Shelby's Social Diary

Men of Distinction flex their fundraising muscle: City's most powerful players gather in one room

We would venture to say that not a lot of serious business transpired in Houston at midday last Wednesday as the majority of men who make things happen in this city seemed to all be gathered in the ballroom of River Oaks Country Club. It was after all the seventh annual Men of Distinction luncheon and the honorees were, let's just say, awesome.

Taking bows for their leadership both professionally and civically were Rice University board chair Jim Crownover, Houston Texans owner Bob McNair, automobile dealer and former Houston Rockets owner Charlie Thomas and Texas Heart Institute president and medical director Jim Willerson. Introducing these power players to the packed ballroom crowd was KTRK Channel 13 news anchor Tom Koch.

With Don Jordan, former Reliant Energy CEO, as Men of Distinction chairman and a heavy-hitter steering committee, the non-profit sailed through the luncheon. Total proceeds raised by the annual event since its founding reached the $7 million mark with funds directed to the Texas Medical Center. Expenses for the luncheon were underwritten by J.D. Fields and Co., represented on this day by Pat Burk. Houston Area Lexus Dealers served as presenting sponsor.

Consider just a few of the major players in the room — Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, Baylor College of Medicine president and CEO Paul Klotman, Houston Symphony CEO Mark Hanson, Rice University president David Leebron, mayoral candidate Ben Hall, John Daugherty Realtors' John Daugherty and GP Natural Resource Partners CEO Corby Robertson.

Most of the 16-member steering committee members were there including Steve Mach and Harry Mach (the Mach family a key luncheon underwriter), Michael Mithoff, Tony Gracely, Ed McMahon, John Eads, Jesse Tutor, Paul Sommerville, Scott Evans and Leslie Bowlin Bennett.

And, yes, there were plenty of women in the gathering though clearly fewer than men, a rarity on the fundraising luncheon circuit. The ladies included Molly Crownover, Jeanie Kilroy, Pat Breen, Cora Sue Mach, Joella Mach, Patsy Fourticq, Janice McNair, Nancy Reynolds, Y. Ping Sun, Brenda Koch and Kittsie Thomas.

Denis Debakey, from left, Lavonne Cox, Danielle Ellis and Barbara and Don Jordan

Houston Men of Distinction May 2013 Denis Debakey, Lavonne Cox, Danielle Ellis, Barbara Jordan and Don Jordan

Photo by Kim Coffman

Denis Debakey, from left, Lavonne Cox, Danielle Ellis and Barbara and Don Jordan

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High Notes

Houston Classical dinner raises $1.85M for young scholars

Houston Classical Charter School Dinner 2025

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Jackie Furlow, Sarah Barrett, Tiffany Dunning, and Veronica Griffin.

The Corinthian Houston set the scene for an evening of elegance as chairs Sarah and Scott Barrett welcomed 280 guests to the Third Annual Foundational Dinner benefiting Houston Classical Charter School on April 3. The stately venue, draped in navy and gold accents, echoed the school’s commitment to tradition and excellence.

One of the most moving moments of the evening came not from the stage’s spotlight, but from a poised young scholar named Olanike. With confidence beyond her years, she shared how Houston Classical has become a launchpad for her dreams.

“My favorite subjects are novel study, humanities, and math — which I never imagined I’d love,” she said. “With the support of my teachers and my determination to improve, I know I will continue to grow.”

The night’s emotional core was balanced by spirited fun, thanks to local favorite Johnny Bravo, who helmed the live auction with flair. Bidding wars erupted over luxe travel getaways — from Big Sky, Montana to Argentina — and unique experiences like a private dinner by a chef from Eunice and a chamber performance by Houston Symphony members.

With a full house and full hearts, the sold-out event raised $1,850,000, the most in the school’s short but impressive history.

Seen on the scene were Jordan and Dylan Seff, Vanessa and Chuck Ames, Sarah and Scott Barrett, Julia and John Stallcup, Veronica and John Griffin, Meredith and Jean Marc Monrad, Robert Johnson and Ariella Perlman, and Houston City Council Member Julian Ramirez.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Jackie Furlow, Sarah Barrett, Tiffany Dunning, and Veronica Griffin.

fundraisers houston classical charter school