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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.

Goya representatives Rafael Toro and Mayte Weitzman.

Photo by Naranja Dulce Photography

Goya representatives Rafael Toro and Mayte Weitzman.

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Raising the Barre

Chris Shepherd honored as Houston Ballet wows diners at annual dinner

Photo by Annie Mulligan

Rench Soriano, Alyssa Springer, Marianne Geagea, Lenni Burke, Sayako Toku, and Saul Newport.

A dozen diners once gathered around chef Chris Shepherd at Catalan on Washington for what felt like a charming experiment. Fast-forward to April 26, and Houston Ballet’s Raising the Barre arrived at Navy Blue in full bloom, now one of the city’s most coveted culinary tickets.

Photo by Annie Mulligan

Rench Soriano, Alyssa Springer, Marianne Geagea, Lenni Burke, Sayako Toku, and Saul Newport.

The sort of invitation where, once the next date is announced, seasoned regulars simply buy first and ask questions later.

More than 150 guests in cheerful spring attire filled the chic Rice Village eatery for the annual fête benefiting Houston Ballet. Co-chaired by Lenni and Bill Burke and Marianne and Joe Geagea, the evening honored Shepherd for his longstanding partnership with the ballet and years of helping this delicious institution pirouette forward. In a sentimental gesture, Shepherd held a photo from that very first gathering.

Because some of the best traditions begin modestly, then grow legs. Preferably in heels.

The now-signature format paired top chefs with Houston Ballet dancers to create a four-course dinner inspired by heritage, hometowns, and personal taste. Opening the menu, Chef Chris Williams teamed with Demi Soloist Rench Soriano for lumpia with talong-style black-eyed pea relish and house-made sweet and sour sauce, a tribute to Soriano’s Filipino roots and his father.

Chef Seth Siegel-Gardner with Soloist Sayako Toku, serving takoyaki arancini with roasted bone marrow — playful, rich, and rooted in Toku’s Japanese background. Chef Aaron Bludorn and Soloist Alyssa Springer delivered a surf and turf inspired by their shared West Coast ties. Dessert landed with a sweet wink courtesy of pastry chef Jared Adams, representing Rebecca Masson, paired with Corps de Ballet member Saul Newport. Their New Zealand-inspired Hokey Pokey Sundae was vanilla bean ice cream heaven with house-made honeycomb and honey caramel.

The event raised more than $100,000 in support of Houston Ballet’s performances, artistic excellence, and education initiatives. While Shepherd’s wife, Lindsey Brown, one of the original architects of the event’s concept, couldn’t be there in person, a few of us managed to say hello via FaceTime.

CultureMap seen were Sonja Kostich, Julie Kent, Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, Leigh and Reggie Smith, Susan Binney, Michelle Jeffery, C.C. Conner, Jo Furr, Terry Wayne Jones, Jane DiPaolo, Marguerite Swartz, Mary Sage, Mitchell George and Stanley Curtis, Jr., Victoria Gutierrez and Nick Pierce, Beth Muecke, Kristen Cannon, Dannika Simpson, Shawn Stephens and Jim Jordan, Ileana and Michael Treviño, Allison and Troy Thacker, Christine and David Underwood, Zoe Cadore, Gina Bahr and Anthony Bahr, Sasha Davis and Geoffry Oshman, and Akemi Saitoh.

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