Ladies and lords turned out in their finest attire for the Downton Abbey-inspired Savor the Hope Gala at Hotel Zaza benefiting Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health. Now in its eighth year, the event raises money to help sustain the programs and services at Devereux, a nationwide organization that helps children and adults overcome several challenges including intellectual and developmental disabilities. It has two Texas campuses in League City and Victoria.
Many in the crowd of 300 wore the Downton Abbey theme well, donning gowns, tiaras and feather and rhinestone hairpieces that echoed the 1920s style seen later in the series. The feeling of aristocracy trickled into the ballroom, from the show’s theme song lightly playing in the background to the décor, which featured large floral and white plume centerpieces donated by Kroger.
But just because the setting was posh doesn’t mean that the atmosphere was stuffy. “Dean and Rog” Morning Show co-cost Suzi Hanks from Houston's Eagle radio station opened dinner with jokes and kept the room rocking as she emceed through the night.
The gala honored Austin-based jewelry designer and philanthropist Kendra Scott with the Emy Award, which recognizes leaders or organizations in the community for their charitable giving. Scott was unable to attend, but according to a member of her team accepting the award on her behalf, the designer has worked with Devereux to raise more than $5,000 for that organization alone since partnering with them last year.
Even though fashion was a way to bring everyone together, Devereux executive director Pamela Reed reminded everyone of the real reason for the soirée: raising awareness about the issues affecting children that many people are too afraid to talk about, such as neglect or abuse. The evening was also about celebrating the ways partygoers could become involved with the group’s mission.
A live auction emceed by lifestyle and fashion blogger Sheree Frede opened the floor to anyone looking to get away, whether it was a staycation at Hotel Zaza or a trip of English elegance to The Savoy hotel in London. Frede’s husband, Norman Frede, who owns a dealership in the Clear Lake area, came through with the biggest win of the night in the live auction — bidding $10,000 for a trip to the Canyon Ranch Spa in Tucson.
In a separate room housing the silent auction items, there was another star of the show – a half Labrador, half Dachshund named Stevee. He’s Devereux’s therapy dog and he offered his own artwork of colorful dog paws. At one point, he slipped away from Devereux behavioral analyst Rose Filteau and ran into the arms of guests who were delighted to have him. An autographed Houston Texans Jadeveon Clowney jersey and diamond level Houston Astros tickets were some of the other items up for grabs.
Seen in the crowd were radio personality Sarah Pepper, gala chairs Jon Halvorsen and Pamela O’Brien, Devereux director of development Joni Roberston, Roy Green, Lisa Dimond Vasquez, Aliza Dutt, Larry Strader, Amy and John Mallett, Elizabeth and Charles Spillar, and members of the Deacons of Deadwood Motorcycle Club.
Between guests sampling Argentinean empanadas and sausage hors d’oeuvres from Patagonia Grill and Café, taking snapshots at the Stardust Photobooth and dancing to live music by The Gentle Lamb Experience, the gala proved that having fun and giving back never goes out of style.
Monique and Steve Kaufman.
