You don't often think of R.C. Slocum, the winningest coach in Texas A&M history, as a Horatio Alger sort of guy. But the man who started his climb to professional success on an athletic scholarship at Louisiana's McNeese State University does have a story and that story has earned him national recognition as a 2013 Horatio Alger Award recipient.
He's one of only 11 individuals nationwide who will receive the honor at ceremonies in Washington D.C. in April. But before that, his friends in the Lone Star state and in Louisiana are planning an evening honoring the beloved football coach.
The "Salute to Slocum and Scholarships for Kids" is set for March 20 at the Hilton Post Oak with proceeds benefiting the Horatio Alger scholarship program. Bill Doré, of Lake Charles, La., who chairs the fundraiser, has a powerful host committee on his team. Joining in support for Slocum are current A&M coach Kevin Sumlin, Ray Childress, John Schiller Jr., Mark E. Ellis, Fred Caldwell, Jack Little, Mike Cone, James Nelson, Monty Davis and David Dunlap.
Melissa Fontenot has the scoop: melisssaf@doreenergy.com.
Partying along the bayou
There couldn't be a swankier, more appropriate setting than the home of Clayton and Shel Erikson for a gathering focusing on the Buffalo Bayou Partnership's ongoing redevelopment of the bayou between Sabine Street and Shepherd Drive. The expansive, modern dwelling rests on the banks of the bayou in the Memorial area.
Buffalo Bayou Park supporters (Clayton is a partnership board member), bayou residents and civic-minded Houstonians heard from project director Guy Hagstette, who walked guests through the design of the 160-acre park.
You might recall that catalyst for the project was a $30 million gift from the Kinder Foundation. Buffalo Bayou Partnership is raising another $23 million for the project with $15.5 million of that raised to date. Pass the hat, please.
In the mix were Nancy Kinder, Lynn and Joel Swanson, Scotty Arnoldy, Polly and Murry Bowden, Susan and Ron Blankenship, Anne Romano, Brady Carruth, Susan and Dick Hansen, Johnny Steele, Penny Loyd and BBP president Anne Olson.
Adios amigo!
That would be for the much-admired Terry Zmyslo, who has led the team at Saks Fifth Avenue since 2006 as general manager. He's headed back to the Saks store in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., where he was GM from 2002 to 2006.
While he made loads of friends in H-town, particularly the ladies on the charitable fundraising circuit, he jumped at the chance to return to his earlier base in Florida.
But worry not as Saks already has his replacement virtually in house. Beginning on Monday, the ladies will be welcoming Bobby Dees, who joined Saks in 1998 and most recently has been at the helm in San Antonio. Under his leadership, that store has won the Saks Customer Service Award for the region for the past three years.
Sight 'ems
Karen and Byron Hood dining at Philippe Restaurant + Lounge with World War II veteran Ralph Miller of Texarkana and wife Betty and family members, in town for today's presentation of the French Legion of Honor to Miller and other WWII vets at Ellington Field. Loads of attention heaped on them by the French cowboy chef Philippe Schmit . . . Phoebe and Bobby Tudor enjoying dinner for two in one of the eatery's private booths . . .
John Poindexter, Bob Boudreaux, Karen and Mike Mayell and a cast of thousands packing Brasserie 19 Thursday night . . .
Dr. Kelli Cohen-Fein and Martin Fein lunching at Tony's.
Retired Texas A&M coach R.C. Slocum, right, to receive the Horatio Alger Award. He's pictured here with Nel Slocum and Ray Childress.
