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    Shelby's Social Diary

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

    Shelby Hodge
    shelby hodge
    Jan 28, 2014 | 3:46 pm

    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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    Horns Up High

    Burnt orange spirit lights up Houston at Texas Exes scholarship gala

    Joel Luks
    May 16, 2025 | 5:45 pm
    Texas Exes Scholarship Gala 2025
    Photo by Jacob Power
    Kisha and Jason Itkin, Sallie Alcorn, and Kurt and Tara Arnold.

    It was an elevated burnt orange night at River Oaks Country Club as more than 300 Longhorn faithful gathered for the Texas Exes Houston Chapter’s Longhorn Legacy Scholarship Gala on April 10. The evening’s honorees, Kisha Itkin, Jason Itkin, Tara Arnold, and Kurt Arnold, were celebrated for their generosity and spirited support of The University of Texas at Austin.

    Texas Exes Scholarship Gala 2025
      

    Photo by Jacob Power

    Kisha and Jason Itkin, Sallie Alcorn, and Kurt and Tara Arnold.

    Greeting guests at valet was none other than Bevo, the famed Longhorn steer and unofficial mascot. Inside, a sculpted ice bar featuring the honorees' names and the Longhorn logo in vibrant burnt orange wowed the crowd. Underwritten by Mike Lowenberg of Lowenberg Law Firm, the frosty centerpiece offered a fitting nod to the honorees’ indelible mark on UT’s legacy. Meanwhile, a UT Tower ice sculpture, framed by a festive balloon wall by Topped Off Co., provided yet another irresistible photo op.

    Leading the evening’s program was Cyndy Garza Roberts, who kicked off festivities with a stirring video. Athletics director Chris Del Conte praised Jason Itkin and Kurt Arnoldfor their invaluable ideas and steadfast support, reinforcing the honorees’ impact beyond just philanthropy. Texas Exes Houston Chapter president Kyle Griffin and event chair Tawnya Bell also shared personal stories, with Bell's emotional scholarship journey underscoring the night’s purpose.

    Personal testimonies from UT grads and scholarship recipients Janelle Chavez and Will Florer inspired more generosity, culminating in a $330,000 fundraising triumph. Houston City Council Member Sallie Alcorn capped off the tributes with a mayoral proclamation from Mayor John Whitmire, officially declaring April 10 as Kisha and Jason Itkin and Tara and Kurt Arnold Day in Houston.

    In true Longhorn tradition, the evening closed with all guests standing, horns up, singing "The Eyes of Texas, a fitting finale to a night brimming with spirit.

    Spotted were Chuck Harris, Brien Smith, Rick Harsch, June Deadrick, Brock Niezgoda and Meg Hayward, Jackie and Scott Freeman, Luisa and Dr. Lucky Chopra, Ginger Cearley, Erin and Nathan Phelps, Kristen Griffin, Adam Pulaski, Stephanie Wilcox, Catherine Campbell, Al Riddle, Lauren Riddle, Michele Leal and George Farah, Winell and Doug Herron, Kristen Cannon, Niki and James Lassiter, and Amy and Segev Zadok.

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