- Stacey Berman plays "Whac-A-Mole"Photo by Dikka Afidick
- Kristine Mills entertains the crowd insidePhoto by Dikka Afidick
- Foosball playersPhoto by Dikka Afidick
- Outside tent at 13 CelsiusPhoto by Dikka Afidick
- Jenga Players see how high the tower can goPhoto by Dikka Afidick
Whether embracing their inner child with foosball, lollipops and pinball machines or playing up their outer sophisticate with a jazz singer, wine and gourmet meats, guests had options to fit their fancy at 13 Celsius on Thursday. The "Realcity:Literacy" party that offered those options doubled as a benefit for Youth Development Center.
Inside the building, dim lighting and the soulful tunes of Kristine Mills created an ambiance reminiscent of a jazz bar. A selection of wines, with gourmet meats and cheeses to compliment, quickly put guests to ease—even to the point of dancing. A couple made a little room by Kristine and danced together full of smiles and I’m sure the memories of many dances before.
As guests stepped outside to the tented parking lot, the atmosphere quickly changed to a teenage wonderland filled with food, games and drinks from their youth.Jonathan Jones of Beaver's,Plinio Sandalio of Textile and Jody Stevens of Jodycakes served trays of mac 'n’ cheese, hot dogs, sliders and mini-cupcakes. Add to that jars of nostalgic candy—Pixie Stix, lollipops and candy necklaces—and the pre-teen version of everyone there would have been jealous.
The games mentioned earlier and a game of “Whac-A-Mole” (a definite aggression reliever) were scattered around the room. There was also an over-sized Jenga that crashed throughout the evening, and an original Nintendo Entertainment System, which quickly attracted Mario fans. DJ Freestyle Steve brought the music and the dance floor quickly filled—no doubt with help from the vodka snow cones.
The night's proceeds went to the Youth Development Center, which promotes literacy through after-school and summer reading programs in Houston.
