Shelby's Social Diary

The cocktails flowed and the characters romped at the Social Book's Hobby Centerbash

Photo by Jenny Antill
Acrobats performed through the Social Book crowd at the Hobby Center.
Photo by Jenny Antill
Photo by Jenny Antill
Photo by Jenny Antill
Photo by Jenny Antill
Photo by Jenny Antill
Photo by Jenny Antill

The Hobby Center might have been designed as a performing arts venue but it is fast becoming one of the city's most popular party sites. And with enough square footage to accommodate more than 1,000 cocktail party revelers, it seemed the logical locale for Tuesday night's Social Book Launch Party.

The Social Book team of Scott Evans, Jeff Henry and Sami Shbeeb orchestrated the pulsating event that spread across multiple layers of the vast theater hall beginning with an early evening VIP reception in the Founder's Salon. And, yes, by the time all was said and done, easily 1,000 cocktail-attired guests poured in for the extravaganza.

With acrobats and costumed characters roaming the party terrain, the Richard Brown Orchestra performing and a cornucopia of food stations and bars beckoning, it could have been easy to overlook the big star of the night — the Lexus CT 200h hybrid sedan — except for the fact that it was presented on stage in a park-like setting created by furniture retailers and interior designers.

If you went home hungry, it was your own fault. Offerings from Benjy's, Blue Apron Caterers, Brennan's, Canopy/Shade, Haven, Mockingbird Bistro, Pizzeria Alto, RDG and the Grove provided sustenance for the throng. As one of several event artists showing off their expertise, Elizabeth Swift & Co. provided the party decor including rentals from tables and chairs to plates and glassware. The talented Nino Shbeeb created the magnificent florals for the party.

The Hobby Center's Artista restaurant also got into the act, transforming into a cabaret with the film Burlesque projected on one wall.

Once sated with the various hearty taste treats on the main floor, guests could then move on to the mezzanine level where Sprinkles cupcakes and Enjoy Events presented a million calories in sweets.

It was another great success for the Social Book team that includes founder Warner Roberts. Among those partying through the Hobby Center were Danielle and John Ellis, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Diane Lokey Farb, Judith Oudt, Johanna Mounir, Kimberly and Frank DeLape, Deborah Duncan, Neal Hamil, Gracie Cavnar and so many more.

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Twinkling Nights

Houston sneaker heads gather on the bayou for a night of conservation

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Rich and Nancy Kinder, Mayor John Whitmire.

Under a canopy of twinkling lights and to the hum of bird song, a spiffy throng of Houstonians in sneaker-chic threads lauded the green revitalization accomplishment of Buffalo Bayou Partnership. The nonprofit’s 2024 Gala, aptly themed “Belonging on the Bayou,” was a vibrant reminder of the city’s roots and a celebration of the al fresco spaces that bridge the past, present, and future.

Held at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park on November 7 and chaired by Julie and Seth Barrett and Marie Louise and David Kinder,the evening unfolded with a casual meet-and-greet reception where supporters, nature lovers, and visionaries convened, all committed to the mission of cultivating welcoming parks, trails, and public spaces that unite the city along the historic bayou.

Guests mingled over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as the Houston Groove Society set the sunset mood with jazzy tunes, and artist Texas Tim entertained with custom caricatures. Guided tours were offered to Rachel Rossin’s immersive art installation, Haha Real, tucked away in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern—a captivating installation that invited reflection.

As dusk turned to evening, the crowd moved upstairs to The Brown Foundation Lawn, where a grand tent adorned with greenery, wooden chandeliers, and a projection of birds welcomed them. Tables were decorated with nature-inspired florals donated by H-E-B, each arrangement an artistic nod to the bayou’s flora and fauna.

Emmy-award-winning Derrick Shore of KPRC’s Houston Life took to the stage as emcee. Mayor John Whitmire shared thoughtful remarks on the bayou’s impact on the Bayou City’s identity and growth. Marie Louise Kinder underscored the significance of the organization's ongoing work, envisioning a future where more Houstonians feel at home.

Funds raised will support continued work on projects that expand and improve Houston’s green spaces, including upcoming efforts to enhance pathways and recreational areas. Buffalo Bayou Partnership will continue to bridge neighborhoods, and connect communities.

Familiar faces included board chair Gaynell Floyd Drexler, Nancy and Rich Kinder, Sis and Hasty Johnson, Houston Parks and Recreation Department director Kenneth Allen and wife Delaina, Mike Garver, Liz and Andrew Ziccardi, Bolivar “Bo” M. Fraga, Julie Peak and David Hightower, Emily Keeton, Cabrina and Steven Owsley, Monica and Bradley Radoff, Regina and Frem Reggie, Jessica Feinstein and Taylor Chapman, and partnership president Anne Olson and husband Tom.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Rich and Nancy Kinder, Mayor John Whitmire.

parks buffalo bayou partnership fundraisers