The scoop from Houston

Here comes 'da judge: Bill Rancic reveals his major role in next season'sCelebrity Apprentice

Headliners at the VIP reception for the Rancics at The Woodlands Americas.
Photo by Kim Coffman
Strutting her stuff at The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection during MercedesBenz Fashion Week 2011.
Photo by ©Dan and Corina Lecca

Popular reality TV star Bill Rancicof Giuliana and Billannounced Thursday that he will be a judge on next season's Celebrity Apprentice.

While in town to headline the Memorial Hermann "In the Pink of Health" luncheon, Giuliana Rancic and Bill not only charmed the VIP reception crowd at The Woodlands Americas but also shared the scoop. In a Q&A with High-Tech Texan Michael Garfield, Bill told the packed gathering that he will return to the show where he won initial fame as the winner of season one. He said that this was the first announcement of that news.

Since winning the slot with Donald Trump on Celebrity Apprentice, you might recall that Bill married E! News co-host Giuliana. They launched their reality showon the Style Network. They tried to get pregnant. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. They had a baby by surrogate.

Today, after her recovery from cancer, they are touring the country on Giuliana's mission of advocacy, awareness and early detection for breast cancer patients.

And that's what brought the couple to Houston as featured speakers at the breast cancer fundraiser, held Friday at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.

Thursday night, they were feted by Michael and Lucia Cordua at the cocktail reception at The Woodlands Americas, where more than 300 gathered to greet the popular Rancics.

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Party Watch

Distinguished Houston gents gather for Brioni’s grand opening

What: Brioni Grand Opening with Men of Distinction

Where: Brioni Boutique in River Oaks District

The scoop: Italian menswear designer Brioni celebrated the grand opening of its Houston flagship at River Oaks District with a luxurious evening that merged high fashion with philanthropy. The November 7 event featured a private preview of Brioni's Bespoke Trunk Show, spotlighting the brand’s tailored craftsmanship. Men of Distinction, a nonprofit honoring Houston's community leaders, took the opportunity to recognize its esteemed researchers and honorees, celebrating milestones in raising funds for critical medical research at Texas Medical Center.

Dr. Michael A. Belfort of Texas Children’s Hospital delivered remarks that highlighted Men of Distinction's contributions to pioneering medical procedures, such as life-changing surgeries for spina bifida. Guests enjoyed Italian prosecco, old-fashioned cocktails, and tastings from The Macallan’s 12- and 15-year single malts, along with Italian bites by Bari Ristorante. Attendees left with luxurious parting gifts, including a Brioni crocodile leather keychain and a spa experience at The Post Oak Hotel.

Photo by Gary Fountain

A.J. Williams with Andi and Ballard Infante.

Who: Jesse Tudor, Gary Peterson, Mike Linn and Carol Linn, Keith Mosing and Alice Mosing, David Wurthrich, Tom Perich and Debra Perich, Dancie Ware and Jim Ware, John Serpe, Molly Crownover, Kevin Gilliard and Frank Billingsley, Tracy Dieterich, Robert Bernard, A.J. Williams, and Andi and Ballard Infante.

brioni river oaks district fundraisers men of distinction

The scoop from Houston

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Party Watch

Distinguished Houston gents gather for Brioni’s grand opening