Shelby's Social Diary

Bellinis at Birraporetti's and an author reading at the Wortham — a richliterary event for Inprint

As many as 100 spirited fans of the printed word gathered at Birraporetti's Downtown recently for the first half of Inprint Inc.'s third annual Books & Bellinis double-header mixer targeting supporters under age 50.

Diyva and Chris Brown hosted the evening that began with an early-evening cocktail hour and then moved on to Wortham Theater Center for readings by two of America's hottest young fiction writers — Téa Obreht and Gary Shteyngart. The two, who mixed and mingled over the bellinis, were part of Inprint's Margaret Root Brown Reading series.

In a playful twist on the typical name tag, guests listed a few of their favorite books as great conversation-starters.

Just in time for the reading in the Wortham's Cullen Theater, the youthful contingent adjourned to find their seats among the 700 that had turned out to hear the readings. Obreht, author of The Tiger's Wife, is the youngest winner of the Orange Prize, England's highest award for a female fiction writer. Shteyngart, winner of the National Jewish Book Award, is author of the bestselling Super Sad True Love Story.

The Books & Bellinis group included Inprint board president Matt Henneman, Inprint executive director Rich Levy plus Sarah Bray, Marc Eichenbaum, Dan Fergus, Cullen Geiselman, Caroline Hussey, Mat Johnson, Julie Nguyen, Erin Pikoff, Nic Phillips and Eliza Wright.

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Party Watch

Scholarly Houston nonprofit brings big news to the polo field

Atlas Scholars Sunday for Scholars polo club 2025

Photo by Annie Mulligan

Nearly 200 people attended the event.

What: Sunday for Scholars

Where: Houston Polo Club

The Scoop: Sunday afternoons don’t usually come with a side of polo and philanthropic plot twists, but nearly 200 guests proved the exception at Atlas Scholars’ annual Sunday for Scholars fundraiser. Set against clear skies and manicured fields, the afternoon mixed casual elegance with Houston charm.

The gathering delivered more than just good vibes. Executive director Kamari Brewer dropped the headline moment of the day: Atlas Scholars is doubling its program. Beginning in 2026, the nonprofit will expand from serving 12 to 24 Scholars annually, a response to increasing demand after receiving more than 300 applications this year alone.

Between polo matches, guests circulated through a magazine-style photo booth, browsed the silent auction, and leaned into a competitive bingo fundraiser.

Alumni spotlights anchored the heart of the afternoon. Mai Pham, from the inaugural cohort, announced the creation of the Grit Award, a $1,000 scholarship for a graduating Scholar, while Rakesh Oberoi, class of 2014, shared how alumni now return each summer to mentor students through the program’s four-week institute.

The emotional peak came courtesy of Israel Garcia, an Atlas alum and MIT aerospace engineering sophomore, who reflected on finding his voice through the program, a full-circle moment that earned more than a few nods and misty eyes.

By day’s end, sponsorships, auctions, and paddle raises pushed the total past $300,000, funding scholarships, stipends, and Atlas Scholars’ expanding reach.

Who: Craig Taylor, Tejpal Singh, Mary Anne Brelinsky, Jack Miglioretti II, Rick Peña, Dylan Seff, and Zamir Rauf.

Photo by Annie Mulligan

Nearly 200 people attended the event.

fundraisers