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    Celebs Party In Houston

    Celebs party like rock stars in Houston: Sexy Spice Girls, Wendy Davis, Willie Nelson help Planned Parenthood

    Joel Luks
    Aug 11, 2013 | 7:08 pm

    We couldn't help but giggle at the compact square invitations for Planned Parenthood Young Leaders' annual late night bash that gets the city's twenty and thirtysomething party crowd walking on the wild side. Glued to the back of the card for "Party Like a Rock Star" was a Sheer brand condom and its double entendre slogan — Proper attire required for entry . . .

    Lets just leave it at that, shall we?

    The suggested dress for the Saturday carouse at the House of Déreon Media Center inspired a few hundred guests to channel the attitude of the rich and famous even without event space founders Beyoncé and mama Tina Knowles in attendance.

    The savvy duo that cloned Wendy Davis and Rodney Ellis complete with back brace won top costume honors.

    Among a bevy of makeshift celebs making a statement at the soiree were Alden Clark as Elton John, Jonathan Beitler as Jerry Garcia, Flora Brooks as Stevie Nicks and party chair Brittanie Shey as a feminine version of Willie Nelson alongside her hubby Christopher Holland as Elvis.

    Although those valiant costume efforts were noted, it was a quintet of sexy gals plus one dude that included Brittany Batte, Barry Tong, Bethany Parks, Christina Gates and Theresa Rich that turned heads as the British pop sensation Spice Girls, earning third place in the contest for best getup. In second place were Kim Weller, Phi Tran and Lan Chao as Josie and the Pussycats.

    The savvy duo that cloned State Senators Wendy Davis and Rodney Ellis complete with a filibuster back brace — that would be Shondra Wygal and Ward Curtain, respectively — won top costume honors. Entrants received prizes from Sparrow Bar + Cookshop, The Corkscrew and Sprinkles Cupcakes.

    Entertainment courtesy of electronic musician Bagheera and the burlesque broads of Dem Damn Dames kept localebrities on the dance floor until midnight. Keeping the lively throng lubricated was liquid poison sponsored by Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company and El Grand Malo, accompanied by nibbles from the kitchens of Pondicheri, Sorrel Urban Bistro and Butter & Company Catering.

    Voguing the night away were last year's chairsLauren and Michael Reeder, Sarah Rufca and Kyle Nielsen, Rassul Zarinfar, Deborah Melanson, Ed Benyon, Mike Maggart, James Glassman, Adam Walker, David Lake, Christina Salazar, Nick Anderson, Beth Lee, Angie Wiens and Laura Leon, and many, many others.

    Dan Joyce, from left, Erik Vidor and Jerry Peruchini at Party Like a Rock Star.

      
    Photo by © Michelle Watson CultureMapSNAP.com
    Dan Joyce, from left, Erik Vidor and Jerry Peruchini at Party Like a Rock Star.
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    Honoring The Enforcer

    Kelsey Grammer and Nate Bargatze honor Barbara Bush at Houston fundraiser

    Joel Luks
    May 5, 2025 | 9:00 am
    Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Celebration of Reading 2025
    Photo by Jacob Power
    Victoria Christopher Murray, Kelsey Grammer, H.W. Brands, and Nate Bargatze.

    The 31st annual A Celebration of Reading was a storybook affair, gathering nearly 1,300 guests at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts on April 1. Hosted by Maria and Neil Bush, the evening honored the enduring legacy of First Lady Barbara Bush and commemorated what would have been her 100th birthday.

    The result? A heartwarming night that raised more than $2.6 million for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation's local efforts.

    The evening opened with a poignant video message from former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, followed by the Texas A&M Singing Cadets delivering soul-stirring renditions of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "God Bless America." Neil Bush and son Pierce Bush welcomed attendees with touching tributes, highlighting Barbara Bush's enduring impact on literacy and family life.

    New Legacy

    In a fitting birthday salute, Neil Bush announced the launch of the Literacy Legacy Society, with Susan Baker as honorary chair and Deborah and Monte Stavis as co-chairs. The initiative aims to grow and sustain the foundation’s programs while celebrating Barbara Bush's vibrant legacy.

    ”This is a very special year for our family, as my Ganny will have celebrated her 100th birthday,” said Pierce Bush. “She was a source of inspiration and kindness to all who knew her. There is not a day that goes by that we do not think of her and miss her quick wit, friendship, and unconditional love.”

    Authors on Stage

    Literary luminaries took center stage throughout the evening, introduced by Ashley Bush LeFevre, Sarahbeth Bush, and Julian LeFevre. Historian H.W. Brands reflected on his childhood love of reading and the complexity of his work, America First: Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War. Author Victoria Christopher Murray charmed the audience with stories of her early writing adventures and her passion for highlighting unsung heroines in history.

    Actor Kelsey Grammer delivered a deeply personal and emotional reading from his new book Karen: A Brother Remembers, chronicling his late sister's life. Comedian Nate Bargatze closed out the author lineup with his signature "non-genius" humor, sharing hilarious anecdotes from his childhood and new memoir Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind.

    Earlier in the day, the festivities kicked off with an intimate Authors’ Luncheon hosted at the River Oaks home of Terri and John Havens.

    Among those spotted in the evening crowd were Steve and Barbie Prusak, Julie and Ron Finck, Lisa and Mark Jakel, Mark and Laurie Lashier, Brian and Shana Mandell, Alvin Abraham, Claudia Kreisle, David and Pat Jones, John and Betty Hrncir, Y. Ping Sun, Daniel Kalms, Steve and Michele Maislin, Satya and Naveen Pandrangi, Emily George, Colette and Minor Taylor, Preston and Allison Schulze, Gina and Joe Carroll, Danny Ward and Nancy Ames, Ernest Trevino and Steve Ulrich, Tony Bradfield, Ginger Blanton, Martha and Mark Carnes, Juliet Stipeche, and Pam Wells.

    The celebration continues beyond the evening as media partner KPRC 2 will broadcast a one-hour, commercial-free version of the event on May 10, with a rebroadcast on June 7.

    Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Celebration of Reading 2025
      

    Photo by Jacob Power

    Victoria Christopher Murray, Kelsey Grammer, H.W. Brands, and Nate Bargatze.

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