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Houston society stars honor local philanthropic A-listers at UNICEF gala

Anika Jackson, Malaika Mukoro, Kristen McQuillin, and guest.

Photo by Bob Levey Getty Images

What: The fifth annual UNICEF Gala

Where: ThePost Oak Hotel

The scoop: Beloved local philanthropists Susan and Fayez Sarofim and Linda and Jim McIngvale were honored for their charitable works at the annual UNICEF Gala. More than 320 guests attended the glamorous gala, which raised more than $900,000 and will support UNICEF’s lifesaving work for children around the world. The event, emceed by Deborah Duncan, celebrated UNICEF’s lifesaving work and honored theSarofims with the Margaret Alkek Williams Humanitarian Award. Meanwhile, Linda and Jim McIngvale received the Global Community Hero Award.

Special guests included Mayor Sylvester Turner and Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer, Audrey Hepburn’s granddaughter and UNICEF advocate, both of whom spoke about their personal connection to UNICEF USA. Ferrer provided a touching introduction to a video highlighting her grandmother’s work with UNICEF. The gala tables featured large glass globe centerpieces (glowing in blue) surrounded by white roses as well as crystal candelabras with dangling white orchids. After a three-course meal and live auction, a vibrant performance by the 10-piece variety band Professor D took over the after party hosted by Houston's UNICEF 'NEXTGEN' supporters.

Gala chairs included Brigitte and Bashar Kalai, Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Leticia and Stephen Trauber and Ileana and Michael Treviño.Honorary Chairs included Rosanette and Harry Cullen, Leela and Nat Krishnamurthy, Penny and Paul B. Loyd Jr., Margaret Alkek Williams, and Randa and Charles Williams.

Live-action packages included tickets to Hamilton, a private suite at Rockets and Astros games, tickets to the Houston Symphony, a NYC trip experience with jewelry shopping spree, and even a 2018 Lexus NX 300.

Who: Margaret Alkek Williams, Buzz Aldrin, The Honorable Joanne King Herring, Rosanette Cullen, Maria and Neil Bush, Sara Beth and Pierce Bush, Jeff and Rachel Bagwell, Rudy and Debbie Festari, Paul-David Van Atta, Trish and Rock Morille, Anika Jackson and Chuck Redick, Alicia Smith, Tony Bradfield Kevin Black, Alex and Astley Blair, Bill Baldwin and Fady Armanious, Erik Monrreal, and Shannah Quinn.

Honoree Susan Sarofim, Rose Cullen, Margaret Alkek Williams, and honorees Linda McIngvale and Jim McIngvale.

Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images

Honoree Susan Sarofim, Rose Cullen, Margaret Alkek Williams, and honorees Linda McIngvale and Jim McIngvale.

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raising glasses

Wine and dine raises spirits for Houston's Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities wine and dine fundraiser 2024

Photo by Johnny Than

Alicia Reggie Freysinger, His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Catholic Charities President Cynthia Nunes Colbert.

An evening of fine dining and philanthropy unfolded at The Revaire for the 2024 Wine and Dine Dinner, benefitting Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston on November 16. With wine glasses in hand and wallets wide open, the stylish and pious savored a night dedicated to lifting up the most vulnerable in the community.

Co-chairs Mikki Hebl and David E. Harvey, Jr., alongside Kerri and Downey Bridgwater, welcomed the crowd, which included His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, who blessed the meal. The highlight? A four-course feast by master sommelier Brandon Kerne and chef Ryan Bouillet, paired with wines selected to enhance each bite.

An interactive twist with the secret sip challenge surely added a playful element. Attendees worked together to identify the mystery wine — a 2015 Merite Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia’s Wrattonbully region.

But the night wasn’t just about indulgence. The live auction, emceed by Johnny Bravo, and a moving “fund a need” segment inspired oenophiles to dig deep for Catholic Charities’ programs. Last year, the organization served people in need 358,000 times across Harris, Fort Bend, and Galveston counties, providing essentials like food, housing assistance, and legal aid for immigrants.

Generous support came from sponsors like the Hildebrand Foundation, Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, and Cuenod Families.

Wining and dining were Alicia Reggie Freysinger, Cynthia Nunes Colbert, Penny and Paul Layne, Monit Cheung and Patrick Leung, Ashley and Doug Plaeger, Sandi and Jim Lemming, Carol and Paul Beck, Louise and Bob Parsley, Avalyn Langemeier, Suzanne Werner, Amie Springmeyer, Lori Hessel, Ginger Niemann, Peggy Idstein, Karina and Mark Amelang,and Ellen and Jim Ginty.

Photo by Johnny Than

Alicia Reggie Freysinger, His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Catholic Charities President Cynthia Nunes Colbert.

catholic charities of the archdiocese of galveston-houston fundraisers