Shelby's Social Diary

Hot cars and hot temps put a sizzling finish to Houston Ballet's Ballet Barreend-of-season fete

Photo by Zuzana Leckova
Photo by Zuzana Leckova
Photo by Zuzana Leckova
Photo by Zuzana Leckova
Photo by Zuzana Leckova
Photo by Zuzana Leckova

The sounds of DJ John Tran pulsated through the Momentum Audi showroom as more than 100 savvy young professionals oohed and aahed over the sleek collection of high-octane German autos. The fashionable gathering served as Ballet Barre's adieu to its second season of nurturing the bright young things that are developing an interest in Houston Ballet.

Since its founding, the organization of 157 members has raised $12,000 for the Houston Ballet Foundation and $30,000 for the ballet's capital campaign. Joining the party scene were more than 30 prospective new members.

Part of the entertainment on this night of soaring mercury centered on dancers from Houston Ballet's second company, HBII. Costumed in ensembles from ballets to be performed in the upcoming season, they preened and posed around the impressive A-7, R-8 and A-8 Audi models.

Host for the energized gathering was Momentum Audi GM Jared Lang. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse provided hors d'oeuvres and operating partner Sam Governale was on hand to ensure that everything tasted primo. Anyone who needed a sweet treat could dig into the cupcakes from Sprinkles.

Ballet Barre co-chairs Kristy Junco Bradshaw and Lindsey Brown have spearheaded the various activities, including this evening that included the DJ's Michael Jackson musical tribute that had guests dancing around the shiny new cars.

In the mix were C.C. Conner, Jeremy Andrews, Chris Bradshaw, Heather Pray, Amy LeBlanc, Brian Thorp, Kelly Myernick, Jim Nelson, Patsy Chapman, Houston Ballet principal dancer Amy Fote and her beau, first soloist Nic Leschke, who is celebrating his 15th and final season with the company.

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raising glasses

Wine and dine raises spirits for Houston's Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities wine and dine fundraiser 2024

Photo by Johnny Than

Alicia Reggie Freysinger, His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Catholic Charities President Cynthia Nunes Colbert.

An evening of fine dining and philanthropy unfolded at The Revaire for the 2024 Wine and Dine Dinner, benefitting Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston on November 16. With wine glasses in hand and wallets wide open, the stylish and pious savored a night dedicated to lifting up the most vulnerable in the community.

Co-chairs Mikki Hebl and David E. Harvey, Jr., alongside Kerri and Downey Bridgwater, welcomed the crowd, which included His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, who blessed the meal. The highlight? A four-course feast by master sommelier Brandon Kerne and chef Ryan Bouillet, paired with wines selected to enhance each bite.

An interactive twist with the secret sip challenge surely added a playful element. Attendees worked together to identify the mystery wine — a 2015 Merite Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia’s Wrattonbully region.

But the night wasn’t just about indulgence. The live auction, emceed by Johnny Bravo, and a moving “fund a need” segment inspired oenophiles to dig deep for Catholic Charities’ programs. Last year, the organization served people in need 358,000 times across Harris, Fort Bend, and Galveston counties, providing essentials like food, housing assistance, and legal aid for immigrants.

Generous support came from sponsors like the Hildebrand Foundation, Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, and Cuenod Families.

Wining and dining were Alicia Reggie Freysinger, Cynthia Nunes Colbert, Penny and Paul Layne, Monit Cheung and Patrick Leung, Ashley and Doug Plaeger, Sandi and Jim Lemming, Carol and Paul Beck, Louise and Bob Parsley, Avalyn Langemeier, Suzanne Werner, Amie Springmeyer, Lori Hessel, Ginger Niemann, Peggy Idstein, Karina and Mark Amelang,and Ellen and Jim Ginty.

Photo by Johnny Than

Alicia Reggie Freysinger, His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Catholic Charities President Cynthia Nunes Colbert.

catholic charities of the archdiocese of galveston-houston fundraisers