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    "Carnevale di Venezia" Gala

    Masked guests joined by flash mob, groovy DJ at Houston Grand Opera Ball

    Marcy de Luna
    Apr 17, 2017 | 10:10 am

    More than 400 masked guests celebrated to a "Carnevale di Venezia" theme at the lavish Houston Grand Opera, chaired by Zane and Brady Carruth. Elaborately dressed Carnevale characters, including a 10-foot marionette provided by J&D Entertainment, greeted the white-tie crowd on the red carpet in front of the Wortham Theater Center.

     

    Inside the venue, depictions of the Piazza San Marco in Venice, complete with its iconic astrological clock tower, adorned the ballroom while waiters served up Harry’s Bar Bellinis, named for the legendary 1930s Venice bar known for its specialty cocktails and celeb clientele.

     

    The “Piazza” was also decorated with sparkling chandeliers and embroidered Italian velvet tapestries, while florals in rich shades, from blush to merlot, adorned dinner tables.

     

     City Kitchen Catering presented a multi-course dinner of Italian cuisine, including a traditional Italian bracciolini of beef with Swiss chard, pancetta, parmesan, and cacciatore sauce, and a decadent tiramisu.

     

    Entertainment highlights came from soprano and HGO Studio alumna Albina Shagimuratova with a thrilling performance of “Jadwiga’s Waltz” from Offenbach's Robinson Crusoe and “Solivei” by Alyabyev, Italian classics played by the Richard Brown Strings Ensemble, and high-energy dance music by Atlanta's Big Blast and the Party Masters.

     

    Without leaving the dance floor, guests were transported from the grand ball to a late-night soiree, the Encore Party, where internationally-renowned DJ Whitney Fierce spun lively tunes, blending her background in classical music with eccentric beats.

     

    Attendees were able to take selfies with a gondolier, who glided around the dance floor in the late hours, and snack on Italian street fare and gelato.

     

    Just past the stroke of midnight, Encore Party chairs Carrie and Sverre Brandsberg-Dahl, along with a choreographed crew of partygoers, took over the floor, breaking into a flash mob routine while spectators on the sidelines cooled down with limoncello slushy shots.

     

    The special night raised over $1,750,000 to support Houston Grand Opera’s performances and community programs.

     

    Guests included Donna Josey Chapman, Elizabeth and Ilyas Colombowala, HGO board of directors chairman Jim Crownover and his wife Molly, HGO artistic and music director Patrick Summers and Beau Miller, HGO managing director Caroline and Perryn Leech, Robin Angly and Miles Smith, Jana and Scotty Arnoldy, Lynn Wyatt, Margaret Alkek Williams, Denise and Philip Bahr, Janice and Bob McNair, Anne and Dr. John Mendelsohn, Bobbie Nau, Bobbie-Vee and Jerry Cooney, Isabel and Danny David, and Vivian Wise.

     

    Also joining in the fun were Hallie Vanderhider, Pat Breen, Danielle Ellis, Valerie and Tracy Dieterich, Elizabeth Grimm and Jack Roth, Lynn Guggolz and Henry Gissel, Joanne King Herring, Michelle and Frank Hevrdejs, Kristina and Paul Somerville, Ileana and Michael Treviño, Rini and Edward Ziegler, and Brian McCulloch and Jeremy Garcia.

     

    In need of some fashion inspiration? Look to our story on the Houston Grand Opera Ball’s best gowns.

    Houston Grand Opera Ball chairs Zane and Brady Carruth mingle with elaborately dressed Carnevale characters on the red carpet

    Houston, Houston grand opera ball, April 2017, Zane Carruth, Brady Carruth
      
    Courtesy photo
    Houston Grand Opera Ball chairs Zane and Brady Carruth mingle with elaborately dressed Carnevale characters on the red carpet
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    Advocacy In Style

    Houston nonprofit's stylish event celebrates 45 years of healing and hope

    Joel Luks
    Jul 7, 2025 | 4:15 pm
    AVDA New Beginnings Luncheon 2025
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis, Erika Frankfort, and Chita Craft.

    Pink pianos, powerful stories, and a sea of spring pastels set the scene for one heartfelt afternoon. AVDA's third annual New Beginnings Luncheon morphed The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa into a sanctuary of strength, resilience, and community.

    AVDA New Beginnings Luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Daniel Ortiz

    Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis, Erika Frankfort, and Chita Craft.

    Chaired by dedicated supporters Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis and Erika Frankfort, the event struck a balance between elegance and earnestness. Guests were greeted by soft spring palettes and gentle ambiance, including a pink Steinway and Sons Spirio Baby Grand player piano playing mood-setting melodies. Photo ops came courtesy of a glow booth trimmed with florals, while themed cocktails like the Gentle and Brave Bloom ensured spirits were lifted in more ways than one.

    Local TV personality Chita Craft emceed the afternoon, guiding attendees through a moving program that celebrated AVDA's work while centering survivor resilience. AVDA CEO Maisha Colter, marking her fifth year in the role and 20th with the organization, shared heartfelt reflections on the organization's 45-year journey.

    This year, AVDA honored two groups whose advocacy has rippled through policy, philanthropy, and campus life. Council Member Abbie Kamin received the Ambassador of Advocacy Award for her legislative leadership on domestic violence prevention, paid parental leave, and women's safety. The Young Advocate Award went to the Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Houston. Over the past year, these collegiate changemakers raised more than $30,000 and contributed countless hours to raise awareness and support for AVDA's services.

    Adding to the excitement were luxury raffle prizes that sparked competitive buzz: Diamond Club Astros tickets, a Houstonian Hotel staycation, and culinary outings to hot spots like Bludorn and Drake's Hollywood. First-out valet, it turns out, is a coveted status symbol.

    The luncheon drew more than 300 attendees and raised $250,000 to support AVDA's mission of advocating for survivors of domestic violence and ending family abuse.

    Among those spotted in the crowd were Vanessa Ames, Imani Guillory, Jordan Seff, Michele Leal, Tiffany Halik, Meredith Marshall, Sean Teare, Natalie Mohtashami, Caroline Monday, Jillian Waldo, Ashley Seippel, Katie Tsuru, and Nora Jarrard.

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