Party Watch

Kid cancer patients strut the catwalk in a heartwarming back-to-school fashion show

Party Watch

Kid cancer patients strut the catwalk in a heartwarming back-to-school fashion show

Jodi Widaski, Susan Stalcup, Taylor Watters and Carol Unsicker.Photo by Dave Rossman
Emma Dabney wearing Monsoon.Photo by Dave Rossman
Sherri Porter with sons Benjamin, left, and Samuel.Photo by Dave Rossman
Jackson Dippel wearing Gap Kids.Photo by Dave Rossman
Fre'derick Redd III wearing Brooks Brothers.Photo by Dave Rossman
Jenny Major, from left, Andrew Major, Maddie Major and Robyn Major.Photo by Dave Rossman
Emcee Mia Gradney of KHOU Channel 11.Photo by Dave Rossman
Dr. Julie Segovia and Seth Thomas wearing Brooks Brothers.Photo by Dave Rossman
Alexa Ly wearing Gap Kids.Photo by Dave Rossman
Dena and Chris Winkler with their daughters Rebecca and Ashley.Photo by Dave Rossman
Bree Burke wearing Crazy 8.Photo by Dave Rossman
Kesena Orette wearing Disney.Photo by Dave Rossman
Maria Mino, left, and Sabrina Lyles.Photo by Dave Rossman
Quinn Franklin with daughter Susanna Lane Fegen.Photo by Dave Rossman
Santana Draper wearing Vans.Photo by Dave Rossman
Yousef Zaafran wearing Nordstrom.Photo by Dave Rossman
Samantha Arango, from left, Becky Kitchell and Kathy Minter.Photo by Dave Rossman
Victor Hernandez and daughter Brenda.Photo by Dave Rossman
Tanya and Jeff Ellenberg.Photo by Dave Rossman

What:M.D. Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital fourth annual back-to-school fashion blast.

Where:Galleria IV in the Nordstrom Wing.

The 411: M.D. Anderson pediatric patients were the stars of the show when a host of youngsters, physicians and caregivers joined Page Parkes models in a parade of fashions for fall. Providing trendy looks for the young students and adults as well were various stores including Nordstrom, Brooks Brothers, Gymboree, Vera Bradley and Macy's. KHOU Channel 11 morning news anchor Mia Gradney served as emcee. Enlivening the festivities was a host of colorful clowns who helped the shy ones make their catwalk debuts.

School is not so for off for Anderson patients as the children's hospital is one of only two in the nation that offers an on-site accredited private school. The study programs allow patients to remain in their respective grades during treatment. The school is the only one of its kind that also accepts patients' siblings.

Who: M.D. Anderson representatives included Janet McCloskey, Tanya Ellenberg, school program principal Dr. Najar Daw-Bitar, director of clinical nursing Julie Segovia and child life specialist Morinsola Keshinro.

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Party Watch

Animal encounters and sweet treats delight Houston's Night at the Zoo

Zac and Courtney Harmon.Photo by Johnny Than
Darvell Bivens and Kayla Adams.Photo by Johnny Than
The chilly weather didn't spoil anyone's good time.Photo by Johnny Than
Tracy and Jim Fish.Photo by Johnny Than
Braden and Shea Parker.Photo by Johnny Than
Amy Ng and Abhilash Gummakonda.Photo by Johnny Than
Asante Society Committee Chairs Courtney Harmon and Carina Antweil.Photo by Johnny Than
Christy Brown, Donny and Leslie Kilbourn.Photo by Johnny Than
Gabby Stuckenschneider, Asante Society Committee member Maggie Sheridan, and Laura and Terry Harvey.Photo by Johnny Than
Houston Zoo's Chief Advancement Officer Nick Espinosa and Chief Mission Officer Lisa Marie Avendaño.Photo by Johnny Than

What: Seventh Annual Night at the Zoo

Where: Houston Zoo’s Masihara Pavilion

The scoop: Wildlife enthusiasts from Houston Zoo’s Asante Society gathered under the stars on February 13 for an evening of sips, bites, and animal encounters. Guests mingled over wine, beer, and craft cocktails while sampling an array of savory and sweet treats from a selection of Houston’s top eateries.

Attendees got up close with the zoo’s charming ambassador animals and engaged with their passionate keepers, gaining insight into ongoing conservation efforts. Lee Ehmke, Houston Zoo’s president and CEO, took a moment to reflect on his nearly decade-long tenure.

Under Ehmke’s leadership, the zoo has unveiled four immersive exhibits, including the Galápagos Islands and Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands, with more transformative projects on the horizon. Ehmke will be honored later this year at the Zoo Ball 2025, set for October 25.

Who: Among the 250 partygoers were Stacey and Al Lindseth, Amy Ng, Abhilash Gummakonda, Courtney and Zac Harmon, Carina Antweil, Shea and Braden Parker, Christy Brown, Leslie and Donny Kilbourn, Darvell Bivens, Kayla Adams, Gabby Stuckenschneider, Maggie Sheridan, Laura and Terry Harvey, Lisa Marie Avendaño, Renee Renfroe, Sue Chin, Ginger Blanton, and Tracy and Jim Fish.