Kickoff for September gala

Festive Indo American Charity Foundation mixer proves that Thursday is the newFriday

Anu Bala, David Raj
Photo by Melissa Chou Yan
Sonal Bhuchar
Photo by Melissa Chou Yan
Michelle Vargas, Danny Vargas
Photo by Melissa Chou Yan
Sandra Mangini, Juan Mangini
Photo by Melissa Chou Yan
Surender Talwar, Phillip Kloeckner
Photo by Melissa Chou Yan

More than 150 predominantly first generation Indian Americans gathered at the Houston Museum of Natural Science for the Indo American Charity Foundation (IACF) donors appreciation mixer, proving once and for all that Thursday is the new Friday.

On a recent Thursday night, guests sipped fine wines, nibbled on bites catered by City Kitchen and swayed to the music of guitarist Danny Vargas and vocalist Michelle Vargas from David Raj & Friends band. Raj, the foundation's 2012 president-elect, is a man of many talents. A financial advisor, he also has a keen passion for music. His band performs regularly at charity fundraisers.

Houston Museum of Natural Science vice president of marketing and communications (and Raj's niece) Latha Thomas thanked the foundation for its donations to promote the museum’s science programs at the Sugar Land location. "We are extremely grateful to IACF as the museum’s mission is science education,” she said.

Styles of dress varied at the mixer. While some women were adorned in traditional outfits, most were in summer dresses or cocktail attire.

“Not a lot of Indian events are hosted here and so my Uncle David was quite excited hosting the mixer amidst the world’s finest gem and mineral collections," Thomas added.

For over 23 years, the IACF has been the leading charity organization representing the philanthropic outreach of over 150,000 Indian Americans living in Houston. Proceeds from the annual gala are distributed to more than 30 charities, including Literacy Council of Fort Bend, Houston Food Bank, Houston Area Women's Center and Teach for America. IACF raised about $280,000 at the 2010 gala. The goal for this year's gala, on Sept. 16 at the InterContinental Hotel, is $500,000.

Styles of dress varied at the mixer. While some women were adorned in traditional outfits, most were in summer dresses or cocktail attire.

Making an impact were newly elected Sugar Land councilman Harish Jajoo and Shashi Jajoo, FBISD board president Sonal Bhuchar, IACF president Anu Bala, Reji Joseph, Surender Talwar, Meena Dutt, Bobby Singh, Phillip Kloeckner, Pradeep Anand and Vijay Pallod.

Ruchi Mukherjee is a lifestyle journalist based for TV Asia and host of online magazine Lights Camera Action.

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Arendelle Life

Houston's TUTS Gala dazzles with Frozen preview and Kelli O’Hara

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kelli O'Hara performed with TUTS Education students.

In a soirée where Broadway glitz met the icy enchantment of Arendelle, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) celebrated its “Lights Up” Gala at The Post Oak Hotel on November 8.

Setting the stage — literally speaking — was Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated Kelli O’Hara, who delivered an emotional performance alongside students from TUTS Education’s Pre-Professional and Performance Troupes. The program, titled Thank You, Ladies, paid tribute to influential women in O’Hara’s career.

The evening also marked an exclusive moment for TUTS: A first glimpse of its highly anticipated, one-of-a-kind production of Disney’s Frozen. TUTS artistic director Dan Knechtges, who will direct and choreograph the show, unveiled a preview that had the crowd visualizing snow-covered mountains and heartfelt ballads. The production is a unique honor, with Disney entrusting TUTS with creative license to reimagine the blockbuster musical.

Attendees entered through a snow-kissed milieu inspired by Frozen, with Scandinavian-inspired decor and chilly glam enveloping the ballroom. ABC-13 anchor and emcee Samica Knight welcomed guests, while executive director Hillary Hart emphasized the organization’s dedication to inclusivity and the arts.

“Musical theatre isn’t just about putting on a great show,” shared Knechtges. “It’s a celebration of who we are as a community — a vibrant tapestry enriched by all our diverse stories and experiences.”

Auctioneer Tim Dietz brought the sass with a live auction featuring luxury vacation packages, diamond earrings, and a VIP Tony Awards experience with a custom gown by designer David Peck. Major donors, including Margaret Alkek Williams, Deni and Doni Dennis, Demetra and Frank Jones, Greenberg Traurig, Amy Pierce, and Kristina Somerville, played key roles in the evening’s tally, contributing to the $96,000 raised in the donation drive alone.

The night’s curtain call was an after-party, with DJ Druw keeping the dance floor quite active. Adding to the revelry were cast members from TUTS’ upcoming Frozen production, blending Broadway sparkle with community charm. With 300 Houston arts aficionados in attendance, the event raised nearly $700,000 to support TUTS’ productions and education initiatives.

Letting it go were Charles O’Neill, Paul and Penny Loyd, Marianne and Joe Geagea, Linda and Willie Chiang, Mady and Ken Kades, Jane DiPaolo, Melissa Sandefer, David Wuthrich, The Honorable Peggy and Dr. Ashley Smith, Kristina Somerville, Leticia and Stephen Trauber, Sofia Adrogue, Vanessa Ames, Gina Gaston Elie, Jordan Seff, Daniel Turner and Jay Landa, Kristen Cannon, April McGee, Sarah Pope and Adam Cryer, Amber Mostyn, C.C. and Duke Ensell, John Dermer and Sarah Perry, Michelle Phillips, Elaine Balagia Croucher and Brant Croucher, Kendall Pierce, Bethany and Bryson Grover, Sarah and Scott Irby, Paulina and Jim McGrath, and Marris and Rob Goldberg.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kelli O'Hara performed with TUTS Education students.