Shelbys Social Diary

Houston set to be an iconic global city: World Trade party is a passport to fun— and perhaps greatness

Las Vegas-style showgirls add glam notes to the World Trade Soiree, "Luck BeHouston."
Photo by Gary Fountain
Photo by Gary Fountain
Photo by Gary Fountain
Photo by Gary Fountain
Photo by Gary Fountain
Photo by Gary Fountain
Photo by Gary Fountain
Photo by Gary Fountain
Photo by Gary Fountain
Photo by Gary Fountain

Nothing like waltzing through an international medley of food, open bars and talent to put gala-goers in a jovial frame of mind. Just ask the 600 or so who coursed through the party rooms of Hotel ZaZa Saturday night at the Greater Houston Partnership's annual World Trade Soirée.

With members of the "Rat Pack" as escorts through the "Luck Be Houston" evening, guests carried faux passports to be stamped (really) as they sampled the international fare in party rooms focusing on Africa, South America, Europe (French cheeses galore), Asia/Oceania (divine sushi), the Middle East and Mexico/the Caribbean.

Chase told the early gathering that Houston "is on the cusp of greatness" soon to become "an iconic global city."

The beauty of the evening, as many guests pointed out, was the fact that it was a moving party. No one locked in at a single table all night, no limit to the smorgasbord of food offerings and numerous open bars, meaning no lines for the vino.

Applause, applause for gala chair Becky Thomas and honorary chair Scott McClelland, president of H-E-B, which provided major underwriting for the event. Leisa Holland-Nelson chaired the host committee and was front and center at the VIP reception that kicked off the evening in the hotel's swank Grapevine Suite.

GHP president Tony Chase welcomed guests to the event that celebrated not only Houston's consular corps but also the 85th anniversary of the World Trade Association. As he applauded the city's expanding international trade, Chase told the early gathering that Houston "is on the cusp of greatness" soon to become "an iconic global city."

And that was the end of business for the night as the music and casino games and entertainment cranked up in the hotel ballroom, the food stations opened and the party began in earnest. When not grazing, guests had what seemed like hundreds of silent auction items on which to bid. This party offered non-stop diversions.

Mingling in the international mix that included some 50 members of the consular corps were Mayor Annise Parker (who made a later appearance), David McClanahan, honorary Thailand consul general Charles Foster and wife Lily, Netherlands Consul Geert Visser, Channel 11 KHOU general manager Susan McEldoon, Dina Alsowayel, Sylvia and Gordon Quan, Karen and Roland Garcia, Connie and Bandula Wijay, Deborah Duncan, Gail Brown, Susan Bischoff and Jim Barlow and Linda Toyota.

unspecified

Vegas Vibes

A winning night at the JCC scholarship ball hits jackpot for Houston kids

Photo by Mark Katz Photography

Rikki Veksler, Arin Freedman, Dena Magelssen, Rozanna Chrapot, and Lisa Robbins.

The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center rolled the dice and came up seven at its 36th Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball and the Westin Galleria Houston. With Lizzy Kamkahgi at the helm as ball chair, alongside auction co-chairs Arin and Henry Freedman and program chair Jodi Rubenstein, the evening shattered expectations while supporting the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund.

The night honored Joe Kaplan, son of the fund’s founder Irvin Kaplan, and Murray Kalmin for their enduring commitment to Houston’s children and families. The fund’s mission? Providing access to early childhood education and camp programs for families who might otherwise be left on the sidelines.

Beneficiaries include the Bertha Alyce Early Childhood Academy, Ellen Boniuk Early Childhood School, Sherry Merfish Infant Care Program, Karol Musher STARS Early Childhood Intervention Program, and J Camps.

More than 550 guests stepped into the scene, greeted by a lounge singer crooning in the background, an Elvis impersonator working the room, and a magician adding a little sleight-of-hand intrigue to the cocktail hour. Showgirls shimmered through the crowd as attendees browsed over 200 auction items.

The formal program opened with a heart-tugging video featuring the J’s preschoolers alongside CEO Larry Skolnick. One of the evening’s most memorable moments came courtesy of teenager Ella Bibi, whose rendition of “You Have Yourself” brought the room to a hush.

The ball drew more than 550 attendees and raised more than $1 million.

Photo by Mark Katz Photography

Rikki Veksler, Arin Freedman, Dena Magelssen, Rozanna Chrapot, and Lisa Robbins.

fundraisers jewish community center jcc