The fundraising socials keep barreling onward as non-profits work to get their dollars raised before spring break cuts into the partying populace. Herewith, a look at a few recent successful events.

An uplifting midday

"Inspirational" was the word used by many in the sellout crowd of 420 at Hotel ZaZa to describe the second annual "On the Move" luncheon benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Lone Star chapter.

For starters, Wendy Bedortha shared her story of being diagnosed with MS when she was in college and how she has gone on to live a fulfilling life, even having two children. Much-beloved Channel 13 news anchor Melanie Lawson, who also has MS, interviewed Cami Walker,best-selling author of 29 Gifts, How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life. Walker suffers from MS as well.

Franelle Rogers headed the successful event as luncheon chair with the support of honorary chair Pattie Dale Tye. Taking bows as luncheon Person on the Move was Jim Mills, general manager of the Houstonian Hotel. He spoke on his involvement with the MS 150 bike ride. Receiving corporate honors as Company on the Move were Dr. Rosa Tang and Dr. Jade Schiffman representing the MS Eye CARE at the University of Houston.

In the upbeat luncheon crowd were Jill Wasserstrom, Beth Wolff, Sheridan Williams, Karen Johnson, Joelle Rogers, Regina Rogers, Pam and Bill Boyar, Beverly and Jack Loftis, Mary Ann McKeithan, Emil Mesinger, Sandy Barrett and Carol Sawyer.

Out of the ballpark

Supporters of The River, Theatre Under the Stars' barrier-free arts education program, are calling its "All Star Celebration" held at Minute Maid Park nothing less than a grand slam.

The fundraiser began with a sip and stroll through the Union Station lobby where guests were entertained with various games such as a "wine bottle" ring toss and tic-tac-toe and treated to ballpark snacks. When the 250-plus guests sat down for dinner, the entertainment was a heartfelt mix of performances by students from both The River and TUTS' Humphreys School of Musical Theatre, the music including several baseball-themed numbers.

Proud parents of this successful baby were chairs Melissa and Bill King and Amy and Rob Pierce. Soaking up the glowing atmosphere were The Rivers founders Cathy and Bob Binstock, TUTS president and CEO John Breckenridge, Sherry and Gerald Merfish, Lisa Foronda, Merele Yarborough, Dee Dee Dochen and Marsha and David Taylor. Channel 11 news anchor Len Cannon served as emcee.

Talking the talk

Three hundred guests, $110,000 in the bank and the lively Holly Robinson Peete in the spotlight — the Children's Museum of Houston 's 18th annual Parents and Families Luncheon was a hit. Just ask those pouring into River Oaks Country Club for the fundraiser that guests say was as fun as girlfriends chatting together in a friendly living room.

Co-host of The Talkon CBS, Peete, who has a son with autism, spoke on her personal life experiences and the importance of parent advocacy in her talk entitled "If You Don't Stand Up for Children, You Don't Stand Up for Much."

Museum supporters included luncheon chairs Kelli Weinzierl and Shelley Barineau as well as Susan Plank, Katherine Murphy, Marita Fairbanks, Kathy Britton, Kara Howes, Kirby McCool, Melissa Mithoff and Gina Gaston, Channel 13 news anchor and the mother of triplets.

Honoring the big donors

Supporters of Cristo Rey Jesuit are still beaming over the success of last month's gala that raised more than $1.8 million for the college preparatory school for economically-disadvantaged students. In appreciation of of those donors and Founding Friends of the school, Cathy and Giorgio Borlenghi hosted a celebratory dinner at Hotel Granduca's Salone Rialto. Those attending represented more than $1 million in funds raised.

Cristo Rey Jesuit president the Rev. T.J. Martinez gave kudos to gala chairs Carol and Paul Beck and Penny and Drew Grams and toasted the Founding Friends who came on board early in support of the school.

Sampling gourmet fare from the Hotel Granduca kitchen were guests including Vanessa and Eduardo Sanchez, Melissa King, Raye G. White, Vivie and Chris O'Sullivan, Debbie and Steve Pheifer and Trini Mendenhall Sosa and Frank Sosa.