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Fabulous Houston crowd strikes a chord for Marc Anthony's charity

Svelte and stylish crooner Marc Anthony may not have been in attendance, but no doubt the international heartthrob would’ve been impressed with the suave and fab crowd attending his Maestro Cares Foundation’s Afternoon of Music, Art & Giving event.

The ritzy luncheon and (at times) raucous auction — the first-ever Houston event — was held at Art of the World Gallery, the perfect canvas for renowned graffiti artist Mr. Brainwash and his buzzworthy exhibit “No Rules in Life.” Crafty Caps & Bold created an artful environment picture perfect for an artsy affair.

A sumptuous, multi-course meal cooked up by Frida Valentina Catering was followed by an inspirational video and speeches by various hosts. A check presentation to Houston’s Community Family Centers drew thunderous applause.

Always regal and elegant, Art of the World owners Mauricio Vallejo and Liliana Molina graciously welcomed attendees. (The owners also pledged 5 percent of Art of the World September sales towards the Maestro Cares cause.) Charming event hosts Claudia Ayala, Perla Tamez, and Bianca Bucaram — each successful businesswomen in their own right — also made remarks and welcomed visitors.

Emcee Eglantina Zingg, popular for her philanthropy and international TV host appearances on MTV and who flew in from Miami for the event, personally greeted each guest and charmed and wowed the crowd.

Speaking of the crowd: The elegant, fashionable gathering went positively electric during the lively auction. Bidders quickly waved their large, heart-shaped paddles to win items including masterful pieces by Mexican artist Karla de Lara, as well as an envied work from Mr. Brainwash himself.

Arguably the event’s highlight was a friendly and hilarious bidding war between fashionista and society star Elia Gabbanelli and Tamez. “Table Eight is going on vacation!” exclaimed Gabbanelli as she won a coveted Mexican getaway.

A little about Maestro Cares: Founded in 2012 by Marc Anthony and prominent businessman and philanthropist Henry Cardenas, the nonprofit fosters safe and healthy environments for children to live, learn and play, while also supporting their developmental and academic needs.

Currently, the organization boasts 22 projects in 13 countries and territories, with several projects underway in Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and Guatemala. In total, Maestro Cares has raised more than $10 million to aid kids in need.

Fan and fashionable guests included: Elena Sotomayor, Dr. Ricardo Flores, Marisol Carrillo, Tatiana Ortiz, Rafael Toro, Mayte Sera Weitzman, James Casanovas, Tom Ramsey, Alina Richard, Karla de Lara, Maritza Guerrero, and Sarah Leftwich.

Tatiana Ortiz and Marisol Carrillo of Maestro Cares.

Photo by Naranja Dulce Photography

Tatiana Ortiz and Marisol Carrillo of Maestro Cares.

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remembering richard flowers

Richard Flowers, mastermind behind Houston's $1 million galas, has died

Houston Ballet Ball Richard Flowers Lynn Wyatt

Photo by Michelle Watson

Richard Flowers with Lynn Wyatt ah the 2026 Houston Ballet Ball.

The man who planned some of Houston’s most fabulous parties has died. Richard Flowers, founder of The Events Company, passed away over the weekend. He was 75.

Part of Fertitta Entertainment, The Events Company executes a wide array celebrations, galas, fundraisers, corporate events, and other experiences. Flowers provided the vision for noteworthy happenings in Houston and beyond, such as the annual San Luis Salute and The Texas Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C.

“We relied on and appreciated Richard’s incredible creative talent across our entire portfolio from hotels to casinos and every special event the company staged for decades,” said Tilman Fertitta, the Houston billionaire owner of Fertitta Entertainment and current U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino, in a statement. “His masterful décor and production left an imprint on every signature event hosted at The Post Oak Hotel from unforgettable weddings to the grandest of galas.”

A native of San Antonio and an alumnus of the University of Texas, Flowers entered the energy business prior to founding The Events Company. He partnered with Fertitta Entertainment in 2003, which led to executing events across the United States, Europe, and Mexico.

Richard Flowers and Angel Rios Richard Flowers is survived by his husband Angel Rios.Courtesy of Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl

Among his many achievements, Flowers created events for the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Alley Theatre, and Houston Ballet, which honored him at its 2026 gala. Overall, he’s helped Houston nonprofits raise millions.

“I’ve lost track of how many events I’ve attended shaped by Richard’s unmistakable touch,” CultureMap society contributor Joel Luks shares. “He saw the world as a canvas, one he transformed into moments of wonder, surprise, and joy. Philanthropy in Houston is stronger because of his generosity, creativity, and vision. And if you walked into a room and felt transported, chances are, it was because of him.”

Flowers also planned a destination wedding for Hallie Vanderhider, his friend and a member of the Houston Ballet board of trustees executive committee, to Saks Fifth Avenue general manager Bobby Dees in 2024. "Richard was truly one of a kind. His creativity and ingenuity could only be eclipsed by his humble kindness. We will miss him dearly but hold him close in our hearts forever," Vanderhider recalls.

Flowers earned a number of accolades during his career, including being named the “Ultimate Event Planner in Houston” by the Houston Chronicle and serving on Town & Country magazine’s Wedding Advisory Board. He served on numerous boards for local nonprofits, including the Houston Grand Opera. He is survived by his husband, Angel Rios.

Fertitta Entertainment shares that The Events Company will continue, guided by Flowers’ “creative legacy built on imagination, integrity, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.”

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