Shelby's Social Diary

Hot bods, fresh faces in the mix as grand opening of DEFINE turns exercisestudio into cocktail space

No yoga pants and tanks at this DEFINE Body & Mind happening. For one night only, the fashion focus was on designer labels and dapper duds as studio owners Henry Richardson and Erin O'Leary Stewart celebrated the opening of their West University barre exercise studio.

Few in this fit crowd, however, seemed in need of any serious physical regimens. Perhaps they were already members of the DEFINE family.

Exhibiting a good neighbor policy, proceeds from retail sales and memberships on this night were dedicated to Friends of West University Place Parks.

Showing off the full versatility of the new space, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres from The Eighteenth Cocktail Bar were served out of the studio's kitchen. Look for O'Leary Stewart to teach workshops and cooking classes there.

Among guests checking out the studio and its new-concept indoor cycling space were James Stewart, Monsour Taghdisi, Rebecca Spera, Scott Evans, Catherine York, Annsley Popov, Carolyn Farb, Ana Ramirez, Anne and Chris Richardson, Kelly Turner and David Armendariz.

unspecified

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