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    Shelby's Social Diary

    Houston's new party palace: Bollywood dance fever sweeps through Asia SocietyTexas Center

    Shelby Hodge
    Apr 17, 2012 | 6:06 am
    • Photo by Jenny Antill
    • Photo by Jenny Antill
    • Photo by Jenny Antill
    • Photo by Jenny Antill
    • Photo by Jenny Antill
    • Photo by Jenny Antill
    • Photo by Jenny Antill
    • Photo by Jenny Antill
    • Photo by Jenny Antill
    • Photo by Jenny Antill
    • Photo by Jenny Antill
    • Photo by Jenny Antill
    • Photo by Jenny Antill
    • Photo by Jenny Antill
    • Photo by Jenny Antill
    • Photo by Jenny Antill

    Night two of Asia Society Texas Center's celebration of its new Yoshio Taniguchi-designed home in the Museum District was less formal but no less energized than the black-tie Tiger Ball that preceded it on Thursday. Chairs Divya and Chris Brown welcomed more than 1,000 guests who had come to get a first look at the spectacular new digs.

    Young professionals, veteran art enthusiasts and the culturally curious made their way through the 40,000 square-foot, $48.4 million architectural wonder that was quickly proving itself as a superb party place. And that was part of the plan — that in addition to cultural programming, the center would serve as a gathering point for celebrations of all kinds.

    On this night, the Allen Education Center was transformed into a sleek urban lounge where uniformed wait staff from City Kitchen passed ethnic hors d'oeuvres and where buffet lines and a Sushic sushi station beckoned. Vegetarian dishes were offered on the adjoining terrace where more than a few guests took advantage of the great spring weather.

    Opportunities for exploring included the Treasures of Asian Art, A Rockefeller Legacy in the gallery, and in the Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theater continuous screenings of John Carrithers' documentary on the history of the building project.

    And then there was dancing to the sounds of DJ Rocky, dance music that eventually evolved into Bollywood, a twist that had late-night partygoers breaking out in dance fever.

    A number of VIP out-of-town guests attended both Thursday and Friday night's events, including Asia Society New York president and CEO Vishakha N. Desai; Asia Society board of trustees co-chairs Ronnie C. Chan and Henrietta H. Fore; Charles Rockefeller, grandson of Asia Society founder John D. Rockefeller III; and Melissa Chiu, museum director and curator for contemporary Asian and Asian American art at Asia Society New York.

    And, of course, the architect himself, Mr. Taniguichi, was on hand once again to observe people interacting with the space he so meticulously designed.

    Special guests included artists Lee Ufan and Mel Chen, both of whom have works on display in the center.

    The evening raised $50,000 for Asia Society programs thanks to guests such as Charlie Chanaratsopon, CEO of Charming Charlie's which underwrote the evening, plus Tatiana Massey, Stacey and John Andell, Charles Rockefeller, Lily and Charles Foster, Brittany Sakowitz, Audrey and Brandon Cochran, Reyne Hirsch and Corbett Parker, Karen and Byron Hood and Janae and Kenny Tsai.

    unspecified
    news/society

    Spritzed With Style

    Houston charity’s Pearls of Wisdom gala is a real gem of a night

    Joel Luks
    Jul 14, 2025 | 3:02 pm
    Vita Living Pearls of Wisdom gala 2025
    Photo by Andy Phan
    Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn and David Guion.

    Some came for the Aperol Spritz, others for the cause, and all left a little more hopeful.

    Vita Living Pearls of Wisdom gala 2025
      

    Photo by Andy Phan

    Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn and David Guion.

    On a lively evening at River Oaks Country Club, guests gathered for Vita Living’s annual Pearls of Wisdom gala, where community, compassion, and a splash of Italian flair came together for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

    Chaired by Kristen Perrin, Pamela Perilloux, and Bryan P. Smith, the evening began with a color-splashed cocktail hour, where attendees mingled in vibrant attire, sipping spritzes and eyeing a meticulously curated silent auction. Among the standout items were a six-night escape to a riverfront condo near Beaver Creek (courtesy of Doug Dawson), a luxury three-night getaway to Chablé Yucatán Chocholá (thank you, Chablé), and a striking aluminum-mounted photograph, Golden Koi by Joe C. Aker, gleaming with texture and motion.

    Emcee Kip Altstaetter opened the program with warmth and wit. Joseph Cooper, Vita Living CEO, delivered the invocation before passing the mic to the evening’s co-chairs for special remarks. Guests then watched a moving video introduced by Myrla Menn and Beth and John Hoffman, which offered an intimate look at the lives changed by Vita Living’s services.

    The live auction helmed with high energy by Johnny Bravo Entertainment brought gala-goers to their feet, paddles flying in support of the nonprofit’s essential work. But the night didn’t end with dinner and donations. Supporters lingered and celebrated with a late-night gelato bar and warm camaraderie.

    Founded in 1982, Vita Living has grown from a single home created by founder Renée Wallace for her son to a network of 20 group homes across Houston. The organization’s case management program serves more than 300 children and adults across seven counties.

    This year’s record-breaking total — $207,000 raised — underscores the community’s growing commitment to supporting inclusive care and lifelong dignity.

    Among the 300 present were Kara Willis, Charcole Santiago, Peter and Krystyna Cawthorne, Jim Roberts, David Payne, Clint Fritts, Andrew Campbell, Eddie and Kim Perdomo, Brian and Sarah Crawmer, David and Marilyn Guion, Larry and Christina O’Donnell, Chris Mehling, Lorraine Olah, Bella McNeill, Jonathan Puig, Ellie Rotan, Juliana Workman, Forrest and Katie Wynn, Louis and Ashley Pearce, Chandos Dodson Epley, Evans and Theresa Attwell, Mariquita Masterson, and Andy and Ashley Mejia.

    vita livingfundraisers
    news/society
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