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    Cheers!

    Country stars join Houstonians to toast record-breaking night at T.J. Martell Best Cellars dinner

    Heather Staible
    Heather Staible
    Sep 29, 2017 | 9:54 am

    No disrespect to any of Houston’s restaurants and wine bars, but the T. J. Martell Foundation's Best Cellars Dinner Wednesday at Hotel ZaZa was the ultimate destination for those who appreciate inventive food and incredible wines. Throw in live music performances and a crowd dotted with country music stars and it was the recipe for a record-breaking night.

    The seventh annual event has quickly become a must-attend dinner, raising money for cancer research and giving guests an all-around good time, thanks to wine hosts who dig into their own personal cellars, pairing wine with food concepted and prepared by Houston’s finest chefs. The event raised a record-breaking $250,000 for The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

    Even before the ballroom doors opened, champagne flowed and guests mingled with country music stars Randy Travis andChris Young, both of whom were happy to take pictures with fans. Houston native and The Voice winner Sundance Headwas also popular with fans. Head took to the stage after dinner, showing off his winning pipes singing “Love Can Build A Bridge,” an old Judd favorite, and Etta James’ “At Last,” among others.

    But before the music, there was food, glorious food, prepared by chef chairman Mark Cox who collaborated with guest chefs Bobby Matos of State of Grace, Luis Roger of BCN Taste and Tradition and Frederic Perrier, French Master Chef for a multi-course dinner menu.

    Roger started the evening with a grilled wild Branzino sautéed with green peas, avocado, blood oranges, pine nuts and warm mayonnaise. Perrier followed with a crispy duck confit, chou farci stuffed with melt-in-your-mouth foie gras and Normandy apples. Matos appealed to the meats lovers and red wine drinkers, serving Beef “Pot-a feu” hearth roasted filet with with braised short rib, marrow and and wild herbed potatoes.

    Guests knew to save room for dessert, and Roger provided a trio of desserts that definitely satiated the sweet tooth, with the Gypsy’s Arm sponge cake being the light and airy end to the meal.

    Each of the tables in the sold-out ballroom were helmed by passionate wine lovers who also have a heart for philanthropy. Chairman Franelle Rogers along with honorary chairmen Carolyn Faulk, Jeanie and Jim Janke, and Dean Putterman brought together all the elements for a memorable evening, and wine host chairman Robert Sakowitz worked in concert with wine hosts who brought out the very best for the guests. The wines were a true delight, and hosts such as Putterman poured over every vintage and varietal for each course. The mood was indeed festive and the toasts sincere.

    Those raising a glass included T.J. Martell Foundation CEO Laura Heatherly, Mary Travis, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Dr. Robert Bast, Jr. and Blanche Bast, Stephanie Baird, Ed Finger, Hallie Vanderhider, Cathy and David Herr, Mark Bermann, Gaye Lynn and Stuart Zarrow, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Caroline Kenney, Laura and Jerry Kent, Lori and Darryl Schroeder, Kimberly Stout, Bill Baldwin and Fady Armanious, Kim and Mike Weill, Chantell Preston, Chip Beavers, Becky and Michael Harris, and Sharleen and Ron Walkoviak.

    Scott Baker and Sundance Head.

    Best Cellars Wine Dinner/Scott Baker and Sundance Head
      
    Photo by Kim Coffman
    Scott Baker and Sundance Head.
    charity
    news/society

    Dignity Delivered

    Houston Furniture Bank turns compassion into comfort for kids

    Joel Luks
    May 30, 2025 | 11:00 am
    Houston Furniture Bank gala 2025
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    Dean Todd, Stacey Todd, Cinde Matocha, and Gary Matocha.

    A child sleeping on the floor isn’t just a statistic — it’s a crisis. And on May 8, more than 400 guests packed River Oaks Country Club to do something about it.

    The Furniture Bank’s No Kids on the Floor gala, chaired by advocates and board members Francie and Mike Willis, raised more than $300,000, a record-breaking figure for the organization. The funds support its mission to provide beds to the estimated 300,000 children in Houston without one, a mission that has already placed more than 4,000 beds since the program launched in 2018.

    The evening, emceed by Linda Lorelle, featured the moving video highlighting founder Oli Mohammed and the organization’s impact. Ralph Marek was posthumously honored as the night’s Legacy Honoree, with his son Stan Marek accepting on behalf of the family. The inaugural Jodie Hoffer Community Service Award — named for the late Furniture Bank champion — was presented to Youval Meicler of Texas Mattress Makers, whose support has been both generous and hands-on.

    A heartfelt speech from the eldest child of a family served by the organization reminded the crowd what this night was really about: Dignity, safety, and the power of something as simple as a bed.

    Pianist Doug Montgomery provided the soundtrack for the evening, while Johnny Bravo rallied the room for a spirited live auction and appeal. Elegant florals by H-E-B, a sold-out Giving Tree, and a silent auction featuring rare wine lots rounded out the festivities.

    In attendance were Ben Marek, Roz and Alan Pactor, Scott and Samantha Hoffer, Karen and Larry Cress, Michele Meicler, Jody Merritt, Christine Johnson, Janice Hall, Hershey Grace and Ed McMahon, Cinde and Gary Matocha, Edna Meyer Nelson, Jeff and Harry Cummins, Lisa and Bob Gulitti, Regina Rogers, Steve Finger, Frank Monacelli and Gloria Nino-Monacelli, Danna and Hal Lynde, Allison and Stuart Peterson, Jill and John Parsley, Molly and Miles Marks, Kip Altstaetter, Frank Billingsley and Kevin Gilliard, Audrey and Phillip Davis, Michael Galloway, Laura Ward, Cathy and Bud Geisinger.

    Houston Furniture Bank gala 2025
      

    Photo by Daniel Ortiz

    Dean Todd, Stacey Todd, Cinde Matocha, and Gary Matocha.

    fundraisershouston furniture bank
    news/society

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