Party Watch

Dynamo players and Houston World Cup fans cheer Team USA to victory

Alan Perez and Mia Kassas were in a patriotic mood.
Photo by © Daniel Ortiz
The bar erupted when Team USA scored the winning goal.
Photo by © Daniel Ortiz
Giles Barnes, from left, Brandon Brooks, Andrew Driver, Mark Sherrod and MichaelChabala.
Photo by © Daniel Ortiz
Zack and Kassie Harris were in the red, white and blue spirit.
Photo by © Daniel Ortiz
Doug Koenit, from left, Galen Kragas and Christian Filigrana.
Photo by © Daniel Ortiz
Alan Villanueva, from left, Monica Flores, Juan Suarez and Kelly Rivas.
Photo by © Daniel Ortiz
Scott Thiem, left, and Jay Caldwell.
Photo by © Daniel Ortiz
The scene.
Photo by © Daniel Ortiz

What:Houston Dynamo and Team USA World Cup Watch Party.

The 411: What's better than watching Team USA defeat Ghana on a giant projector while sipping on Texas craft beer? Having members of the Houston Dynamos cheering right alongside you. Local Pour hosted 275 guests — many were decked in red, white and blue — along with Dynamo teammates for a good time while also contributing to a good cause.

Defender Corey Ashe, forward Giles Barnes, defender Mike Chabala, midfielder Andrew Driver and forward Mark Sherrod posed for photos, signed autographs and most importantly, rooted for their fellow teammate, midfielder Brad Davis, who is playing in Brazil for Team USA.

With a $5 suggested donation at the door and $5 raffle ticket price, the turnout raised a considerable amount of cash for the B.I.G. Cancer Center, one of the Dynamo's charity affiliates. Raffle prizes included an autographed Dynamo team soccer ball, an autographed Dynamo team helmet and a VIP Dynamo experience including a 4-pack of tickets to a 2014 game with pre-game on-field access.

Miss all of the excitement at Local Pour? Don't worry, they caught the crowd's reactions to team USA's winning goals. (See video below.)

Who: Houston Texans offensive lineman Brandon Brooks, Dynamo Charities chairman Anthony Nolte, Dynamo board members Corbett Parker, Leslie Atkinson and Brian Kelly, chef David Cordua andrestaurateur Lonnie Schiller. Also on hand to cheer on Team USA were Steve Riley, Mike Allen, Jorge Miranda, Tim Allen, Lauren Leining and Robert Courtney.

Patriotic partygoers also included Zack and Kassie Harris, Scott Thiem, Jay Caldwell, Doug Koenit, Galen Kragas, Christian Filigrana, Alan Villanueva, Monica Flores, Juan Suarez, Kelly Rivas, Alan Perez and Mia Kassas.

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Party Watch

Distinguished Houston gents gather for Brioni’s grand opening

What: Brioni Grand Opening with Men of Distinction

Where: Brioni Boutique in River Oaks District

The scoop: Italian menswear designer Brioni celebrated the grand opening of its Houston flagship at River Oaks District with a luxurious evening that merged high fashion with philanthropy. The November 7 event featured a private preview of Brioni's Bespoke Trunk Show, spotlighting the brand’s tailored craftsmanship. Men of Distinction, a nonprofit honoring Houston's community leaders, took the opportunity to recognize its esteemed researchers and honorees, celebrating milestones in raising funds for critical medical research at Texas Medical Center.

Dr. Michael A. Belfort of Texas Children’s Hospital delivered remarks that highlighted Men of Distinction's contributions to pioneering medical procedures, such as life-changing surgeries for spina bifida. Guests enjoyed Italian prosecco, old-fashioned cocktails, and tastings from The Macallan’s 12- and 15-year single malts, along with Italian bites by Bari Ristorante. Attendees left with luxurious parting gifts, including a Brioni crocodile leather keychain and a spa experience at The Post Oak Hotel.

Photo by Gary Fountain

A.J. Williams with Andi and Ballard Infante.

Who: Jesse Tudor, Gary Peterson, Mike Linn and Carol Linn, Keith Mosing and Alice Mosing, David Wurthrich, Tom Perich and Debra Perich, Dancie Ware and Jim Ware, John Serpe, Molly Crownover, Kevin Gilliard and Frank Billingsley, Tracy Dieterich, Robert Bernard, A.J. Williams, and Andi and Ballard Infante.

brioni river oaks district fundraisers men of distinction