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    party watch

    Jaw-dropping surprise steals the show at beloved Houston theater gala

    Steven Devadanam
    Feb 28, 2019 | 6:00 am

    What: The 2019 Stages Repertory Theatre Gala: The Night Garden

    Where: The Revaire

    The scoop: It was a dramatic night of surprise gifting by two of Houston’s most respected families as hundreds of packed The Revaire for the annual Stages Repertory Theatre gala.

    Houston philanthropists Glenda and Russell Gordy had thought that their dear friends, Sue and Lester Smith, would not be able to attend this year’s event. A bit of a disappointment, really, as this year, Stages Repertory Theatre honored Glenda and Russell Gordy with the Theodore Award for Visionary Leadership for their continued generosity and support.

    (Some history: The Gordys made a leadership $5 million gift to the theater's capital campaign, one of the largest individual gifts in the history of Houston’s performing arts community. The campaign supports the construction of its new 66,850-square-foot, three-theatre campus, The Gordy, which will open in January of 2020.)

    However, unbeknownst to the Gordys, the Smiths had actually reserved a table and planned to make a special announcement. Following dinner, a messenger presented the Gordys with a giant red gift box containing a check revealing a $2.5 million gift, enabling Stages Repertory Theatre to fully fund their new campus, The Gordy, nearly a year ahead of opening.

    The Smiths chose to bestow their first significant performing arts donation in honor of the Gordys. In turn, Stages surprised both the Gordys and the Smiths by announcing that the new campus’s 223-seat arena stage will be named the “Lester and Sue Smith Stage.”

    In all, the gala, dubbed The Night Garden, led by chairs Judy and Jim Nicklos and underwriting chairs Brenda and Bradley Jones, was the theater company’s most successful to date. The event was attended by a record-breaking 464 guests and raised more than $630,000, more than any event in Stages’ 41-year history.

    Upon arrival, guests enjoyed libations and hors d’oeuvres while perusing the silent auction items. Coveted packages included a custom 2.1 ct. emerald cut diamond necklace inspired by “The Gordy” created by Elichai Fine Jewelry; 10-day excursion to Patagonia, Chile for 8; 4 Diamond Club Astros Tickets; a walk-on role in Stages’ 2019 holiday Panto; and a private plane to Marfa. Big winners in the auction included Marlene Marker, who won the Gordy diamond pendant in a fierce bidding war; Michelle and Jack Matzer, Trish and Rock Morille, and Alexandra and Rich Bruskoff.

    The décor, designed by Bergner and Johnson, was inspired by the theme, “The Night Garden,” with a hint of the theatre’s upcoming show, “Little Shop of Horrors.” Garden vines, blooming branches, trailing greenery and carnivorous plants filled the space along with touches of rich red and hot pink adding a sensuous layer to the evening.

    The dinner, prepared by A Fare Extraordinaire, began with a seasonal vegetable garden which was a vegetable medley, puffed wild rice, mushroom “dirt” and herb vinaigrette and chive emulsion. The main course was pan seared halibut topped with an herb salad, roasted fingerling za’atar potatoes, roasted cauliflower and piperade sauce. For dessert, guests enjoyed a “chocolate terrarium.”

    Following the surprise announcement, attendees crowded the dance floor and danced the night away to the sounds of Georgia Bridgwater Orchestra.

    Who: Isla and T.R. Reckling, III; George Lancaster; Steven Owsley; Shaun Gordy; Garrett Gordy; Limor and Stuart Smith; Shelley and Mark Marmon; Jo and Jim Furr; Lloyd, Gayle, and John Ryan Bentsen; Carroll Goodman and John Young; Eddy Blanton; Becca Cason Thrash and John Thrash; C.C. and Duke Ensell; Mauri Oliver; Trish and Rock Morille; Leslie and Jack Blanton; Alexandra and Rich Bruskoff; Carol and Phil Garner; Claudia and Brad Freels; Carrie and Jonathan Brinsden; Sally and Phillip Edmundson; Tom and Laura Bacon; Claudia Kreisle; Vivian Wise; Nicole and James Lassiter; and Sandra Porter.

    (Back) T.R. Reckling, III, Isla Reckling, Glenda & Russell Gordy; (front) Sue and Lester Smith.

    2019 Stages Repertory Theatre Gala
      
    Photo by Priscilla Dickson
    (Back) T.R. Reckling, III, Isla Reckling, Glenda & Russell Gordy; (front) Sue and Lester Smith.
    fundraisersgalas
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    Power and Style

    Fashion show and tequila toasts light up Latin Women’s Initiative lunch

    Joel Luks
    Jun 13, 2025 | 4:30 pm
    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
    Photo by Dave Rossman
    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

    Houtson's Latin Women’s Initiative pulled off a tres chic triple threat — style, celebration, and serious giving — during its 30th anniversary luncheon and fashion show, drawing more than 850 supporters to the Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom. The event blended culture, community, and catwalks into one spectacular midday affair.

    Event chairs April Ramirez Fabre and Julie Garza, alongside board president Jovanny Orellana, welcomed guests to a ballroom teeming with fashionistas, philanthropists, and a whole lot of Latin sass. The annual luncheon, show, and bustling marketplace marked a major milestone for the nonprofit, which has supported Houston’s Latin community for more than two decades. This year’s honorees, Lisset Garza and Naimeh Salem, were recognized for their years of dedicated support to the organization and beyond.

    Festivities kicked off early with a shopping marketplace that opened in the morning and quickly became standing room only. Stylish attendees sipped tequila samples from local brand Titanium Tequila while browsing vendors. A specialty cocktail bar and music from DJ Freddy B kept the energy festive. Event designer Johanna Terry delivered an elegant setting, infusing the ballroom with rich emerald green tones, a nod to the organization’s 30th anniversary, paired with lush florals.

    The program began with Orellana welcoming the crowd from a dramatic Y-shaped runway, as Mariachi Reyes de Mexico filled the room with music that hushed the crowd for a heartfelt invocation.

    Then came the moment every fashion lover waited for: Lo Mejor de Saks Primavera 2025 (The Best of Spring Saks 2025), a luxe runway show presented in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, led by Heidi Turney and Hasina Starks. Applause echoed as models and a few brave Houston firefighters showed off the season’s must-haves. But the true showstopper? Actor and TV host Julián Gil, who surprised the audience by strutting the runway himself, earning whoops and cheers from the crowd. His appearance was generously sponsored by Salem.

    The catwalk came alive with Latin beats and massive LED screens flashing colorful visuals, thanks to a production team led by Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Bonar. Behind-the-scenes storytelling and videos, created by exclusive media partner Telemundo Houston, added a poignant layer to the spectacle.

    As guests settled in for lunch, anticipation built for the raffle, which included a dazzling diamond tennis necklace from Zadok Jewelers. Helene Zadok herself took the stage to crown the lucky winner. All that excitement translated into impact: the event raised more than $500,000 to benefit Justice Forward, Rebuilding Together Houston, Segundo Barrio Children's Chorus, El Centro de Corazon, and Naba Shoes for Kids.

    And what’s a Latin party without a proper toast?

    Guests clinked glasses in a tequila-fueled cheers to three decades of fashion for a cause, then danced the afternoon away to live music from Grupo Kache. The grand finale included more marketplace shopping and lite bites, with plans already announced for next year’s fête on May 1, 2026.

    Houston’s Latin glitterati showed up, including Ceron, Patricia Herrera, Leticia Fallick, Rosi Hernandez, Gloria Luna Bounds, Trini Mendenhall-Royalty, Vicky Dominguez, Becky Reyes, Maritza Gonzales, Vicki Luna, Chree Boydstun, David Cordua, Frances Castañeda Dyess, Patricia Garcia, Alba Huerta, Daisy Mendoza, Arcy Muñoz Marshall, Jolene Treviño, Mari Salazar, Leanne Schneider, Hoda Sana, Xochitl Ljuboja, Jackie Garcia, Cathryn Martinez, Mariangeles Orti, Vanessa Ramirez, Matty Restivo, Lisa Flores, Susan Dray, Marilu Garza, Conchita Reyes, Lorena Gomez, Lucia and Michael Cordua, and Leisa Holland-Nelson.

    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Dave Rossman

    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

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