Record-breaking Winter Ball

Record-breaking Winter Ball honors Women of Distinction and raises more than $1 million

An amazing auction and the recognition of a large number of Women of Distinction — past and present — made the 30th anniversary Diamond Winter Ball one for the record books.

Not one, but two Mercedes-Benz vehicles — a 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC Roadster and a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet — were auctioned off for a combined $104,000 at the gala held at the Hilton Americas-Houston. The vehicles were donated by Mercedes-Benz Dealers of Greater Houston.

Along with funds raised via the other live auction items, including a trip to Los Angeles to see the Jimmy Kimmel Show and a custom necklace by Valobra, plus raffle tickets for a $15,000 Tenenbaum and Co. gift card, the evening brought in a record-breaking amount of just over $1 million dollars, benefiting the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

The non-profit organization is dedicated to finding cures for Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases.

Event chair Franelle Rogers and honorary chairman Margaret Alkek Williams welcomed more than 650 guest to gala, which honored a number of Houston women for their support of the community through volunteerism.The roster of this year's Women of Distinction includes Jo Furr, Dr. Sippi Khurana, Alissa Maples, Shawntell McWilliams, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Jessica Rossman, Susan Sarofim, Kim Tutcher, Kelli Weinzierl, and Vivian Wise.

Also honored during the program were 50 former Women of Distinction from the past 30 years, including Judi McGee, who was named the 2017 Woman of Distinction Ambassador.

The ballroom was decked out with black and white tables accented with a touch of pink as digital diamonds cascaded across a giant flat screen in keeping with the theme. Guests were treated to a performance by Dru Peacock Wiser, who channeled Marilyn Monroe singing “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend," assisted by dancers Brenden Winkfield, Doug Dorsten, Rob Flebbe, and Gavin Calais. The number was produced by J & D Entertainment.

Texas A&M swimmer Jonathan Tybur, the evening's featured speaker, received a standing ovation after sharing his journey with ulcerative colitis.

Seen in the crowd were Shannon Hall, Judy Oudt, Claudia and Jan Rask, Kristina and Paul Somerville, Caroline and Gary Kenney, Winell and Doug Herron, Tony Bradfield and Kevin Black, Kim and Dan Moody, Jennifer and Joe Van Matre, and Virginia and Dan Steppe.

Also enjoying the evening were CCFA board chairman Brock Wagner, Pat Breen, Maria and Bill Wise, Norelle and Brian Becker, Julie Vogel, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook, Diane and Towbin Englet and CCFA executive director Jenny Conaway.

The Winter Ball honored a number of Women of Distinction for their support of the community through volunteerism.

Houston, Women of Distinction Winter Ball, Feb 2017, WOD walk the runway

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

The Winter Ball honored a number of Women of Distinction for their support of the community through volunteerism.

fundraisers

Intimate Musicale

Tunes fill River Oaks mansion in support of Miller Outdoor Theatre

Miller Outdoor Theatre Piano Noir fundraiser 2024

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Lynden Unger, Jacob Stein, Elizabeth and Alan Stein.

In a night that struck all the right notes, Robin and Danny Klaes opened their storied River Oaks home on November 10 to host an intimate soirée benefiting Houston’s beloved Miller Outdoor Theatre. Draped in sophisticated black and white cocktail attire, circa 40 arts patrons gathered for an evening of charming performances, fine cuisine, and meaningful chit chat — all with an eye toward supporting Miller’s mission of making the arts accessible to all.

The setting? An exquisitely decorated Kirby Drive home steeped in local lore, famously tied to the true-crime bestseller Blood and Money by Thomas Thompson, which added an intriguing layer to an already memorable evening. Was the ghost of Joan Robinson Hill roaming around? Perhaps.

Guests first mingled in the quaint, canopied courtyard, enjoying Chef Smirnov Catering’s hors d’oeuvres before being whisked into the grand ballroom on the second floor. With its baroque-inspired decor and ceiling murals, the space provided the allure of yesteryear, a theatrical backdrop for amicable chamber music.

St. John Flynn as emcee introduced performances by flutist Victor Kendall and the American Zeitgeist Chamber Ensemble, including Quantz’s Flute Concerto in G, Claude Bolling’s Suite for Jazz Flute, and Barber’s String Quartet. Adding a soupçon of modern flair, vocalists from the Music Box Theater — Rebekah Dahl, Brad Scarborough, and Austin Biel — offered their signature blend of cabaret and comedy.

Amid the musical interludes, Claudia de Vasco, managing director of the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, advocated for the nonprofit’s ongoing capital campaign. She spotlighted a recent key purchase: a grand piano specifically built to withstand Houston’s unpredictable outdoor elements. De Vasco invited attendees to become the official Miller Outdoor grand piano sponsors and make their mark on the amphitheater's enduring legacy.

Since stepping into her leadership role, De Vasco has ushered in a fresh energy around Miller Outdoor Theatre’s mission, focusing on how to better serve Houston’s diverse communities. The nonprofit’s free programming continues to be a gateway for Houstonians to experience everything from world-class symphonies to vibrant cultural showcases.

Guests in attendanceincluded Lance Jones and Allen Ueckert, John Edwards, Gabriel Olson, Carey Kirkpatrick, Lisa and Stan Duchman, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Gretchen Gardener and Jack Watson, Lynden Unger, Jacob Stein, Karla and Romulo T. Cisneros, Senator Borris L. Miles and Cydonii Fairfax Miles, and Philamena and Arthur Baird.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Lynden Unger, Jacob Stein, Elizabeth and Alan Stein.

performing-arts fundraisers miller outdoor theatre