The ooh-la-la factor edged into the social stratosphere when Houston Grand Opera Ball chair Margaret Alkek Williams summoned supporters for a luscious luncheon at Tony's. Cost of admission: a $100 gift card to a favorite restaurant, retailer or other spot of choice.
Saks Fifth Avenue and Nini Jewels co-hosted the luncheon that saw a fashionable group assemble midday for ladylike schmoozing and for a preview of the amazing amethyst, diamonds and green Tsavorite brooch created by Nini Hale for the ball. Valued at just under $30,000, the beautiful brooch designed in honor of the ball's "Fleurs de L'Opera" theme will be among numerous silent auction offerings at the April 5 white-tie-and-tails gala.
Chair of HGO's special events committee, Donna Bruni announced that $5,000 in gift cards had been gathered at the luncheon and that total was expected to grow as more gift cards came in. Oh, what a spending spree!
Among the ladies contributing to the shopping/wining/dining windfall were Anne Mendelsohn, Cathy Brock, Pat Breen, Zoe Buzbee, Alex Blair, Isabel David, Donna Vallone, Danielle Ellis, Gracie Cavnar, Mary D'Andrea, Ellie Francisco and Zane Carruth.
Representing Saks Fifth Avenue were GM Bobby Dees, fashion director Sylvia Forsythe and Fifth Avenue Club director Albert Rubio.
Margaret Alkek Williams, from left, Donna Vallone and Pat Breen at the Houston Grand Opera Ball luncheon.
