Mother Nature played a trick on Houstonians this week with this unseasonable chilling blast. But it didn't stop CultureMappers from kicking up their heels at the final CultureMap Social of 2014.
Rather than rock the night in the breezeway at Gateway Memorial City as had been planned, the party moved inside into one of the spaces yet to be built out at the mixed-use shopping center. Good neighbors Vallone's, Churrascos and KUU provided the good eats for the young professional crowd while Stillhouse Moonshine cocktails delivered the firewater that kept folks warm.
Joining the neighborly evening was Thomas Markle Jewelers, which provided a swell set of cufflinks given away in a drawing, while other retailers in Gateway filled the enviable swag bags with loads of gift certificates. The toast of the goodie bags were the s'more kits in mason jars, courtesy of Lexus, which had two of its hottest cars on hand for inspection. Guests could set their dreams on the sporty IS or the brand's new luxury coupe, the RC.
As is CultureMap Social tradition, three of our young professional partners — Houston Ballet's Ballet Barre, Friends of DePelchin and Memorial Hermann Heroes — set up booths to encourage membership sign-ups. Brush & Blush Blow Dry Bar provided instant makeovers. Smilebooth joined the party and DJ Gabe Bizonee kept the music playing.
Living the party life were Margot Trevino, Mari Trevino, Jay Zeidman, Tracy Hagemann, Simone Powell, Christmas Day (yes), Stephen Strake, Ashley Wehrly-Kearney, Nikki Hanley, Amee Thompson, Emily Vitek, John Pruett and Michelle Nainani.
April Helmandollar, left, and Nikki Hanley.
