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    party watch

    Houstonians toast a reimagined, ritzy River Oaks high-rise

    Steven Devadanam
    May 29, 2018 | 7:00 pm

     What: The River Oaks grand opening champagne toast
     
     Where: The River Oaks

     

     The scoop: Approximately 200 tastemakers gathered for a champagne celebration to toast The River Oaks’ complete transformation. Offering exclusive high-rise living in Houston’s most prestigious neighborhood, the landmark building has been completely reimagined to evoke the elegant, contemporary, and sophisticated lifestyle reflective of the neighborhood.

     

    Giddy new residents, in-demand designers and real estate heavyweights sipped on a unique vintage Moet Imperial Reserve Cuvee courtesy of Moet & Chandon while taking in the splendor of their surroundings. With interiors and furnishings selected by internationally respected architect and interior designer, Lauren Rottet, the building has been designed to reflect a modernist point of view. Elegant and sophisticated, the lobby boasts a mid-century modern aesthetic. Hand-crafted contemporary furniture is complimented with vintage lounge chairs, coffee tables, and eclectic accessories. The interior scheme throughout is meant to showcase artwork. Lea Weingarten, principal of Weingarten Art Group, has curated a collection of pieces for the building that includes works by Paul Kremer, Stanley Whitney, Alex Katz, Gael Stack, and Liliana Porter.

     

    The River Oaks’ luxury amenities were brought to life with activations in the state-of-the art fitness center, massage, and yoga rooms. Puppies were even brought in from the SPCA for a quick grooming in the pet spa. Additional amenities to explore included an outdoor kitchen, dog park, two pools surrounded with beautiful sitting gardens, overnight guest suite, and a private indoor dining room with adjacent catering kitchen and party room.

     

    Beyond the common areas, guests swooned over the newly-completed BeDESIGN model home, featuring pieces by Rottet Studio, among others. Like the other residences within the building, the model home defines a lifestyle people seek and appreciate.

     

    Top brass from the New York-based developer Arel Capital jetted in to greet neighbors and toast the stellar Houston-based design team, including EDI International, architect; Rottet Studio, interior architect; McDugald-Steele, landscape architect and Sudhoff Companies for sales and marketing.

     

     Who: See in the crowd were Richard Leibovitc, Gabriel Bousbib, Eric Lagdameo, Mike Reddell, Betty Harbourt, Karen Lerner, Todd Blitzer, Tim Reilly, Jennifer Bowen, Eleanor and Steve McCarthy, MaryAnn and Mark Miller, Jane McCord, and Amber Lewis.

    Betty Harbourt, Amber Lewis, and Stacy Carraro Rodriguez.

    River Oaks high-rise Betty Harbourt, Amber Lewis, Stacy Carraro Rodriguez
      
    Photo by Dave Rossman
    Betty Harbourt, Amber Lewis, and Stacy Carraro Rodriguez.
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    Houston charity’s Pearls of Wisdom gala is a real gem of a night

    Joel Luks
    Jul 14, 2025 | 3:02 pm
    Vita Living Pearls of Wisdom gala 2025
    Photo by Andy Phan
    Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn and David Guion.

    Some came for the Aperol Spritz, others for the cause, and all left a little more hopeful.

    Vita Living Pearls of Wisdom gala 2025
      

    Photo by Andy Phan

    Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn and David Guion.

    On a lively evening at River Oaks Country Club, guests gathered for Vita Living’s annual Pearls of Wisdom gala, where community, compassion, and a splash of Italian flair came together for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

    Chaired by Kristen Perrin, Pamela Perilloux, and Bryan P. Smith, the evening began with a color-splashed cocktail hour, where attendees mingled in vibrant attire, sipping spritzes and eyeing a meticulously curated silent auction. Among the standout items were a six-night escape to a riverfront condo near Beaver Creek (courtesy of Doug Dawson), a luxury three-night getaway to Chablé Yucatán Chocholá (thank you, Chablé), and a striking aluminum-mounted photograph, Golden Koi by Joe C. Aker, gleaming with texture and motion.

    Emcee Kip Altstaetter opened the program with warmth and wit. Joseph Cooper, Vita Living CEO, delivered the invocation before passing the mic to the evening’s co-chairs for special remarks. Guests then watched a moving video introduced by Myrla Menn and Beth and John Hoffman, which offered an intimate look at the lives changed by Vita Living’s services.

    The live auction helmed with high energy by Johnny Bravo Entertainment brought gala-goers to their feet, paddles flying in support of the nonprofit’s essential work. But the night didn’t end with dinner and donations. Supporters lingered and celebrated with a late-night gelato bar and warm camaraderie.

    Founded in 1982, Vita Living has grown from a single home created by founder Renée Wallace for her son to a network of 20 group homes across Houston. The organization’s case management program serves more than 300 children and adults across seven counties.

    This year’s record-breaking total — $207,000 raised — underscores the community’s growing commitment to supporting inclusive care and lifelong dignity.

    Among the 300 present were Kara Willis, Charcole Santiago, Peter and Krystyna Cawthorne, Jim Roberts, David Payne, Clint Fritts, Andrew Campbell, Eddie and Kim Perdomo, Brian and Sarah Crawmer, David and Marilyn Guion, Larry and Christina O’Donnell, Chris Mehling, Lorraine Olah, Bella McNeill, Jonathan Puig, Ellie Rotan, Juliana Workman, Forrest and Katie Wynn, Louis and Ashley Pearce, Chandos Dodson Epley, Evans and Theresa Attwell, Mariquita Masterson, and Andy and Ashley Mejia.

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