Shelby's Social Diary

An elephant, a marching band, tattoos & more — Periwinkle event a circus forgrown-ups

Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman

Dr. Carlos Rivera was very good at keeping a very big secret — that he had arranged for Ms. Paige, an elephant from Humps and Trunks, to attend the Periwinkle Foundation "Periwinkle Circus" fundraiser at the InterContinental Houston Hotel. He, Dr. Jayne Finkowski-Rivera and Jenifer and Dr. Scott Jarriel were ring leaders of the evening where the pachyderm held the spotlight.

A circus atmosphere prevailed (and we mean that in the best way) as guests coursed through the hotel ballroom trying their hands at various carnival games, getting air brush tattoos and testing their luck in an effort to win diamond earrings from I W Marks. The showstopper was the Willowridge High School marching band, which traversed the ballroom in a stirring performance.

The evening honored Judy and Chris Simon with the Gerson Award and recognized four Periwinkle Partners — Gatti's Pizza, I W Marks, the Petrello Family Foundation and White Oak Energy, each of which has supported the program at Texas Children's Hospital.

Partying as if they were under the big top — Texas Children's Cancer Center director Dr. David Poplack, Marilyn and Louis Mogas, Melinda and Matt Mogas, Hannah and Cal McNair, Carol and Joe Birkofer, Cristo Rey's Rev. T.J. Martinez, Lisa Malosky, Cynthia and Tony Petrello and Periwinkle Foundation executive director Doug Suggitt.

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Party Watch

Distinguished Houston gents gather for Brioni’s grand opening

What: Brioni Grand Opening with Men of Distinction

Where: Brioni Boutique in River Oaks District

The scoop: Italian menswear designer Brioni celebrated the grand opening of its Houston flagship at River Oaks District with a luxurious evening that merged high fashion with philanthropy. The November 7 event featured a private preview of Brioni's Bespoke Trunk Show, spotlighting the brand’s tailored craftsmanship. Men of Distinction, a nonprofit honoring Houston's community leaders, took the opportunity to recognize its esteemed researchers and honorees, celebrating milestones in raising funds for critical medical research at Texas Medical Center.

Dr. Michael A. Belfort of Texas Children’s Hospital delivered remarks that highlighted Men of Distinction's contributions to pioneering medical procedures, such as life-changing surgeries for spina bifida. Guests enjoyed Italian prosecco, old-fashioned cocktails, and tastings from The Macallan’s 12- and 15-year single malts, along with Italian bites by Bari Ristorante. Attendees left with luxurious parting gifts, including a Brioni crocodile leather keychain and a spa experience at The Post Oak Hotel.

Photo by Gary Fountain

A.J. Williams with Andi and Ballard Infante.

Who: Jesse Tudor, Gary Peterson, Mike Linn and Carol Linn, Keith Mosing and Alice Mosing, David Wurthrich, Tom Perich and Debra Perich, Dancie Ware and Jim Ware, John Serpe, Molly Crownover, Kevin Gilliard and Frank Billingsley, Tracy Dieterich, Robert Bernard, A.J. Williams, and Andi and Ballard Infante.

brioni river oaks district fundraisers men of distinction