Shelby's Social Diary

Rodeo fever stretches to River Oaks Country Club and the Pearl Ball goes litewith Texas theme

Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman

Tradition took a backseat to youthful enthusiasm Thursday night when the 24th annual Good Samaritan Pearl Ball morphed into Pearl Ball Lite. Goodbye miles of glistening pearls and the typical ladylike theme, hello Texas-style food, fun and attire. Could it be the impending rodeo that blew the wind in a westerly direction?

Courtney and Jason Fertitta and Randa and Charlie Williams chaired the Texas chic-themed gala that raised serious dollars for the Good Samaritan Foundation's efforts in supporting nursing education in Texas. Since its inception, the Pearl Ball has raised more than $4.6 million. With these younger couples in the lead, the turnout was decidedly more youthful than in years past.

Guys in Texas tuxedos (jeans and boots) and gals adding turquoise jewelry to their party frocks and also wearing boots mingled with a more traditional black-tie crowd. They sat down to tables covered in burlap, draped in antique lace covers and topped with bountiful bouquets of Texas-style wildflowers, roses and hydrangeas. Credit for the whimsical decor goes to the talented Bergner & Johnson.

In keeping with the theme, dinner featured short ribs and cheese grits and for dessert those killer ROCC pecan balls and/or peach cobbler. After the chow, The Spiffingtons performed keeping the dance floor busy until closing time.

Two-stepping through the Pearl Ball Lite were Elizabeth and Zack Fertitta, Ellen and Hank Bachmann, Ann and Randy Fowler, Ginger and Jack Blanton, Margaret Williams and Jim Daniel, Celina and Jason Stabell, Laurie and Reed Morian, Joella and Steve Mach, Mollie and Dan Castaneda, Bobbie and John Nau and Vanessa and Eduardo Sanchez, who will chair the ball in 2013.

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rendezvous with success

Dress for Success salutes 10 years of helping Houston veterans

Celebrating two significant milestones — 10 years of the Women Veterans Program empowering more than 1,700 female veterans and 26 years of service to more than 47,000 women across Houston — Dress for Success Houston hosted its annual Rendezvous with Dress for Success gala. The sold-out October 26 event at The Revaire was chaired by Alison and Brent Johnson, both U.S. veterans, along with Melkeya and Larry McDuffie

KHOU’s Mia Gradney as emcee lead the program with poise alongside president Lauren Levicki Courville. Eight client ambassadors, including Navy veteran Alicia Gachett, shared personal stories of resilience and growth, symbolizing the empowerment the organization brings to women.

“The Women Veterans Program encouraged me to make life changes and focus on my mental health,” said Gachett. “I expected just a suit for an interview, but I gained so much more — a community and opportunities for personal growth.”

Generous contributions from a large number local beverage sponsors kept sips and cocktails flowing, complemented by musical performances from Kristine Mills Band, which was in town from across the pond.

A lively auction, co-chaired by Susie Cunningham, Kate Dearing Fowler, Katherine Orellana Ross, and Monica Richards, added excitement with packages like trips to Costa Rica and Spain, Astros suite tickets, and more. The weekend gathering enticed 530 supporters to raise more than $631,000.

Notable faces included Rebekah and Gary Reaves, Nancy Levicki, Susie Cunningham, Kate and Stephen Fowler, Allie and Eric Danziger, Glenda Hallman, Carla Kneipp, Meera Kothari, Kristi McCarthy, Niloufar and Amir Molavi, Mary and Ben Patton, Travis Torrence and Heath LaPray, Kristi and Chris Bradshaw, Trish and Rock Morille, Art and Holly Smith, Wendy Daboval, Maria and Graham Lowery, Paige and Kris Branam, Teal Holden, Shantera Chatman, Linda Padon, and Amanda and Jeff Polich.

Courtesy of Dress for Success

Philip and Suzi Christy, Tracy Baird, Tracy and Patrick Hennesy, Tara Soileau, Kevin Cumming, and Kylee Gould.

gala fundraisers dress for success