Shelby's Social Diary

UST supporters had a Mardi Gras ball and raised $900,000 for scholarships

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

As a Louisiana native, I love everything having to do with Mardi Gras — beads, parties, parades, king cake — except perhaps the social vacuum of Ash Wednesday. No such doldrums for the University of St. Thomas crowd still gyrating after Tuesday night's "Jazz It Up" Mardi Gras gala that raised just under $900,000 for scholarships.

Applause, applause for the revelry at the InterContinental Houston where Kathy and Dr. Ken Wells reigned as chairs and where UST students Robert Murillo and Steffani Rush served as student Mardi Gras king and queen. The regal duo thanked guests for contributing so generously to the Francis E. Monaghan Scholarship fund. Other scholarship recipients aided in setting a Mardi Gras mood by thanking guests as they provided them with multiple strands of beads in the traditional purple, green and gold.

That fund, the cornerstone of UST student aid, will provide $9.2 million in scholarships to more than 900 UST students in the fall.

The most popular entity circulating through the party of 450 was the Black Lab puppy that brought a handsome $18,000 in the live auction. The canine came with a posh puppy palace designed by Kickerillo Homes and Petiquette training and doggy day care.

Adding a meaningful touch to the evening were the 12 Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, whose nursing school at St. Joseph's Hospital relocated to the UST campus in the early '70s but had to close due to financial constraints during the '80s economic downturn. UST is working to reopen the nursing school in 2012.

On stage was emcee Channel 13 news anchor Dave Ward, the UST Jazz Band and Yvonne Washington and the Mix.

UST president Robert Ivany and wife Marianne greeted guests including Margaret Williams and Jim Daniel, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Mary and Vincent Kickerillo, Kelli Kickerillo and Todd Forester, Cora Sue and Harry Mach, Alice and Keith Mosing, Gina and Dr. Devinder Bhatia and Trini Mendenhall Sosa and Frank Sosa.

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Arendelle Life

Houston's TUTS Gala dazzles with Frozen preview and Kelli O’Hara

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kelli O'Hara performed with TUTS Education students.

In a soirée where Broadway glitz met the icy enchantment of Arendelle, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) celebrated its “Lights Up” Gala at The Post Oak Hotel on November 8.

Setting the stage — literally speaking — was Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated Kelli O’Hara, who delivered an emotional performance alongside students from TUTS Education’s Pre-Professional and Performance Troupes. The program, titled Thank You, Ladies, paid tribute to influential women in O’Hara’s career.

The evening also marked an exclusive moment for TUTS: A first glimpse of its highly anticipated, one-of-a-kind production of Disney’s Frozen. TUTS artistic director Dan Knechtges, who will direct and choreograph the show, unveiled a preview that had the crowd visualizing snow-covered mountains and heartfelt ballads. The production is a unique honor, with Disney entrusting TUTS with creative license to reimagine the blockbuster musical.

Attendees entered through a snow-kissed milieu inspired by Frozen, with Scandinavian-inspired decor and chilly glam enveloping the ballroom. ABC-13 anchor and emcee Samica Knight welcomed guests, while executive director Hillary Hart emphasized the organization’s dedication to inclusivity and the arts.

“Musical theatre isn’t just about putting on a great show,” shared Knechtges. “It’s a celebration of who we are as a community — a vibrant tapestry enriched by all our diverse stories and experiences.”

Auctioneer Tim Dietz brought the sass with a live auction featuring luxury vacation packages, diamond earrings, and a VIP Tony Awards experience with a custom gown by designer David Peck. Major donors, including Margaret Alkek Williams, Deni and Doni Dennis, Demetra and Frank Jones, Greenberg Traurig, Amy Pierce, and Kristina Somerville, played key roles in the evening’s tally, contributing to the $96,000 raised in the donation drive alone.

The night’s curtain call was an after-party, with DJ Druw keeping the dance floor quite active. Adding to the revelry were cast members from TUTS’ upcoming Frozen production, blending Broadway sparkle with community charm. With 300 Houston arts aficionados in attendance, the event raised nearly $700,000 to support TUTS’ productions and education initiatives.

Letting it go were Charles O’Neill, Paul and Penny Loyd, Marianne and Joe Geagea, Linda and Willie Chiang, Mady and Ken Kades, Jane DiPaolo, Melissa Sandefer, David Wuthrich, The Honorable Peggy and Dr. Ashley Smith, Kristina Somerville, Leticia and Stephen Trauber, Sofia Adrogue, Vanessa Ames, Gina Gaston Elie, Jordan Seff, Daniel Turner and Jay Landa, Kristen Cannon, April McGee, Sarah Pope and Adam Cryer, Amber Mostyn, C.C. and Duke Ensell, John Dermer and Sarah Perry, Michelle Phillips, Elaine Balagia Croucher and Brant Croucher, Kendall Pierce, Bethany and Bryson Grover, Sarah and Scott Irby, Paulina and Jim McGrath, and Marris and Rob Goldberg.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kelli O'Hara performed with TUTS Education students.