Shelby's Social Diary

Sexy masks, fabulous gowns and jugglers make Houston's Women of Distinction gala stand out

Applause, applause for Winter Ball chairs Denise Monteleone and Franelle Rogers, who catapulted the 27th annual spectacular to new heights with the energizing Carnevale di Venezia theme and with fundraising power that brought in a record $830,000 for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.

The proliferation of dazzling carnival masks carried by guests and honorees alike and offered for sale during the reception set the tone for the Venetian-themed evening that was carried through in billboard-sized murals and streaming video and photos of the romantic Italian city. Jugglers, mimes and an operatic tenor led the well-heeled throng into the Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom where tables were decorated with gilded candelabra topped with glittering, feathery carnival masks.

The Winter Ball each year honors the Channel 13 KTRK Women of Distinction and one Ambassador. This year, organizers added a third category to the honoree mix, that of La Patronessa Straordinaria. The much-beloved Rose Cullen held that honor as she walked the runway escorted by four truly lovely "roses" from the Bay Area Houston Ballet Theatre.

Taking bows as 2014 Women of Distinction were Jane-Page Crump, Winell Herron, Penny Loyd, Joella Mach, Bobbie Nau, Roz Pactor, Rachel Regan, Lisa Simon, Nancy Strohmer and Beth Wolff. Stepping out as Ambassador was Beth Madison. The women were recognized for their ardent commitment to the arts, education, health care and the community at large. Introducing the ladies were KTRK news anchors Melanie Lawson and Tom Koch.

Adding to the exceptional fundraising effort was the outright donation of a Mercedes-Benz 2014 S-Class sedan, which sold for more than the MSRP, donated by Mercedes-Benz Dealers of Greater Houston, the custom-made topaz and diamond earrings designed and donated by Franco Valobra and the seven-night stay in a five-bedroom villa in Cabo San Lucas.

Enhancing the night's glam factor were guests including honorary chairs Betty and Jesse Tutor, Clayton and Shel Erikson, Ralph Burch, Terrie and Mike Turner, Robert Sakowitz, Kristina and Paul Somerville, Margaret Williams and Jim Daniel, John Nau, Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein and Martin Fein, Betty and John Hrncir, Trini Mendenhall, KTRK GM Henry Florsheim and wife Doe and Saks Fifth Avenue GM Bobby Dees and wife Weezy.

Honorary chairs Jess and Betty Tutor, from left, with Winter Ball chairs Denise Monteleone and Franelle Rogers.

Jess and Betty Tutor, from left, Denise Monteleone and Franelle Rogers at the Winter Ball January 2014

Photo by © Priscilla Dickson

Honorary chairs Jess and Betty Tutor, from left, with Winter Ball chairs Denise Monteleone and Franelle Rogers.

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Standing Ovation

Inside the elegant dinner celebrating Jones Hall’s transformation

Photo by Dave Rossman

Judy and Don Fernbach; Robert and Kate Eubanks; Amanda Clayton and Kaitlyn Hunt.

For nearly six decades, Jones Hall has hosted standing ovations, curtain calls, and goosebump-inducing performances. On May 4, the spotlight shifted from the stage to the people and institutions who helped usher Houston’s cultural living room to its next act.

More than 40 guests gathered inside the renovated Jones Hall lobby for an intimate dinner celebrating the donors, stakeholders, and arts leaders behind the Foundation for Jones Hall’s sweeping $67.5 million facelift. Attendees in cocktail attire mingled over a red-carpet reception while pianist Jayoung Hong provided a charming soundtrack appropriate for an evening about Houston’s performing arts future.

As guests settled in for a dinner by City Kitchen, Foundation for Jones Hall board chair Barbara McCelvey reflected on the project’s decade-long journey, one that weathered Hurricane Harvey, a pandemic, and the delicate balancing act of renovating an active venue without dimming the marquee. She acknowledged the support and partnership of the Houston Symphony, Performing Arts Houston, Houston First, Houston Endowment, and management consultant Kim Sterling.

Lead donor and building committee chair Chuck Davidson spoke candidly about the project’s evolving ambitions, noting that the original $25 million vision eventually expanded into a far more comprehensive undertaking focused on acoustics, accessibility, technology, infrastructure, and audience experience. The result is a reimagined Jones Hall with enhanced patron spaces, improved sound quality, updated backstage operations, additional lounges and restrooms, and expanded accommodations for guests with disabilities.

Foundation for Jones Hall executive director and renovation project manager Robert Eubanks offered heartfelt thanks to the many partners who shepherded the project forward.

“More than 400,000 people come to Jones Hall annually,” Eubanks said. “Thank you for making this possible.”

He also recognized incoming foundation chair Brad Corson, arts patrons and sponsors Nancy and Chuck Davidson, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Jane Cizik, Janet Clark, Barbara Burger, Mary Lynn Marks, ConocoPhilips, and Elisa Villanueva Beard and Bao-Long Chu of the Houston Endowment.

CultureMap seen were Gary Ginstling, Meg Booth, Deborah Lugo, Judy and Don Fernbach, Kate Eubanks, Amanda Clayton, Kaitlyn Hunt, Ginger Clark, Melanie Cizik, Jennifer Renner, Khao Dao, and Pat McCelvey.

Photo by Dave Rossman

Judy and Don Fernbach; Robert and Kate Eubanks; Amanda Clayton and Kaitlyn Hunt.

fundraisers jones hall performing-arts