Harry Mach had thought that he was going to a Trinity University alumni dinner at River Oaks Country Club on Wednesday night. But when he arrived, instead of Trinity Tigers, he found a ballroom full of doting friends and family wishing him happy 70th.

Kudos for his wife, Cora Sue Mach, for pulling off the surprise of a lifetime for the dashing Harry, whose energy and appearance belie those seven decades. Neither their sons and daughters-in-law — Joella and Steve Mach and Carmen and Butch Mach — nor their five Munchkin-sized grandchildren gave it away. Neither did the 250 who launched into singing "Happy Birthday" as soon as Harry walked in.

On the front lines of the spirited crooners were the birthday boy's brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Kathleen Mach, and dear friends Sydney and Don Faust.

Another round of singing came when the birthday cake, a replica of the Machs' Victorian home in Round Top, was rolled out. And then there was much singing and dancing throughout the night as a group of Richard Brown musicians, including songbirds Bob Luna and Sharon Montgomery, provided after-dinner entertainment.

Filling the tables was a broad mix of guests including Marianne and Robert Ivany, Gracie and Bob Cavnar, Margaret and Dr. Jeff Lanier, Ellie and Michael Francisco, Sue and Lester Smith, Tony Gracely, Laura and Brad McWilliams, Rudy Avelar, Myra Wilson, Elsie Eckart, Steven Wagner and Paul Hensley.

A glorious evening

Imagine raising $600,000 and drawing a crowd of more than 800 only the second time out of the charitable dinner shoot. That's exactly what Interfaith Ministries did recently when the second annual "Tapestry Gala" honored Jan Duncan and her late husband Dan Duncan. (The Duncans had accepted the honor many months before his untimely death in March.)

Philamena and Arthur Baird stood at the helm as chairs of the gala that honored the Duncans for their philanthropy and tremendous efforts at enriching the lives of Houstonians. Serving as honorary chairs were Peggy and Bill Barnett. Jan Duncan mesmerized the gathering with her poised presentation in which she spoke of her faith and the power it has given her in facing the loss of her husband.

Another surprise

That would be Karen Hood who was unsuspecting when husband Byron Hood opened the doors at Berryhill Baja Grill on Post Oak to reveal a surprise birthday party in her honor. The couple had held their rehearsal dinner there in 2006 and grill owner Jeff Anon was in their wedding party.

Helping blow out the candles Saturday night were Anon, Kirsten and Roger Herrscher, Brad Lukies, Julie Dube and David McGregor, Jerry Reimondo, Joe Nelson, Christine and Doug Wooster, Rachel Palmer and Don Hooper and Daphne Scarbrough.

Dinner with a purpose

The Corinthian has never looked more elegant than it did recently for the Big Brothers Big Sisters annual gala, "Just Thinkin' About Tomorrow . . ." More than 300 guests turned out for the evening that raised $217,000 for the agency that provides volunteer mentors for underprivileged youths. The evening honored BMC Software and its chairman, Robert Beauchamp. Taking bows for the evening's success were chairs Bain and John Pitts.

Sight 'ems

Gary Petersen and Richard Fant lunching at La Griglia . . .

Laura Ward driving up to River Oaks Country Club in a brand new Bentley, an early birthday present from her adoring hubby Channel 13 news anchor Dave Ward. Her 60th isn't until September (and no one would believe it's even in this decade) but family friend and Bentley dealership owner Tilman Fertitta had found just the fab wheels for Laura, executive director of Houston Children's Charity, and apparently Dave completely agreed.