Shelby About Town
A few more parties trickle in as the dog days of summer approach
Barbara and Lance McKnight and their 2-year-old daughter, Kendall, hosted theRecipe for Success dinner.Photo by Gracie Cavnar
Laura and Dave Ward were honorees at Mission of Yahweh.Photo by Kim Coffman
Cheryl Malden, left, and Stacie Cokinos at the San Jose Clinic Art With Heartgala.
Artist John Palmer, left, joined Art With Heart gala chairs Gina and Dr.Devinder Bhatia.
And so the party season comes to a close with only the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Promise Ball this Saturday night remaining on my black-tie dance card. Never mind that the Asia Society's "Tiger Ball" hangs in there as a late-comer in June.
Honeys, my fancy party dresses and the satin stilettos are moving to the back of the closet this weekend. And not a moment too soon.
In the meantime, here's a wrap of several recent parties and a few entertaining tidbits.
Down home cookin'
That was what guests at Recipe for Success' "Southern Sunday Supper" experienced Sunday night when caterer Barbara McKnight and her Catering by Culinaire team whipped up a feast of fried chicken, crab cakes, short ribs, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and loads more comfort food at the 1912 Hofheinz House that serves as McKnight's home and catering headquarters. Joining the chef and her husband, Lance McKnight, as hosts for the casual dinner were Sheridan and John Eddie Williams.
Joining this Recipe for Success' "2010 We're Cooking Now! A gala in Small Bites" fundraiser were Kristen and Lee Nix, Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin, Patrice Ferguson and John Camp, Carol and Michael Linn, Betty and Jesse Tutor, Sydney Staley, Honi and Glen Boudreaux and Recipe for Success founders Gracie and Bob Cavnar.
Saving women and children first
With almost 50 years of serving those most in need, the Mission of Yahweh, a faith-based shelter for women and children, held its second annual "Mission Incredible" gala at River Oaks Country Club on Sunday.
More than 250 well-wishers turned out to support the mission and to applaud the "Leaders & Legends" honorees — Laura and Dave Ward, Monica Hartland and Pines Presbyterian Church, represented by the Rev. Wayne Eberly.
The party crowd included dinner chair Pam Lockard and husband Ron Sterleker, co-chair Lisa Wilson and husband Craig Wilson plus Joanne and Welcome Wilson, Melanie Lawson and John Guess Jr., Mary and Tony Gracely, Regina Rogers, Beth Sanders Moore and Jess Moore, Edna Meyer-Nelson and Carol and Dr. Tom Sawyer.
Artful evening
Who needs party decorations when your gala at the InterContinental Houston Near the Galleria is filled with more than 100 paintings, photographs and sculptures, donated by local artists? The San Jose Clinic's "Art With Heart" gala, chaired by Gina and Dr. Devinder Bhatia, was an art seekers wonderland.
Well-known collector Carolyn Farb took bows as the night's honoree along with the Charity Guild of Catholic Women, recognized as "Portrait of Compassion" stars.
Joining the fest that included music by Moodafuraka, a seated dinner and a live auction that included a work by artist John Palmer were Stacie Cokinos, Susan and Larry Massey, Joan and Phil Morabito, Alesia and Brian Stevens, Sallymoon Benz and Dr. Alan Bentz, Lucky Chopra and Louise and Bob Parsley.
Ocean's preview
The new eatery on West Alabama officially opens today (Friday) but guests had an early peek when Amir Sabzevari celebrated his 31st birthday there a few days ago. "Miami on Montrose" was the vibe that the international set bestowed on the old Bistro Vino locale where the lush garden patio still holds all the allure of the past decades. Though entirely refurbished and boasting additions such as resort lounger café tables with white cloths, Ocean's 1930s ambience remains.
Soaking in the atmosphere and moseying up to the ceviche bar, under direction of Mexico City-born brothers and restaurateurs Jorge Alvarez and Isaac Alvarez, were guests including Tod Eason, William Middleton, Sarah and Saba Jawada, Ali and Haydeh Davoudi, Rebecca Spera, Claudia Solis, Dr. Roland Maldonado and Carla and Alex Martinez.
Keeping fit!
Personal trainer Cari Shoemate celebrates her launch as Exercise TV's only Houston fitness guru with a bash at Fit Athletic Club on West Gray today from 6 to 8 p.m. Join the trainer for the Houston Rockets Power Dancers, a fit and fine group indeed, when she kicks up her heels with a DJ, lite bites, drinks and plenty of schmoozing.
"Long Lean Legs with Cari Shoemate" is her first workout DVD to be featured on the fitness digital network and it will debut at the Fit bash.
Sight 'ems
Newly-elected Rodeo Houston vice presidents Tim Ping, Mike McKinney, E.D. Lester, Paul Lehnhoff, Jim Van Hoozer and Pat Walker kicking up their heels in a dinner celebration at Mo's . . . A Place for Steaks. Joining them were Darryl Schroeder and Mimi and Tom Dompier . . .
Melinda Berkman celebrating her birthday in the wine library at Tony's where the intimate group included Diane Connally, Sheridan Williams, Karen Johnson, Patsy Fourticq and more.
