A Night To Remember

Revered Texas novelist and Oscar winner thrill gala crowd with Houston insights

There could not have been a more appreciative audience than the one gathered at River Oaks Country Club for the Center for Houston's Future's "Dinner and Conversation" fundraiser headlining Pulitzer Prize-winning author Larry McMurtry, screenwriter and producer Diana Ossana (Brokeback Mountain) and Texas Monthly founding editor and screenwriter (Apollo 13) Bill Broyles.

The names alone would have been enough to fill the ballroom with the 425 eager guests. But they delivered an unexpected, delicious, candid and very personal conversation from the stage. Broyles took a class under McMurtry when the author was teaching at Rice University. Ossana and McMurtry have been collaborating since 1992 and shared an Oscar for Brokeback Mountain.

The conversation ranged from McMurtry's heart surgery to his bout with depression to his works and writing. The Wichita Falls native and author of 29 novels shared his love for Houston, while long-time friend and collaborator Ossana elaborated on his remarks.

This rare evening of high talent was chaired by Anne Taylor and Ed Harris with Chevron as sponsor. The evening included presentation of the Center for Houston’s Future Impact Award to Donna F. Cole, president and CEO of Cole Chemical, Management and Distribution. Recognized as Impact Award finalists were Mack Fowler, principal and CEO of Madison Resources and Orion Pacific Holdings, and Kim Sterling, president of Sterling Associates.

The mesmerized gathering included former Texas Monthly editor Gary Curtis, Dorothy and Mickey Ables, Chevron's Joni Baird, Alex and Astley Blair, Antje and Harry Gee, Carmela and Kelly Frells, Anne and Dr. John Mendelsohn, Paul Murphy, Gwen Goffe, Marguerite and Bruce Culpepper, and Catherine Mosbacher, the Center for Houston's Future president and CEO.

Susan Young, from left, Keiji Asakura and Gwendolyn Goffe.

Photo by © Kim Coffman

Susan Young, from left, Keiji Asakura and Gwendolyn Goffe.

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branching out

Houston's Root Ball plants seeds of change and raises $600,000

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Brittney Christy, Marti Grizzle, Helen Winchell, Jane Luciano, and Lindsey Renfro.

Houstonians may talk about traffic, humidity, and Tex-Mex with equal passion. We can add trees to that mix.

Houston’s canopy took center stage as chairs Sheila Condon and Juli Japhet welcomed more than 440 guests to Trees For Houston’s 2025 Root Ball: Branching Out, held beneath a dreamy tent on the picturesque grounds of The Forest Club.

Now in its 31st year, the leafy affair blossomed into a record-breaking evening, raising $600,000 in support of Trees For Houston’s mission to plant, protect, and promote the city’s greenery. From the moment guests strolled the azalea-lined path, it was clear this was a full-on nature fête.

A soft breeze and rain-free forecast greeted stylish tree-huggers who mingled over lamb lollipops, tuna tostadas, and the cheekily-named signature cocktail, Branch Water. The coveted wine and spirits pull, with 125 bottles up for grabs, included Garrison Brothers Bourbon and WhistlePig — pure gold for discerning sippers.

Dinner brought guests to transformed clay courts adorned with lush H-E-B florals and native trees. Plates featured vibrant chicken piccata, delicately seared sea bass, and kabocha squash risotto, all with a farmer’s market flourish. As espresso and mini desserts made their rounds, a video tribute drew cheers, and the paddle raise soared past its $50,000 goal with ease.

Thomas Cokinos took to the piano, inspiring a sing-along moment that turned The Forest Club into a charming living room. And as guests made their exit, they received a symbolic parting gift: A Bur Oak acorn, pocket-sized potential for the next generation of shade and serenity.

Spotted were Mark Wilson, Larry Meacham, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Margaret and Jason Cooper, Meredith and David Symonds, Ginnie and Tim McConn, Melissa and Barton Kelly, Bobbi and Jonathan Worbington, Cheryl and Bill King, Lisa Helfman, Lacey Dalcour Salas, Becky and Seth Flechsig, Guy Hagstette, Molly and Don Glentzer, Susanna and Palmer Moldower, Mary and John Elkins, Jenny and Larry Nettles, Martha and John Britton, Kendall and Doug Knaus, Claudia and Brad Freels, and Barry Ward.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Brittney Christy, Marti Grizzle, Helen Winchell, Jane Luciano, and Lindsey Renfro.

fundraisers trees for houston