a beautiful reminder” of what happens when the community rallies behind its most vulnerable members.

    Who: Alina Schrom, Farrah Cauley, Carissa Bacus, Andi Ferrin, Kim Wolbrecht, Olivea Giese, Erin Halprin, Kristen Steen, Lindsey Little, Karen LaForge, Autumn Hunt, Di Tubbs, Stephen Lewis, Kate Meikle, Misty Williams, Katrina Jackson, Candace Caley, Corinn Price, Kacey Maestas, Lauren DeSpain, Ashley Brown, Grace Fuhrman, Lindsay Garrett, Missy Roe, Shamace Perkins, and Adriane Dixon.

    fundraisersstar of hope
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