Shelby's Social Diary

Dinosaurs rule at dinner party for major donors to Houston Museum of NaturalScience

Photo by Priscilla Dickson
Photo by Priscilla Dickson
Photo by Priscilla Dickson
Photo by Priscilla Dickson
Photo by Priscilla Dickson
Photo by Priscilla Dickson
Photo by Priscilla Dickson

No pith helmets or hiking boots for this safari. The privileged crowd that gathered for the "prehistoric safari" at the Houston Museum of Natural Science dressed rather for a chic preview of the new Hall of Paleontology that opens to the public on Saturday in the museum's Dan L. Duncan Family Wing.

The museum's major donors were invited in for dinner and a first look at what is said to be the largest paleontology exhibition space in North America.

They mixed and mingled around the all-bone T.rex, featuring the best preserved and most complete hands and feet of any T.rex ever found, as well as patches of original skin on display. Speaking of skin, these special visitors, just as those yet to come, were invited to reach out and touch the fossilized dinosaur skin. In all, more than 30 dinosaurs and large mammals welcomed the well-heeled gathering to the new digs that stretch the length of a football field.

After touring the new space and the unveiling of the donor wall, the 120 guests moved to the second-floor Morian Overlook that provided an astonishing eye-to-eye view of the towering T.rex. The champagne and lighter libations flowed as the crowd toasted the success of the museum addition for which $85 million was raised in a capital campaign.

Capital campaign co-chairs Laurie Morian and Brady Carruth were proud momma and pappa on this night as was HMNS CEO Joel Bartsch.

Sitting down for the dinner by City Kitchen were museum board chair Randa Duncan Williams and Charlie Williams, Jan Duncan, Janet and Ernie Cockrell, Stephanie and Ernie Cockrell, Estela and David Cockrell, Terry and Tommy Smith, Reed Morian, Windi Grimes, Mindy and Jeff Hildebrand, Kathrine McGovern and Susie and Mel Glasscock.

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Hats and Hearts

Houston charity races ahead with stylish Derby-day fundraiser

Bo's Place Kentucky Derby fundraiser 2026

Photo by Wilson Parrish

Elia Gabbannelli, Michelle Torino, and Kim Scheffler.

Consider this Houston’s annual parade of fascinators, florals, and fast horses.

Photo by Wilson Parrish

Elia Gabbannelli, Michelle Torino, and Kim Scheffler.

The 10th annual Hats, Hearts and Horseshoes delivered all the Derby-day drama short of a photo finish courtesy of more than 350 guests who gathered at The Revaire on May 2 for Bo’s Place’s milestone celebration.

Chairs Libby and Mattison May, alongside Shelby and Matthew Seligmann, led the fête with a roster of honorary chairs that read like a who’s who of Houston philanthropy scene.

Guests lingered around the ice bar sponsored by Lowenberg Law Firm, sipping Le Chemin du Roi Brut Champagne from Sire Spirits — yes, the one associated with 50 Cent — while keeping one eye on the growing auction action.

Bo’s Place executive director Lisa Iparrea presented the Champion of Hope Award to the National Charity League Heart of Texas Chapter, accepted by chapter president Julie Gibson. The afternoon also took a heartfelt turn when Shelby Seligmann shared reflections on her family’s grief journey following the loss of her sister.

Emcee and auctioneer Johnny Bravo kept the crowd energized through live and silent auctions, heads-or-tails competitions, and cheers erupting from every corner once the Kentucky Derby finally began. When surprise winner Golden Tempo crossed the finish line, one lucky racing wall participant trotted home with a Houston Texans package courtesy of Hannah and Cal McNair.

The event raised $330,000 to support Bo’s Place and its grief support programs for children, families, and adults navigating loss.

On the scene were Jennifer Allison, Jennifer Brown, Tiffany and Brian Burgher, Elia Gabbannelli, Mari and Bryan Glass, Lauren and Rob Gray, Laura Laux, Julia and Harvin Lawhon, Debbie Leder and Bruce Orr, Kirby and David Lodholz, Gwyn Richardson, Cindy Seligmann and John Knox, David Shine, Tracy and John McNath, Daphne Savva, Elizabeth Martin, Gretchen Gilliam and George Lane, Suzie Johnson, and Nina and Clint Rand.

fundraisers bo's place