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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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

Shelby's Social Diary

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

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Two-Stepping Bash

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

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome
Get Houston intel delivered daily.