Most Powerful School

Houston's most powerful private school: Bush and Ralph Lauren family connections fuel its special event

How lucky for Kinkaid School supporters that one of its best-known alumna, Lauren Bush Lauren, had enough Kinkaid and Houston loyalties to agree to be guest speaker at the inaugural Kinkaid Alumnae and Friends Luncheon.

Actually, the ask was an easy one, what with Lauren's father and her grandparents, former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush, living in H-Town.

The former Falcon returned to the nest for an evening VIP party in the Tanglewood home of Mary Eliza Lovett Shaper and the luncheon presentation at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. The night before her talk, she mingled congenially with alumnae of all generations (the school was founded in 1906). For the luncheon, Lauren gave a heartfelt talk on the importance of her 11 years at the school.

“Kinkaid is more than just a school — it is an extended family," she told the gathering of 650. "It is a testing ground for self-discovery and it is a launch pad in the world beyond.” Among those applauding her talk was Lauren's grandmother,Barbara Bush.

Her talk included info on the work of her non-profit FEED. She explained that proceeds from her 10 percent of the luncheon proceeds would provide 100,000 meals to children in schools around the world. The remaining 90 percent of the luncheon proceeds are earmarked for funding of the school's new dining center.

The luncheon was chaired by Liz Anders, Adrian Ross and Nicole Zarr while the VIP party was chaired by Mary Smith and Clare McLeroy.

Among the Kinkaid supporters were Mary Nell Lovett, Virginia Watt, Meredith Riddle Chastang, Tricia Dewhurst, Chelsea Cunningham, Sharon Bush, Moniker Bickers, Betty Hrncir and Carolyn Dodson.

Liz Anders, from left, Adrian Ross, Lauren Bush Lauren and Nicole Zarr at the luncheon.

9371CC Liz Anders, from left, Adrian Ross, Lauren Bush Lauren and Nicole Zarr at The Kinkaid School Alumni luncheon March 2015

Photo by David Shutts

Liz Anders, from left, Adrian Ross, Lauren Bush Lauren and Nicole Zarr at the luncheon.

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Two-Stepping Bash

Country tunes and Houston's charitable hearts rock for Dec my Room

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jacob Mansfield, Grace Ward, and Kendyl Mansfield.

A bustling crowd kicked open the doors of the House of Blues for the Eighth Annual "Kick Up Your Boots for Kids" bash, all in support of Dec My Room. The night was set ablaze by the toe-tapping tunes of country stars Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen, transforming the venue on October 24 into a jitterbug jamboree and creating an atmosphere brimming with joy.

Event chairs Laurel Bashaw and Dodi Willingham and founders Kendall Plank and Susan Plank were thrilled about how the extra funds will turbocharge their mission. Since 2007, Dec My Room has adorned nearly 18,000 hospital rooms across 178 institutions, delivering personalized coziness like a warm blanket to pediatric and young adult patients.

Emcee and auctioneer David Ackel kept the energy high as generous Houstonians vied for coveted treasures. Standouts included rare Pappy Van Winkle bourbon bottles and a glimmering necklace from Lugano. A wine and whiskey dinner hosted by Federal Grill’s Matt Brice saw bids skyrocket, leaving winners over the moon. The grand finale was a private management hunt at Sycamore Springs Ranch in Kerrville, Texas.

With over 250 attendees two-stepping and $350,000 raised, the event proved to be a night where generosity danced hand in hand with a rockin’ good time. In the crowd were Laurie and Tracy Krohn, Stacey and Al Lindseth, Mike Plank, Rachel and Tom Regan, Ericka Bagwell, Aimee and Wynne Snoots, Carley and Mike Stasney, Grace and Steven Ward, Monica and Jed Skeet, Marie and Joseph Flanigan, Jessica and Ryan Getz, Denise and Brett Mears, Kiki Wilson, Peggie and Kyle Pentecost.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jacob Mansfield, Grace Ward, and Kendyl Mansfield.

dec my room fundraisers