Shelby's Social Diary

Moores School makes beautiful music at its annual spring luncheon

The ballroom of the Junior League of Houston was a vision in pink and green.
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
Three singing ensembles from the Moores School entertained the luncheon guests.
Photo by Jenny Antill

Support groups for higher education entities are delicious things and of particular interest on Friday was the Moores School of Music Society, which held its annual spring luncheon at the Junior League.

For many years, the volunteer organization has raised funds for scholarships and special projects such as sending the University of Houston's music school orchestra on the road for performances or sending a singing ensemble abroad for an international competition.

Friday's fundraising event honored six individuals, three of whom are directly involved with the school. Susanna Brundrett received the Immanuel and Helen Olshan Award for Vision, Leadership and Commitment for her long-term work with UH's Texas Music Festival. Franz Anton Krager was named Outstanding Faculty Member and Beth Maidson, Moores School board member, received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award.

Also taking bows were Sue Smith, who received the Spirit of Volunteerism Award. Shafik Rifaat, a UH architecture professor, and Shelby Hodge were recognized with the Community Service Award.

The honors were presented by long-time Moores School patron Fran Fawcett Peterson and music school director David Ashley White. Chairing the luncheon was the dynamic duo of Mary Ann McKeithan and Kathi Rovere, who have been key in enough charitable fundraising events to have this thing down to a science. Indeed.

Even with the awards presentations, a quick election of 2010-2011 officers by acclamation, announcement of silent auction winners and inspired performances by three Moores School singing groups, the luncheon was finished before the promised 1:30 departure time.

Among those swooning over the Junior League Tea Room orange rolls (and who wasn't?) were outgoing society president Cathy McNamara, incoming president Shirley Rose, previous music school director David Tomatz, UH College of Architecture dean Patricia Oliver, Ceron, Sally and Norman Reynolds, Regina Rogers, Franelle Rogers, Ashley Smith and proud husbands of the luncheon chairs David McKeithan and Bill Rovere.

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Two-Stepping Bash

Country tunes and Houston's charitable hearts rock for Dec my Room

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jacob Mansfield, Grace Ward, and Kendyl Mansfield.

A bustling crowd kicked open the doors of the House of Blues for the Eighth Annual "Kick Up Your Boots for Kids" bash, all in support of Dec My Room. The night was set ablaze by the toe-tapping tunes of country stars Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen, transforming the venue on October 24 into a jitterbug jamboree and creating an atmosphere brimming with joy.

Event chairs Laurel Bashaw and Dodi Willingham and founders Kendall Plank and Susan Plank were thrilled about how the extra funds will turbocharge their mission. Since 2007, Dec My Room has adorned nearly 18,000 hospital rooms across 178 institutions, delivering personalized coziness like a warm blanket to pediatric and young adult patients.

Emcee and auctioneer David Ackel kept the energy high as generous Houstonians vied for coveted treasures. Standouts included rare Pappy Van Winkle bourbon bottles and a glimmering necklace from Lugano. A wine and whiskey dinner hosted by Federal Grill’s Matt Brice saw bids skyrocket, leaving winners over the moon. The grand finale was a private management hunt at Sycamore Springs Ranch in Kerrville, Texas.

With over 250 attendees two-stepping and $350,000 raised, the event proved to be a night where generosity danced hand in hand with a rockin’ good time. In the crowd were Laurie and Tracy Krohn, Stacey and Al Lindseth, Mike Plank, Rachel and Tom Regan, Ericka Bagwell, Aimee and Wynne Snoots, Carley and Mike Stasney, Grace and Steven Ward, Monica and Jed Skeet, Marie and Joseph Flanigan, Jessica and Ryan Getz, Denise and Brett Mears, Kiki Wilson, Peggie and Kyle Pentecost.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jacob Mansfield, Grace Ward, and Kendyl Mansfield.

dec my room fundraisers