What: The Social Book launch party
Where: The Westin Galleria
The scoop: The Social Book, a comprehensive calendar of Houston fundraising events, unveiled the 2019 edition at its annual launch party. The Social Book's owners Scott Evans, Jeff Henry, and Sami Shbeeb welcomed more than 600 guests to celebrate the 24th anniversary edition. The Social Book partnered with event coordinator Kat Creech and her special events company Kat Creech Events for a “royal” night filled with food, song, and fun.
VIP guests gathered prior to the main event for a private reception in the hotel’s 24th floor Monarch Room to mingle with sponsors and The Social Book’s 2019 “Houston Treasures” honorees, which were introduced on-stage by celebrity socialite and television personality Warner Roberts, founder and creator of “Houston Treasures.” Guests nibbled hors d'oeuvres by Westin Galleria, sipped estate wines by Acumen Peak, and enjoyed harpist selections courtesy of Richard Brown Music. Let It Fly Events produced the magnificent floral stage backdrop and table linens for the beautifully appointed special event space with floor-to-ceiling windows on opposite walls offering spectacular sunset cityscape views. PSAV produced the VIP experience light and sound.
The 2019 “Houston Treasures” honorees, previously presented at a gala dinner on are: Anne Carl, Ed Emmett and Gwen Emmett, Carolyn Faulk, Tyson and Tena Faust, Zina Garrison, Gina Gaston Elie, Susan Arnoldy Hansen, Alan Helfman, Wallis and DeeDee Marsh, Jim McIngvale, Ed McMahon, and Dr. Stuart Yudofsky.
At the main event, the foyer was replete with golden décor including a metallic gold feature wall in geometric relief created by Stage Directions, surrounded by buffet stations, bars, and casino tables. The Galleria Ballroom was a "royal court" divided into four quadrants, each with its own color: Queen’s Parlor (Red), King’s Court (Purple), Duchess’ Garden (Green) and Prince’s Lodge (Blue), with a central court that was resplendent gold, white and crystal. Ballroom décor was courtesy of Let It Fly Events, EB Inc. Event Rentals, AFR Event Furnishings, Flowers by Nino, and Stage Directions.
Magician Ben Jackson strolled through the packed crowd and performed close-up magic. Eleven food and dessert stations provided the evening’s fare fit for kings and queens. Guests lined up for: Benjy’s (teamed with Local Foods and The Classic), Cakes by Gina, Dolce Boccato, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, Emmaline, H-E-B, Macaron by Patisse, Roma, Sushic, and Westin Galleria.
Who: Warner Roberts, Lynn Wyatt, Margaret Alkek Williams, Trini Mendenhall, Rosemary Schatzman, Lilly and Thurmon Andress, Diane Lokey Farb, Joann and Bill Crassas, Brooks Ballard, Fran Fauntleroy, Mady Kades, Walter Aymen, Karen Henry, Gigi Huang, Carol and Tom Sawyer, Betty and John Hrncir, Steve Mach, Yvonne Cormier, Jane-Page Crump, Helen and Jim Shaffer, Cliff and Angie Roberts, Sybil Roos, Alicia Smith, Kim Moody, Frank Billingsley, Tripp Carter, Douglas Drummond, Bob Jones, Elsie and Les Eckert, Hon. Bill King, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Vicki Rizzo, Michael McClure, Mary Ann and David McKeithan, Ellie Francisco, Franelle Rogers, Sharon Michael Owens, Gayla Gardner, Shawntell McWilliams, Alan and Roz Pactor, Linda Lorelle and Lou Gregory, Sami and Danielle Shbeeb, Nino Shbeeb, Pam Lockard, Nancy and Hans Strohmer, Dick Hansen, Cheryl Byington, Vicki Rizzo, Susan Soussan, Melanie Johnson, Randy Canche and Scottie Gatarz, John Evatz, Nancy Marcus Golden, and Chloe Dao.
Cindy Baker, Tirey Counts (as Queen Elizabeth II), Celene Buffington, and Missa Sutton.
