What: 64th annual Diana Awards.
Where: House of Blues, Houston.
The scoop: As one of Houston's longest-running galas, the glitzy affair spoofs the Academy Awards while roasting and toasting some charitable, hard-working Houstonians. Organized by The Diana Foundation, which was founded in 1953 to raise funds for organizations supporting the LGBT community, the evening benefited The Botts Collection, Lazarus House, and Out for Education.
Mistress of ceremonies Sister Helen Holy kept the black-tie crowd in stitches with her toasts and roasts of notables, while special guest star, Glee's Alex Newell, wowed the audience with his impressive vocal skills. The evening also included humorous awards as well as the more serious Golden Bow Award, given to Frank Williams for his commitment to the organization. And as is the Diana tradition, Houston musicians and performers entertained during dinner.
A lively silent auction featured such items as a Wedgwood Jasperwear biscuit jar, donated by AG Antiques, as well as wine baskets, art, trips, and jewelry.
Who: Seen in the crowd were Sharon Lord, Michael Kemper, Brian Teichman and Andrew Cordes, Ciro Flores, Juan Rodriguez, Richard Fluhr, Rudy Hernandez, Jr., Craig McLemore, Dr. John Share, Chuck Brown, award show committee co-chairs Josh Snellgrove and Jose McDonald, Diana president Tanner Williams, the organization's officers Dan Maxwell, Michael Leibbert, Pete Beausoleil, Kurth Dohmann, and board members Thom Guthrie, Nathan Wright, Mike Reynolds, and Corbin Young.
Tanner Williams and "Sharon Stone" (Emily Jaschke) channel the glamour of the Oscars at the Diana Awards.
