Swag Bag Envy

Hot young professionals heat up cold night by partying hard at a shopping dream CultureMap Social

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.

Renia Butler, from left, Free Lane and Michael Stevenson.

Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com

Renia Butler, from left, Free Lane and Michael Stevenson.

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Paws and Purpose

Lavish brunch party raises nearly $1M for Houston’s homeless animals

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Tena Faust, Major John Whitmire, Tama Lundquist, and Kirby Metocha.

Brunch with a purpose? Count Houston PetSet in.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Tena Faust, Major John Whitmire, Tama Lundquist, and Kirby Metocha.

The beloved nonprofit swapped its traditional evening gala for a sunshine-filled fête, and the crowd clearly approved. Held September 28 at chic social hub Le Tesserae, “Le Brunch” shimmered with mimosas, music, and energy, all to support Houston’s fight against animal homelessness.

The inaugural daytime event, co-chaired by Kirby Matocha Edmund alongside PetSet co-presidents Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust, drew a who’s who of Houston’s philanthropic set. Special guest Billy Bob Thornton and his band The Boxmasters delivered a rollicking set that had guests trading polite applause for full-on toe-tapping. Emcee Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston, kept spirits bright and the program flowing with her signature warmth and wit.

From classic brunch couture to photo-ready smiles, the scene blended laid-back glam with serious fundraising muscle.

And that muscle made an impact. Nearly $1 million was raised to fund PetSet’s critical grant program, which supports rescue groups and shelters across Texas. Last year, the nonprofit distributed more than $400,000 to nearly 100 local partners.

With its lively new format and near seven-figure success, “Le Brunch” might just become Houston’s next great giving tradition, with a side of croissants and good company.

Among the crowd of animal advocates were Mayor John Whitmire and Senator Joan Huffman, joined by Jan Duncan, Courtney Hopson, Mario Castillo, Alicia Smith, Brigitte Kalai, Devinder and Gina Bhatia, Rachelle and Jeff Ball, Honorable Lyndon and Marilyn Rose, Baily Dalton-Binion, Nancy Mathe, Ellen Weitz, Brittany Shattuck, Mary Doughtie, Kirk Kveton and Daniel Irion, Marge Lundquist, Sandra Smith, Shima Zangeneh, and Sue Smith.

fundraisers