Shelby's Social Diary

No ESCAPE For Joan Schnitzer-Levy: Philanthropist heads up Celebrity Serve for31 years

Gerald Franklin and Joan Schnitzer-Levy chair their 31st annual Celebrity Servebenefiting ESCAPE Family Resource Center.
Photo courtesy of ESCAPE Family Resource Center
Photo by Gary Fountain
Jerry Jones, from left, Joan Schnitzer-Levy, Gene Jones and Irvin Levy tookcenter stage at the 2011 ESCAPE Celebrity Serve benefit.
Lidya Osadchey, from left, Joan Schnitzer Levy, Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna atthe ESCAPE benefit in 2009.

When Joan Schnitzer-Levy dons that Tony's apron next Sunday night, it will be the 31st consecutive year that this respected philanthropist has stepped out in support of ESCAPE Family Resource Center, displaying a dedication and tenacity that is rare in the world of charity fundraisers.

Through the decades as ESCAPE Celebrity Serve chair, Joan in conjunction with Gerald Franklin, ESCAPE founder and trustee, has delivered the social clout and the star power that has guaranteed a sellout of the playful evening that features local sports, media and social celebs as waiters. This year, Houston Texans owners Janice and Bob McNair have signed on as headliners, following in the footsteps of 2011 stars Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and wife Gene.

"I keep telling them they need to get someone else," Joan said. "But I do love it. They do an incredible job in helping children and families."

Joan's loyalty to the non-profit that helps abused and neglected children and provides training for their parents is unfailing in her loyalty.

As she said, "My father used to say there is no such thing as a bad charity. There are only charities that you prefer. And we all have to choose . . . these children will not even have a chance to go to the ballet or the opera if we don't give them a chance, now."

By any estimation 30 years is a long time. "I keep telling them they need to get someone else," Joan said. "But I do love it. They do an incredible job in helping children and families. Everyone is dedicated."

"Until I can find somebody to replace me, I guess I'll keep on chairing it."

Through the years, Joan has brought in such stars as Ed McMahon, Debbie Reynolds, Robert Goulet, Harry Hamlin, Cheryl Tiegs and Clint Black with Lisa Hartman. For many years, it was a zany evening at Benihana. Recently, the party moved to Tony's.

"Everybody always loves it at Tony's because the food is so good," she said.

Among the 25 celebrity waiters lined up to serve dinner are Channel 13 sports director Bob Allen, Channel 2 news anchor Dominique Sachse, social force Lynn Waytt, the Astros' Milo Hamilton and loads of TV and radio personalities.

You can get details and make reservations here.

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5-Course Feast

Houston Food Bank chefs' dinner serves up generosity and gourmet flair

Photo by Emily Jaschke

William Crutcher, Benchawan "Chef G" Jabthong Painter, David Skinner, Ope Amosu, and Alejandra Salas.

Houston’s culinary crowd traded kitchen heat for philanthropic firepower on May 5 as the Houston Food Bank hosted its 26th Annual Chefs’ Dinner at Hotel ZaZa Museum District.

The evening of haute cuisine and thoughtful giving served up more than a five-course feast. The gourmand affair delivered a major boost for food-insecure families across southeast Texas.

Event chairs Farah Ahmed and Tahir Qadir rallied an energetic room of foodies, philanthropists, and civic leaders, capping the evening with remarks that inspired a flurry of last-minute generosity. A surprise anonymous matching gift of up to $25,000 sent donations soaring, with more than $61,000 raised during the dinner alone.

The menu read like a Houston restaurant hit list. Guests dined on creations from Benchawan “Chef G” Jabthong Painter of Street to Kitchen, Ope Amosu of ChopnBlok, David Skinner of Eculent & Ishtia, William Crutcher of Monarch at Hotel ZaZa, and pastry chef Alejandra SalasAl.

Meanwhile, Doe and Henry Florsheim accepted the 2026 Barbara Falik Humanitarian Award for their longstanding commitment to food security efforts. Brian Greene, president and CEO of Houston Food Bank, also shared details about the organization’s upcoming groundbreaking for its newest building while outlining the food bank’s long-term vision and continued work serving the community.

The event raised $633,640, enough to provide more than 1.9 million meals to the community.

Not bad for a Tuesday night.

Seen on the scene were Teresa and Jose Ivo, Monique Abernathy, Gordon Murray, Michele and Jeff Dodson, Cathy Easter, Sarah and Ken Fisher, Joan Hessidence and Rick Wall, Colleen and Michael Keegan, and Drs. Ruth Lopez and Steve Turley.

Photo by Emily Jaschke

William Crutcher, Benchawan "Chef G" Jabthong Painter, David Skinner, Ope Amosu, and Alejandra Salas.

chefs fundraisers houston food bank