Partying With Simone Biles

World champion gymnast Simone Biles saluted by philanthropist in River Oaks home

Long noted for applauding outstanding youth via her commitments with Texas A&M University, the United Way and Gulf Coast Mensa, the low key Kaye Horn recently opened the doors of her River Oaks Boulevard home in salute to Olympic contender Simone Biles.

With three consecutive all-around International Gymnastics Federation world titles under her 18-year-old belt, Biles is poised for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. More than reason enough for Horne to celebrate the 4-ft.-9-in. powerhouse's accomplishments.

Thus, she invited neighbors, family and friends from the United Way, Texas A&M honors students, the Junior League and more for the cocktail reception.

Through her volunteer work and as head of the Horn Foundation, Horn says, "I am able to highlight and applaud outstanding youth within our midst."

The 18-year-old Spring resident certainly qualifies. As Horn noted, "Her accomplishments will encourage others to succeed and she handles her notoriety with grace and kindness. She is a tiny, fearless exemplar of girl power. A wonderful role model for women everywhere."

Joining in the celebration of the young athlete were Alma and Vernus Swisher, Vincent Swisher, Dr. Kathy Flanagan, Patty Rabal, Susan Diehl, Ann Dunphy Becker, Lloyd Gite, Joan Blaffer Johnson, Jonathan Sandsy, Matt Musil and Biles' parents, Nellie and Ron Biles.

Patrick Byron, Dr. Kathy Flanagan, Simone, Charlie Becker.

Photo by Michael Flores

Patrick Byron, Dr. Kathy Flanagan, Simone, Charlie Becker.

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shock and awe

Dark elegance and spooky splendor raise $1.1M for Children’s Museum Houston

When the Children’s Museum Houston threw its annual adult fête on October 26, the Corinthian wasn’t just an event space, it was a full-on haunted playground for the city’s imaginative souls. Nearly 500 attendees — clad in mysterious black lace, horns, feathers, and flowing capes — stepped into a realm where goth and childhood wonder collided with spectacular results.

This year’s “Noir Ball: A Celebration of Haunted Elegance,” chaired by Whitney and Ryan Burns and Allison and Iván Chávez, made no bones about its moody vibe. From the moment partygoers floated in, the eerie ambiance—think chandeliers dripping in ghostly light and roses under glass cages—set the stage.

The masterminds at Bergner and Johnson Design turned the room into a scene from a spellbinding fairytale, where fog floated ominously across a grand fountain, dotted with rose petals and flickering candles. One could practically hear the spirits whisper.

And as any child knows, no Halloween is complete without a little shock and awe. At one point, lightning cracked and thunder rolled through the room. Even the sweet tooth found its haunting hour with Jackson and Co.’s darkly decadent desserts, including cake candles that might just have you second-guessing what’s edible. It was a feast fit for vampires, werewolves, and Houston’s social elite alike.

Adding to the festivities, ‘80s cover band The Spazmatics revived the dance floor with a high-energy, undead-worthy set, pulling every last creature of the night into their spell. With the iconic chandeliers casting an ethereal glow, the floor was alive with revelers reliving their MTV glory days.

Maleficent, Dracula, and Wednesday Addams mingled with the crowd, adding a dash of dark fantasy to the evening’s ambiance while paddle bids flew during the live and silent auctions chaired by Devorah Krieger and Elizabeth McIngvale-Mackey. Highlights included everything from a diamond necklace to a puppy duo courtesy of K-9 Angels Rescue. Guests vied with ghostly fervor for a bangle donated by Zadok Jewelers. After a close battle, Yana Rodilosso emerged triumphant

The evening raised a spine-tingling $1.14 million, the museum’s second-highest tally ever, all to fuel its mission to nurture Houston's young minds.

Among the undead were Alexandra and Alex Cabraie, Antoinette and Julian Duncan, Kathryn and Travis Boeker, Erin Smith, Bethany and Ben Buchanan, Courtney and Bo Hughes, Deanna Altenhoff, Darren Brasher, Stephanie Wilcox, Freddie Minahan, Heather and Mark Teshoian, Iona and Mike Avery, Veronica and John Griffin, Lacey and Matt Goossen, Ashley and Jonathan Sloan, Neil Badlani and Rekha Muddaraj, Cassandra and Ryan Dalton, and Matthew Mackey.

Photo by Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design

Ashley Sloan, Kathryn Boeker, Erin Smith, and Bethany Buchanan.