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    Birthday Bonanza

    A magical night to remember: Blow-out birthday party salutes Gerald Hines on his 90th

    Shelby Hodge
    Sep 23, 2015 | 1:03 pm

    Part Las Vegas-glitz, part Broadway-up-in-lights, the transformation of the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture building on the University of Houston campus on Saturday was a glamorous repurposing of the education facility into magical party palace.

     

    How could it be anything less for the celebration of Gerald Hines' 90th birthday, a milestone for the renowned developer who has made a lasting mark on commercial real estate design throughout the world. With his namesake firm, Hines, at work and a generous budget at play, the evening soared in every aspect.

     

    The 440 guests' arrival at the Philip Johnson-designed building was heralded by klieg lights with Hines' initials emblazoned above each side of the entrance. Stepping through the college doors was not unlike stepping through Alice's looking glass as partygoers were greeted by a sea of pink, lavender and yellow lighting, speckled with bubbles of white light.

     

    The party began at ground level in the college atrium where Staging Solutions created a chic lounge affair with the focal point being a dramatic stage set comprised of soaring models of some of Hines' iconic buildings, the structures glimmering in fantastical lighting. Here, Sara Niemietz sang with several back-up musicians, before catching the red-eye back to Los Angeles where she performed at one of the Emmy parties Sunday night.

     

     Heavy hitter crowd

     

    Cocktail-attired leaders of architecture, education and business quickly filled the atrium as Hines and his wife, Barbara, circulated through greeting UH president Renu Khator and husband Suresh Khator; famed architects Robert A.M. Stern, John Burgee and Cesar Pelli; former Houston Mayor Bill White and wife Andrea; and Central Houston Inc. president Bob Eury and Gayle, among the numerous notables from Houston and around the world. (These starchitects and several others had been featured the day before at the Hines Architectural Forum at the Hobby Center.)

     

    Act two of the spectacular evening took place on the college's fourth floor where desks, storage bins and detritus of student life were removed to make way for a spectacular dinner setting where again lavender and rose-hued lighting set the stage. It was a transformation that Architecture Dean and Hines friend Patricia Oliver could hardly believe. More than a dozen flat screen TVs assured that guests from any vantage point could see the program of video tributes and the welcome led by Hines' son Jeff Hines, who now heads the company, and by Barbara and Gerald Hines' daughter, Serena.

     

     Frank Gehry dessert

     

    One particular tribute came from world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, who was supposed to have attended but doctor's orders following a recent back surgery prevented him from boarding an airplane. Via video he sent words of praise and congratulations and in artistic spirit he created the sculptural chocolate shavings that topped the Indiana Hoosier pie dessert.

     

    That pie, saluting Hines's birthplace, was the finale of a stunning five-course meal overseen by Tony Vallone. Each course represented some aspect of Hines' life ranging from the "Nova Scotia Salmon Tower" to the "Colorado Short Rib of Beef/Texas Gulf Snapper" entree. The food, service and staff excelled on every level as would be expected of both Hines and Vallone.

     

    The party continued after dinner, kicking into high gear back in the atrium where Leslie Uggams sang "Happy Birthday" before she and jazz singer Peter Cincotti revved up the dance tunes.

     

    The heavy-hitter crowd, almost half of whom were from out of town, included Yvonne and Scott Zeigler, Brenda and John Duncan, Anne and Dr. John Mendelsohn, Eleanor and Dan Gilbane, Sis and Hasty Johnson, Diane and Charles Ofner, Anne and Charles Duncan, Carolyn Farb, Charles Ward, Marley Lott, Jo and Jim Furr, Dee Osborne and Joan Schnitzer-Levy.

    Sara Niemietz performs on the dazzling architectural stage set.

    News, Shelby, Gerald Hines 90th birthday, Sept. 2015, singer
      
    Photo by Shafik Rifaat
    Sara Niemietz performs on the dazzling architectural stage set.
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    news/society

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

    Joel Luks
    Jul 14, 2025 | 3:02 pm
    Vita Living Pearls of Wisdom gala 2025
    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.

    Vita Living Pearls of Wisdom gala 2025
      

    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.

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