Shelby's Social Diary

The ladies partied while the guys waited on them hand and foot at "Kissed by anAngel" soirée

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

For the seventh annual "Kissed by an Angel" girls night out, the gents once again played waiters to the ladies' grand dames, who lapped up the attention as they were served bubbly, vino and less potent libations.

As is tradition, a great house with a swell garden is selected as the party setting and this year was no exception with Hilda and Greg Curran opening their doors to the well-heeled femmes. Michele Clements and Marlo Bruce chaired the evening that benefited the Clayton Dabney Foundation for Kids With Cancer.

That organization helps grant anonymous gifts, last wishes and financial assistance to families dealing with the last stages of terminal childhood cancer.

Ladies nibbled from the buffet created by A Fare Extraordinaire and swayed to the cool jazz sounds of David Caceres. When they weren't perusing the silent auction offerings from the likes of Saks Fifth Avenue, Baccarat, Neiman Marcus and Brasserie 19, guests oohed and aahed over the stunning floral decor by Jonathan Andrew Sage.

The partying ladies included Mimi Marix, Lisa Eads, Jill Holstead, Kathleen Panus, Lori Shellist, Pam Pierce, Angie Reckling, Lisa Rowe, Amy Shaper and Kristi Whiteside.

The gents playfully stepping into their roles as waiters included Glen Clements, David Bruce, Marty Shellist, Ralph Eads, Ray Childress, Ken Newberry and loads more.

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bite by bite

Houston young professionals crack open $420,000 at annual oyster party

American Cancer Society Shuck Cancer 2024

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jenny Todd, Whitney Lawson, Katie Tsuru, and Nora Jarrard.

With every oyster slurped and savored, Houston’s culinary community opened their hearts — and their wallets — to help fight cancer. Supporters flocked to Post Houston on November 21 for the third annual Tricoast Homes Shuck Cancer Houston, presented by SheSpace. Organized by the Houston Young Professionals for the American Cancer Society, this foodie fête served up more than delectable bites and sips.

As guests strolled through the sprawling venue, they sampled offerings from 35-plus restaurants, bars, and wineries. Highlights included an oyster bar and playful oyster shooter station from Pier 6 and Prestige Oysters, paired with wine, seasonal cocktails, and gourmet bites.

The sparkle bar gave attendees a chance to shine — literally — while the Moment Band kept the atmosphere electric with live tunes. Another standout? A virtual reality experience that transported participants to Hope Lodge Houston, offering a glimpse into the vital services American Cancer Society provides to cancer patients and their families.

Emceed by KPRC’s Derrick Shore, the night was helmed by co-chairs Katie and Seth Tsuru and Nora and Brian Jarrard.

Of course, no Houston soirée is complete without a little competition. The crowd roared as Kittsie Klaes, the top Pearl Honoree, was celebrated for raising $44,000 as part of her months-long campaign. Among the dedicated 2024 Pearl Honorees lauded for their remarkable fundraising efforts were Lori Blackwell, Rachel Collins, Danielle Deleon, Anthony Galvan, Katherine Garcia, Anna Gryska, Anastasia Hansen, Ryan Hughes, Cassandra Iku, Whitney Lawson, Abbey Martin, Jodi Munsinger Boyd, Samantha-Anne Nadolny, Dr. Abby Patel, Anna Reagan Chronister, Hannah Richard-Molina, Ronda Ross, Shaniese Ruffin, Gaurav Sahni, Matthew Schultz, Claire Stevenson, Shayla White Bowden, Shelia Wolfe, and Hayden Wood.

Each honoree’s dedication to raising $3,000 or more played a pivotal role in the event’s cash tally. Sponsors such as Tricoast Homes, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Ferrari of Houston made the night possible, underscoring Houston’s philanthropic spirit. With 1,000 attendees, Shuck Cancer Houston raised $420,000, more than double since its inaugural party three years ago.

Seen in the crowd were Jenny Todd, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Imani Guillory, Tiffany Halik, Whitney and Marc Lawson, Disney and Max Harris, Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, Kristen Cannon, Courtney Harmon, Danny and Robin Klaes, and David Hance.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jenny Todd, Whitney Lawson, Katie Tsuru, and Nora Jarrard.

fundraisers american cancer society