front and center

Houston fine dining stars and community leaders honored in game-changing Center for Pursuit luncheon

Charles C. Canton, president and CEO of The Center for Pursuit with panel guests: Carlos De Aldecoa Bueno, Isabel and Ignacio Torras, and chef Luis Roger.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

What: “Centered on the Future,” the Center for Pursuit annual luncheon

Where: River Oaks Country Club

The scoop: Hundreds packed the River Oaks Country Club for the annual luncheon benefiting The Center for Pursuit. Themed “Centered on the Future,” the event was chaired by Tracey and John L. Buckley and honored Social Motion Skills, Inc. founder Wendy K. Dawson and acclaimed trial lawyer and community advocate Alistair Dawson.

The diverse, multi-faceted showcase raised $225,000 to directly support The Center for Pursuit’s myriad programs and services for individuals with IDD, autism, and similar conditions.

Center president and CEO Charles C. Canton briefed attendees on the mission of the organization, the future of its new $55 million campus, and the merger with Social Motion Skills, Inc.

Emcee Cyndy Garza Roberts, former director of community impact for Comcast, led interviews with Isabel and Ignacio Torras, the owners of BCN Taste & Tradition, MAD and Rocambolesc; Chef Luis Roger, head chef of BCN Taste & Tradition and MAD; and Carlos De Aldecoa Bueno, president of Cadeco Industries, Eximius Coffee, and Gulf Coast Distillers.

Always affable and generous, Chef Luis assists The Center by teaching cooking classes to its clients. De Aldecoa Bueno is helping to establish Café Nina, a coffee and bagel shop that will soon open at The Center’s new headquarters in Houston’s East End.

An exciting development is The Center and Social Motion Skills, Inc’s recently announced merger, scheduled to become effective July 1. This new partnership aims to create a synergistic progression of services for children to adults with IDD, autism, and similar conditions. The program is considered unparalleled in Houston.

In operation for more than 70 years, The Center has long provided training and services to uplift those with challenges and help them live a fulfilled life. The new facility will now serve approximately 200 Houston-are children, adolescents, and young adults along with more than 450 adults with IDD, autism, and similar conditions.

Who: General counsel for Senator Carol Alvarado, Oscar Aguilar; East End Chamber of Commerce president Frances Dyess Castañeda, Harris County Precinct 6 Constable, Silvia Trevino; The Honorable Christine Weems; Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen; Harris County Precinct 1 assistant chief, Carl Shaw; Houston assistant fire chief, Michelle McLeod; District J Council Member Edward Pollard; Gow Media CEO David Gow and wife, Audrey, and many more.

Honorees Alistair and Wendy Dawson and event chairs Tracey and John L. Buckley.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Honorees Alistair and Wendy Dawson and event chairs Tracey and John L. Buckley.

luncheons charity

Spritzed With Style

Houston charity’s Pearls of Wisdom gala is a real gem of a night

Photo by Andy Phan

Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn and David Guion.

Some came for the Aperol Spritz, others for the cause, and all left a little more hopeful.

Photo by Andy Phan

Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn and David Guion.

On a lively evening at River Oaks Country Club, guests gathered for Vita Living’s annual Pearls of Wisdom gala, where community, compassion, and a splash of Italian flair came together for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Chaired by Kristen Perrin, Pamela Perilloux, and Bryan P. Smith, the evening began with a color-splashed cocktail hour, where attendees mingled in vibrant attire, sipping spritzes and eyeing a meticulously curated silent auction. Among the standout items were a six-night escape to a riverfront condo near Beaver Creek (courtesy of Doug Dawson), a luxury three-night getaway to Chablé Yucatán Chocholá (thank you, Chablé), and a striking aluminum-mounted photograph, Golden Koi by Joe C. Aker, gleaming with texture and motion.

Emcee Kip Altstaetter opened the program with warmth and wit. Joseph Cooper, Vita Living CEO, delivered the invocation before passing the mic to the evening’s co-chairs for special remarks. Guests then watched a moving video introduced by Myrla Menn and Beth and John Hoffman, which offered an intimate look at the lives changed by Vita Living’s services.

The live auction helmed with high energy by Johnny Bravo Entertainment brought gala-goers to their feet, paddles flying in support of the nonprofit’s essential work. But the night didn’t end with dinner and donations. Supporters lingered and celebrated with a late-night gelato bar and warm camaraderie.

Founded in 1982, Vita Living has grown from a single home created by founder Renée Wallace for her son to a network of 20 group homes across Houston. The organization’s case management program serves more than 300 children and adults across seven counties.

This year’s record-breaking total — $207,000 raised — underscores the community’s growing commitment to supporting inclusive care and lifelong dignity.

Among the 300 present were Kara Willis, Charcole Santiago, Peter and Krystyna Cawthorne, Jim Roberts, David Payne, Clint Fritts, Andrew Campbell, Eddie and Kim Perdomo, Brian and Sarah Crawmer, David and Marilyn Guion, Larry and Christina O’Donnell, Chris Mehling, Lorraine Olah, Bella McNeill, Jonathan Puig, Ellie Rotan, Juliana Workman, Forrest and Katie Wynn, Louis and Ashley Pearce, Chandos Dodson Epley, Evans and Theresa Attwell, Mariquita Masterson, and Andy and Ashley Mejia.

vita living fundraisers