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    Shelby's Social Diary

    4,000 toys and a sleigh of money at a hot Houston restaurant equal a whole lot of holiday for needy kids

    Shelby Hodge
    Dec 11, 2013 | 12:34 pm

    It was a jolly rollicking evening at Ibiza when owners Charles Clark and Grant Cooper opened the doors to their midtown eatery and put on a festive party for supporters of the 24th annual Joyful Toyful. Guests arrived to schmooze in the restaurant's party room filled with 4,000 toys and with knowledge that each of the five charities would receive a minimum donation of $18,000.

    Thanks to the Ibiza team, food, wine and service were donated to the cause — no small commitment when feeding more than 160 guests. Putting it all together Monday night were Ibiza general manager Jeff Conger, events manager Cody Hughes and executive sous chef Kenneth Burke, standing in for Clark, who was stranded in New York due to the snowy East Coast weather.

    The merry band, a few in Santa hats, dined on tasty dinner of fresh arugula and spinach salad, Wagyu beef short ribs with white cheddar grits and a yummy assortment of bite-sized desserts. The latter washed down with Noval Black Port.

    Rather than designate specific chairs for this year's fundraiser, the Joyful Toyful board, under leadership of president Fred Wahrlich, organized the very merry evening. Among them were co-founder Andy Delery, Janet Wahrlich, Carol and Dr. Tom Sawyer, Kim Padgett, Chris Kase, Edie Saville, Susan and David Marks, Richard Dole, Grace Givens, Mark Faigen and Channel 13 KTRK's Tom Koch, who served as emcee.

    The toys and proceeds are making their way to Boys & Girls Harbor, Casa de Esperanza de Los Niños, Our Lady of Guadalupe School, The Forge for Families and Volunteer Houston.

    Joining in this jingle bell rocking party were Franelle Rogers, Celina Hellmund, Jerry Martin, Shelley Reeves, Mark Stevens, Amy Robinette and Hal Martin, Doe and Henry Florsheim, Peggy and Erik Carrington, Sheryl and Joel Androphy, Doreen and Frank Crappito and Kim Rolland.

    Joyful Toyful elves load the truck with the 4,000 toys that will be distributed to five charities.

      
    Photo by © Michelle Watson CultureMapSNAP.com
    Joyful Toyful elves load the truck with the 4,000 toys that will be distributed to five charities.
    unspecified
    news/society

    Songs & Support

    Hamilton star Miguel Cervantes brings Broadway power to Houston luncheon

    Joel Luks
    Apr 16, 2025 | 9:30 am
    Blue Bird Circle spring luncheon 2025
    Photo by Priscilla Dickson
    Miguel Cervantes.

    Broadway met brainpower as Miguel Cervantes, best known for his star turn playing the lead role in Hamilton, headlined The Blue Bird Circle’s Annual Spring Luncheon, themed “Arts and the Brain: Joyful Engagements.” Held March 18, the sold-out midday affair brought together more than 380 supporters to celebrate the legacy and impact of the century-old nonprofit, which has become a Houston institution in advancing pediatric neurological care.

    Blue Bird Circle spring luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Priscilla Dickson

    Miguel Cervantes.

    Chaired by longtime volunteers Maggie Austin and Ellen Stough, the luncheon honored Dr. Debra F. Sukin, president and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital, for her leadership and commitment to improving children’s health. Dr. Sukin highlighted the importance of research in pediatric neurology and shared personal reflections on her own journey as a mother.

    Guests were visibly moved as Cervantes took the stage, performing signature numbers from Hamilton and opening up in a conversation with Ernie Manouse about the loss of his infant daughter to epilepsy. His emotional tribute and advocacy for research through Cure Epilepsy struck a powerful chord, turning the spotlight toward the children and families served by The Blue Bird Circle’s mission.

    The event raised $300,000 in support of life-changing programs, including The Blue Bird Circle Clinic for Pediatric Neurology at Texas Children’s Hospital and affiliated research and treatment centers at Baylor College of Medicine and the Duncan Neurological Research Institute.

    Spotted among the do-gooding daytime crowd were Annette Griffin, Gail Branca, Sally Barber, Becky Chapman, Tanya and Andy Greenwood, Betty Ann and Beth Graves, Jenny Murphy, Dagmar Deason, Jan Sexton, Mikki Donnelly, Sallie Gordon, Jan Cobler and Trish Greaser, Dodi Willingham, Julie Little, Dr. Howard Weiner, and Dr. Huda Zoghbi.

    fundraisersblue bird circle
    news/society
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