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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.

    Chris Hill, Heidi Hill, Mietek Godzisz, Sis Johnson.

    News, Shelby, Gerald Hines 90th birthday, Sept. 2015, Chris & Heidi Hill, Mietek Godzisz, Sis Johnson
      
    Photo by Fulton Davenport/PWL Studios
    Chris Hill, Heidi Hill, Mietek Godzisz, Sis Johnson.
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    Music with Meaning

    Emotional tributes and country tunes drive Houston gala's impact

    Eric Sandler
    Jun 4, 2025 | 3:32 pm
    Alzheimer's Association Hope Gala 2025
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    Kevin Gilliard and Frank Billingsley.

    Forget the usual charity circuit humdrum — at this year’s Hope Gala, guests were treated to two things Houston never skimps on: heartfelt cause and honky-tonk flair.

    Hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association at The Revaire, the April 24 soirée doubled as a feel-good fundraiser and a boots-up night out, complete with Texas country star Roger Creager crooning center stage and a room full of do-gooders in their gala best.

    The evening was orchestrated by an executive and host committee including Tamara and Grant Johnson, Sarah and Robert Ray, and Kelli and John Weinzierl. The event began with a silent auction and cocktail reception — equal parts mingling and mission. While guests sipped and bid, a warm welcome from Frank Billingsley, co-host of Houston Public Media’s “Hello Houston,” ushered the crowd into an evening of reflection, recognition, and revelry.

    One of the evening’s most powerful moments came as Don Baird received the Dr. Mark Kunik Volunteer of the Year award. Baird spoke of his wife Cheryl, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 58, and how that moment altered his life’s path. Rather than retire, he stepped into the role of full-time caregiver. Since joining the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Baird has raised more than $300,000 and become a guiding voice for others facing similar journeys.

    Adding scientific insight and hope to the evening was Dr. Jim Ray, director of the Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium, who shared the latest progress in Alzheimer’s research and innovation.

    That theme took an emotional turn asCreager took the stage for a spirited set, performing in honor of Kenneth Love, the late father of Lianna Love Smithwick, who passed away from Alzheimer’s complications just a month before the gala. In total, the Hope Gala raised more than $460,000 thanks to the generosity of donors, including Presenting Sponsor The Ellwood Foundation, Musical Entertainment Underwriters Peggy and Avinash Ahuja, and The Whalley Foundation.

    Spotted were Councilmember Sallie Alcorn and George Alcorn, Becky Baird, Tiffany and Brian Burgher, Heidi and Mark Davis, Dr. Chanel Johnson, Beth and John King, The Honorable Amy Peck and Dr. Jordan Fein, Liz Ray, Dayna Steele, Katie Scott, and Lee and Melanie Hightower.

    Alzheimer's Association Hope Gala 2025
      

    Photo by Daniel Ortiz

    Kevin Gilliard and Frank Billingsley.

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