We're catching up with a few of the exciting social events that have been on our dance card in recent days — so many parties, so little time. If the calendar is packed, it must be April. And, baby, we're right in the heat of the busiest social month of the year.
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
And we thought that everyone knew about the fab Houston Center for Contemporary Craft on Main Street. But despite the mega turnout of more than 400 to the "Crafting a Legacy" luncheon at River Oaks Country Club last week, it seemed that more than a few in the crowd were unfamiliar with the unique entity that celebrates the beauty of handmade artworks and the craftsmen who create them.
Thus, the luncheon served as a great educational tool for a target audience sure to find interest in the center where artists in residence add real-life interaction to the experience. The significance of the center was hallmarked by Museum of Fine Arts, Houston director Peter Marzio, who introduced the history of the center.
Chaired by Carrin Patman, Phyllis Childress, Lynn Baird and Susan L. Lawhon, the luncheon honored three mother-daughter teams key in the formation of the craft center. They were Sara Morgan and Catherine Morgan, Anne Lamkin Kinder and Kara Kinder Howes, and Kathryn Rabinow and Sarah Rabinow Pesikoff.
Heroes and Handbags
Nothing like a new purse to put a smile on Momma's face. So there were plenty of smiles at River Oaks Country Club on Friday when Heroes and Handbags offered more than 200 brand spanking new, designer and vintage handbags in a rollicking silent auction. At the helm of the brunch and auction was Alissa Maples, proud to report that a hefty sum was raised for Heroes for Children, which provides financial and social assistance to families with children who have cancer.
Among those perusing the offerings were Maples husband, Kevin Maples, and parents, Virginia and Dan Steppe, and a host of supporters including Mimi Bates, Nancy Gerner, Sarah Simon, Megan Sutton-Reed, brunch founder Larissa Linton, Christine Hoffer, Jill Knowles and handbag designer Elaine Turner, who was recipient of the Spirit of Allie & Taylor Award. Honorary chair Holly Moore was also on hand.
Pink Ribbon House Preview Party
It was a smashing success as more than 400 paying customers toured the $2.5 million Pink Ribbon House in Hunters Creek Village in a sneak preview of the grand show home. The house, decorated to the hilt by nine top interior designers, will be open for tours this weekend, admission $15 with funds going to the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine.
Pink Ribbon house chairs Deb Parks, Trish Hayes and Gail Rauhut, along with honorary chairs Diane and John Riley, are kicking up their heels at the prospect of proceeds reaching $400,000. Touring the fab house at the preview party were Sue and Lester Smith, Dr. Kent Osborne and Dr. Carolina Guitierrez, Mary Ann and David McKeithan, Jeff Early, Jayne and Jack Kendall, Jane and Ed Parker and Adriana and Dr. Steve Rosenbaum.
The house is open for tours most of the day Friday and Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Children's Assessment Center
The 11th annual Spirit of Spring Luncheon benefiting the Children's Assessment Center packed the Omni Houston Hotel ballroom with a bevy of fashionables last week, beginning with the ever-so-chic chairs Lisa Holthouse and Amy Lee. Add the Fendi fashion that had the ladies swooning over the must-have pieces.
Committee chairs making this event sing were Bruce Padilla, Jason Bickel, Lindsey Love and Nancy Golden. Adding to the glamour were CAC board members Ericka Bagwell, Kimberly DeLape, Phyllis Williams and Friends Guild board president Anne Carl.
American Festival for the Arts
More than 200 supporters turned out at the intriguing Bell Tower, one of the coolest party spaces in a transitional part of town, to celebrate the American Festival for the Arts' 15th anniversary. The evening raised more than $130,000 for the AFA Summer Music Conservatory and Scholarship/Enrichment Fund.
Guests included Rachel and Dr. Bud Frazier, Toby Mattox, C.C. Conner, Nancy Willerson, Carolyn and James Robertson and Jackie and Malcolm Mazow.
Crafting a Legacy Luncheon co-chairs Carrin Patman, from left, Susan Lawhon and Lynn Baird at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.
