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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Vegas Vibes

A winning night at the JCC scholarship ball hits jackpot for Houston kids

Photo by Mark Katz Photography

Rikki Veksler, Arin Freedman, Dena Magelssen, Rozanna Chrapot, and Lisa Robbins.

The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center rolled the dice and came up seven at its 36th Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball and the Westin Galleria Houston. With Lizzy Kamkahgi at the helm as ball chair, alongside auction co-chairs Arin and Henry Freedman and program chair Jodi Rubenstein, the evening shattered expectations while supporting the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund.

The night honored Joe Kaplan, son of the fund’s founder Irvin Kaplan, and Murray Kalmin for their enduring commitment to Houston’s children and families. The fund’s mission? Providing access to early childhood education and camp programs for families who might otherwise be left on the sidelines.

Beneficiaries include the Bertha Alyce Early Childhood Academy, Ellen Boniuk Early Childhood School, Sherry Merfish Infant Care Program, Karol Musher STARS Early Childhood Intervention Program, and J Camps.

More than 550 guests stepped into the scene, greeted by a lounge singer crooning in the background, an Elvis impersonator working the room, and a magician adding a little sleight-of-hand intrigue to the cocktail hour. Showgirls shimmered through the crowd as attendees browsed over 200 auction items.

The formal program opened with a heart-tugging video featuring the J’s preschoolers alongside CEO Larry Skolnick. One of the evening’s most memorable moments came courtesy of teenager Ella Bibi, whose rendition of “You Have Yourself” brought the room to a hush.

The ball drew more than 550 attendees and raised more than $1 million.

Photo by Mark Katz Photography

Rikki Veksler, Arin Freedman, Dena Magelssen, Rozanna Chrapot, and Lisa Robbins.

fundraisers jewish community center jcc

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Vegas Vibes

A winning night at the JCC scholarship ball hits jackpot for Houston kids