Shelby's Social Diary

Henry Winkler provides laughs and inspiration at Center for Success luncheon

It might ache a little to see "The Fonz," aka Henry Winkler, with graying locks, but have no worries. The Happy Days star has not lost his special brand of humor nor his ability to charm.

Just ask those who attended the "Celebrating Triumph" luncheon at Houston Country Club. Winkler enchanted the more than 200 guests by reading an excerpt from one of the 17 children's books he has authored. Hero of those books, Hank Zipzer, is closely based on Winkler's childhood, made miserable by failing at school due to his undiagnosed dyslexia. Unfortunately, Winkler's Houston visit was cut short as he raced to catch a flight before the airport closed due to the icy weather Thursday afternoon.

Chaired by Karen and Kevin Henry, Sherri and Charles Gordon and Paige and Morris Windham, the event raised funds for the Center for Success and Independence. Honorary chair Elaine Turner, the celebrity handbag and shoe designer, presented luncheon honorees, Meredith and Raffi Tcholakian, who were recognized for their to commitment to an array of charitable causes in the city.

The Center focuses on youths, aged 12 to 17, and their families, working to help them address emotional, educational and addiction problems.

Supporters pouring into the country club ballroom included Susan Sanders, Lacy Baird, Luke Fertitta, Flora Crosswell, Nicole Fertitta, Martha Adger, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Minnie and Will Baird, Kathy Bracewell, Kim Moody, Jeanie and Jim Janke, Carol and Tom Sawyer, Mary Grace Gray and C.C. Hetherington. Leading the crowd was former Houston Oiler Robert Woods, who is executive director of the Center.

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Arendelle Life

Houston's TUTS Gala dazzles with Frozen preview and Kelli O’Hara

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kelli O'Hara performed with TUTS Education students.

In a soirée where Broadway glitz met the icy enchantment of Arendelle, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) celebrated its “Lights Up” Gala at The Post Oak Hotel on November 8.

Setting the stage — literally speaking — was Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated Kelli O’Hara, who delivered an emotional performance alongside students from TUTS Education’s Pre-Professional and Performance Troupes. The program, titled Thank You, Ladies, paid tribute to influential women in O’Hara’s career.

The evening also marked an exclusive moment for TUTS: A first glimpse of its highly anticipated, one-of-a-kind production of Disney’s Frozen. TUTS artistic director Dan Knechtges, who will direct and choreograph the show, unveiled a preview that had the crowd visualizing snow-covered mountains and heartfelt ballads. The production is a unique honor, with Disney entrusting TUTS with creative license to reimagine the blockbuster musical.

Attendees entered through a snow-kissed milieu inspired by Frozen, with Scandinavian-inspired decor and chilly glam enveloping the ballroom. ABC-13 anchor and emcee Samica Knight welcomed guests, while executive director Hillary Hart emphasized the organization’s dedication to inclusivity and the arts.

“Musical theatre isn’t just about putting on a great show,” shared Knechtges. “It’s a celebration of who we are as a community — a vibrant tapestry enriched by all our diverse stories and experiences.”

Auctioneer Tim Dietz brought the sass with a live auction featuring luxury vacation packages, diamond earrings, and a VIP Tony Awards experience with a custom gown by designer David Peck. Major donors, including Margaret Alkek Williams, Deni and Doni Dennis, Demetra and Frank Jones, Greenberg Traurig, Amy Pierce, and Kristina Somerville, played key roles in the evening’s tally, contributing to the $96,000 raised in the donation drive alone.

The night’s curtain call was an after-party, with DJ Druw keeping the dance floor quite active. Adding to the revelry were cast members from TUTS’ upcoming Frozen production, blending Broadway sparkle with community charm. With 300 Houston arts aficionados in attendance, the event raised nearly $700,000 to support TUTS’ productions and education initiatives.

Letting it go were Charles O’Neill, Paul and Penny Loyd, Marianne and Joe Geagea, Linda and Willie Chiang, Mady and Ken Kades, Jane DiPaolo, Melissa Sandefer, David Wuthrich, The Honorable Peggy and Dr. Ashley Smith, Kristina Somerville, Leticia and Stephen Trauber, Sofia Adrogue, Vanessa Ames, Gina Gaston Elie, Jordan Seff, Daniel Turner and Jay Landa, Kristen Cannon, April McGee, Sarah Pope and Adam Cryer, Amber Mostyn, C.C. and Duke Ensell, John Dermer and Sarah Perry, Michelle Phillips, Elaine Balagia Croucher and Brant Croucher, Kendall Pierce, Bethany and Bryson Grover, Sarah and Scott Irby, Paulina and Jim McGrath, and Marris and Rob Goldberg.