Shelby's Social Diary

Lunching ladies hand over more than $5,000 in gift cards during one special Tony's meal

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 wereGM 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.

Photo by © Priscilla Dickson

Margaret Alkek Williams, from left, Donna Vallone and Pat Breen at the Houston Grand Opera Ball luncheon.

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Party Watch

Distinguished Houston gents gather for Brioni’s grand opening

What: Brioni Grand Opening with Men of Distinction

Where: Brioni Boutique in River Oaks District

The scoop: Italian menswear designer Brioni celebrated the grand opening of its Houston flagship at River Oaks District with a luxurious evening that merged high fashion with philanthropy. The November 7 event featured a private preview of Brioni's Bespoke Trunk Show, spotlighting the brand’s tailored craftsmanship. Men of Distinction, a nonprofit honoring Houston's community leaders, took the opportunity to recognize its esteemed researchers and honorees, celebrating milestones in raising funds for critical medical research at Texas Medical Center.

Dr. Michael A. Belfort of Texas Children’s Hospital delivered remarks that highlighted Men of Distinction's contributions to pioneering medical procedures, such as life-changing surgeries for spina bifida. Guests enjoyed Italian prosecco, old-fashioned cocktails, and tastings from The Macallan’s 12- and 15-year single malts, along with Italian bites by Bari Ristorante. Attendees left with luxurious parting gifts, including a Brioni crocodile leather keychain and a spa experience at The Post Oak Hotel.

Photo by Gary Fountain

A.J. Williams with Andi and Ballard Infante.

Who: Jesse Tudor, Gary Peterson, Mike Linn and Carol Linn, Keith Mosing and Alice Mosing, David Wurthrich, Tom Perich and Debra Perich, Dancie Ware and Jim Ware, John Serpe, Molly Crownover, Kevin Gilliard and Frank Billingsley, Tracy Dieterich, Robert Bernard, A.J. Williams, and Andi and Ballard Infante.

brioni river oaks district fundraisers men of distinction