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    party watch

    Good-hearted gamblers go all in for beloved Houston charity casino night

    Steven Devadanam
    Oct 27, 2021 | 5:40 pm

    What: “All in for the House”

    Where: Bayou City Events Pavilion

    The scoop: More than 300 guests gathered at the Bayou City Events Pavilion to raise critical funds for the beloved Ronald McDonald House Houston.

    The casino-inspired “All in for the House,” chaired by Debbie and Ozzie Bauer and Karen and David Smith, raised nearly $700,000 for the organization that provides a home away from home to families with seriously ill children being treated in the Texas Medical Center member institutions.

    In true casino form, the night featured a quarter slots raffle, spin the wheel with Tenenbaum and Tootsies for surprise bags, a bourbon pull, and casino games.

    Popular Houston sommelier Sean Beck hosted a premium, rare whiskey tasting. For some ring-a-ding-ding, Dean Martin (a lookalike, more accurately) crooned onstage alongside a pianist. Guests noshed on bites from Monarch Hospitality.

    Emcee Johnny “Bravo” Holloway kept the festive energy going and recognized honorees Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook, who have been long-term supporters for the Ronald McDonald House Houston. A video presenting their support and volunteerism was gleefully applauded.

    Cristina Vetrano, CEO, expressed her appreciation for the ongoing support in these difficult times for the organization. “The need for care does not stop, we have to continue to provide a safe, happy environment for these families as they struggle to care for an ill child,” Vetrano told the audience.

    Good-hearted gamblers included: Maria and Neil Bush, Emily Crosswell, Paige Fertitta, Emma and Seth Elsenbrook, Evan Elsenbrook, Seliece and Lee Womble,Allison and Dan Connally, Mady and Ken Kades, Marilyn and Louis Mogas, Dr Susan Blaney, Teresa and Martijn van Oort and Cookie and Larry Hanrahan, Cyndy Garza Roberts and Thomas Roberts, Pam and Rob Doty, Ken and Gretchen Sheirr, Maggie and Will Stacy, Ruth and Charles Pulido, and Nancy and Jack Dinerstein.

    Lee and Seliece Womble.

    Ronald McDonald House Houston All in for the House 2021 Lee Seliece Womble
      
    Photo by Dave Rossman
    Lee and Seliece Womble.
    fundraiserscharity
    news/society
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    Creative Mayhem

    Houston art museum's gala mixes auction buzz and Spinderella beats

    Joel Luks
    Jun 12, 2025 | 1:00 pm
    Contemporary Arts Museum Houston gala 2025
    Photo by Emily Jaschke
    Alecia Harris, Grace Zamiga, Michele Leal, Bailey Dalton, and Charlotta Hill.

    Art lovers, collectors, and creative provocateurs turned up and turned it out for CAMH Party, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston’s signature benefit and art auction. Never ones for beige galas or sleepy sit-downs, CAMH once again threw a night that shimmered with style, swagger, and the museum’s trademark adventurous, creative edge.

    The Brown Foundation Gallery became the canvas for the night, dressed up with artful flourish by Events Co., complete with dramatic lighting and immersive décor that played off the evening’s sassy energy. More than 200 guests made their entrance on a vibrant green carpet, decked in bold colors, high-concept fashion, and a clear understanding of the assignment: Serve lewks, not leftovers.

    Guests sipped cocktails from Lalo Tequila while previewing the silent auction, featuring coveted works by the likes of Robert Pruitt, Alexis Pye, and Roxy Paine, with bidding powered by Qtego Fundraising Services. But this was no quiet affair — the room buzzed with excited chatter and sneaky competitive glances from across the gallery walls.

    Then partygoers shifted to dinner mode with a refined menu from Swift and Co. Hors d’oeuvres included caviar tacos and steak tartare, followed by elegant entrées like scallopini of chicken and herb-crusted salmon. Dessert? A floral-forward strawberry sorbet kissed with mascarpone, meringue, and actual rose petals—because why not eat like you’re in a painting?

    CAMH co-directors Ryan Dennis and Melissa McDonnell Luján toasted to the museum’s legacy and shared what’s ahead, including a solo show by Houston-born artist Tomashi Jackson and the Teen Council’s 25th anniversary this summer. A buzzy live auction led by Sotheby’s Charlie Caulkins followed, with works by CAMH-exhibited artists like Garrett Bradley, Cindy Sherman, and Vincent Valdez sparking energetic bids and side-eyes alike.

    Then came the inevitable vibe shift: the After Party.

    The gallery morphed into a nocturnal lounge where grilled cheese met churros, and the legendary DJ Spinderella spun hits that got the art crowd dancing like nobody was watching or judging. Guests sipped more Lalo, bounced to the beat, and stayed well past midnight.

    Soaking in the creative mayhem were Elisa and Chris Pye, Poppi Massey, Phoebe Cholnoky, Josh Pazda and Chris Goins, Sissy and Denny Kempner, Joe and Johanne Gatto, Kristin and Drew Perring, Danielle O’Bannon and Jon Redwine, Unique James, and Darryl Sharpton, with support from a powerhouse host committee featuring names like Paola Creixell, Jamal Cyrus, Mary and Marcel Barone, and Jessica Phifer.

    Contemporary Arts Museum Houston gala 2025
      

    Photo by Emily Jaschke

    Alecia Harris, Grace Zamiga, Michele Leal, Bailey Dalton, and Charlotta Hill.

    fundraisersmuseumscontemporary art museum houston
    news/society
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