Party Watch
Much-admired philanthropists honored as Rockets owner makes rare appearance
What: The 17th annual Laura Lee Blanton Community Spirit Award dinner benefiting Houston Hospice.
Where: River Oaks Country Club.
The scoop: Eddy Blanton, son of the late Laura Lee Blanton, gave a glowing and jolly introduction of the honorees,Terri and John Havens. Following their heartfelt and occasionally light-hearted remarks on accepting the award, the philanthropists/business magnates received a standing ovation from the crowd that numbered more than 230. The evening, chaired by Kay and Paul Mansfield, raised close to $300,000 for the Houston Hospice.
The Houston Rockets were well represented by owner Leslie Alexander (making a rare local appearance other than courtside), Liz Brown, Rockets GM Tad Brown and wife Janice and former Rocket Clyde Drexler and wife Tonya.
Who: Emcee Tom Abrahams of ABC Channel 13, Houston Hospice CEO Jim Faucett, Kelli Blanton, Elizabeth and Peter Wareing, Sally and Bob Thomas, Elisabeth and Rob Beckham, Bill Herrington, Mary and Tony Gracely, Harriet and Joe Foster.