Shelby About Town
Katie Couric, Anna Nicole Smith's predecessor and Terry Bradshaw make for asizzling scene
This 1987 Rolls Royce Corniche II convertible sold for $42,000.
Roseann Rogers, left, and Lara Bell at Hudson Lounge.Photo by Herb Hochman
Those who remember Anna Nicole Smith and her ancient husband J. Howard Marshall probably never heard of Marshall's first colorful girlfriend — Lady Walker. The two had a regular table at Tony's when that restaurant was located on Post Oak Boulevard. She turned heads with her golden fingernails, her awesome hats, Texas big hair and flamboyant wardrobe.
Over the weekend, her Rolls Royce, a gift from her wizened beau, hit the auction block.
Lady Walker died following plastic surgery several years before Marshall took up with Anna Nicole. All three players are now deceased.
When the new owner and his wife picked up the sleek wheels, they offered a homeless man standing across the street at Impact Church a ride — with the top down. "Thought that was pretty cool," Lewis added.
But the colorful legacy continued on Sunday with the auction at Lewis & Maese. Bidding began on the 1987 Rolls Royce Corniche II convertible (with only 16,000 miles on it) at $35,000 and moved upward with five active bidders including at least one on the Internet, says David Lewis.
The high bidder, securing the car for $42,000, "didn't come to buy it. He just got caught up in the auction fever," Lewis e-mailed. When the new owner (a 45-year-old professional) and his wife picked up the sleek wheels, they offered a homeless man standing across the street at Impact Church a ride — with the top down. "Thought that was pretty cool," Lewis added.
The stars are aligned
Charity luncheon fans mark your calendars for Tuesday, Nov. 1 for on that day two major headliners will be in Houston speaking at noontime benefits. Katie Couric will take the stage at the Hilton Americas Houston as featured guest at M.D. Anderson's annual "Conversation With a Living Legend" fundraiser. Sheridan and John Eddie Williams chair the event that typically plays to a sellout crowd of close to 1,000.
That same day, beloved four-time Super Bowl champion and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Terry Bradshaw headlines the Linda Lorelle Scholarship Fund luncheon at the Westin Galleria, where former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush are lending their names as honorary chairs. Of course, Linda Lorelle will be front and center at this 20th anniversary fundraiser for her namesake non-profit.
Hudson Lounge celebration
Best friends Lara Bell and Roseann Rogers took over a good portion of the swank Rice Village night spot on Saturday for their annual mutual birthday bash. Revelers sipped Makers Mark and Grey Goose cocktails while noshing on Hudson Lounge's new small plates menu.
Partygoers icluded Scott Evans and Jeff Henry, Dominique Sachse and Nick Florescu, Jessica Willey and husband Ross Bartley, Lori Freese, Debbie Elias, Suzy and Dick Bergner, Esther and Jorge Puig, Adrienne and Dr. John Isaac and Mary-Olga and John Lovett.
Sight 'ems
Roni Atnipp celebrating her birthday with girlfriends over lunch at Brasserie 19 where the table included Joan Stedman, Susie Green, Ashley Clark, Laura Sheffield and Beth Cozby. That on the heels of a birthday trip to Vegas with hubby Doug Atnipp and their 22-year-old daughter, Sarah . . .
A host of power players lunching at La Griglia on Monday including State Rep. Sarah Davis, City Councilman Mike Sullivan, political player Fred Zeidman, Houston Sports Authority chair Kenny Friedman, Nancy Kinder, Dr. Simon Fredricks, Republic Services Area president Greg Rutherford, Jason Fuller and Cindy Clifford . . .
Ruchi Mukherjee, Nikki Hart and Wendy Lerway joining a host of fashion-focused femmes at Hotel Sorella's Monnalisa lounge on Thursday for a runway fashion show emceed by ABC's Rebecca Spera. Neal Hamil models showed sophisticated second-hand designer threads from Couture Blowout and Cheeky Vintage and fab adornments from Paul Carter Jewels.
