Shelby's Social Diary

Good works elicit tears and joy, of course, at Tootsies fashion lunch

Photo by Gary Fountain
Jewelry designer Jill Reno, right, tries one of her necklaces on Lori Claypoolat Tootsies.
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

Social stars Susan Plank and Ursaline Hamilton rounded up the first fine-feathered posse of the season (we're pretending that summer is over) at Tootsies on Thursday for the Dec My Room benefit lunch.

It was a midday gathering featuring air kisses, post-holiday reunions, fall fashion and tears all around.

The sentimental moments came when Plank discussed how she and Shelly Barineau first launched their non-profit that decorates and personalizes the hospital rooms of seriously ill children. For the past two and a half years, Plank and Barineau have headed the special entity that has transformed more than 200 otherwise cold hospital rooms into childhood fantasies at Texas Children's Cancer Center and in Mattel Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. Next month, the two are taking their program to Sloan Kettering in New York.

The most touching and therefore weepiest moment came when Hamilton surprised Plank with a visit from the very first young patient whose room she had decorated — J.B. Glennon of Austin. He had been in Texas Children's for a bone marrow transplant.

Planks' daughter Kendall had suggested that the family do something to make the youngster feel at home during his Houston hospital stay. This first effort was so gratifying that Plank, with the help of Barineau, formed Dec My Room, enlisting donors and volunteers to take on the joyful commitment.

Overall, it was an upbeat midday schmooze for a room full of well-dressed ladies who were wild about the gazpacho and pasta primavera from Michael Cordua Catering.

Applause, applause all around to the JE and LE Mabee Foundation, which covered the costs of the event therefore sending all monies to the charity. Same for Tootsies owner Mickey Rosmarin, who dedicated 15 percent of everything sold that day to the non-profit. And the ladies were gushing over the $50 gift card that came in the goodie bags.

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long live the king

Texas Renaissance Festival founder George Coulam has died at 87

Film still from Ren Faire

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George Coulam, the founder and owner of the Texas Renaissance festival, was found dead in his home on Tuesday. He was 87, according to media reports.

Coulam’s death comes two weeks after a Grimes County judge found against him, forcing the sale of the festival to new owner Meril Rivard. Although untimely, Coulam’s death is unlikely to affect the new ownership deal, according to Anthony Laporte, lead counsel on the case.

“Because this deal is primarily with corporate entities, everything should progress without too much interruption,” Laporte tells CultureMap. “Obviously this is a sad day for those of us who knew George. We all mourn together, but it is unlikely to affect the way the new Renaissance Festival deal proceeds.

Rivard issued a brief statement following the news.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of George Coulam,” it reads. “Our thoughts go out to his loved ones. Like everyone else who loves the Texas Renaissance Festival, we remain committed to ensuring that the festival lives on, and we are working steadfastly to make that happen.”

The Texas Renaissance Festival also issued a statement.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of George Coulam, founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival. For more than 50 years, he built a community that has become a cherished tradition for generations of performers, staff, and guests.

At this time, we ask for respect and privacy for Mr. Coulam’s family and the extended Texas Renaissance Festival family as they grieve. As this is a deeply personal matter, we are not offering additional comments at this time.

The cause of death is currently unknown. Grimes County sheriffs were notified of his death at 9 am Tuesday morning. Bystanders reported seeing an ambulance leave Coulam’s home, which is known as Stargate Manor. The Navasota Examiner, which was first to report the news, includes an account of gunshots being heard near the home.

Regardless of the circumstances, Laporte said that after the recent judgment that forced the sale, everyone, including Coulam, seemed relieved and happy that the matter had been resolved.

Coulam’s death ends a long and sometimes toxic reign over the Texas Renaissance Festival. Over the past two decades, Coulam was sued multiple times for sexual harassment of employees. The HBO docuseries Ren Faire showcased Coulam’s mercurial nature in dealing with potential buyers of the festival while also offering glimpses into his “sugar daddy” dating life.

Following the release of Ren Faire, several corporate entities sued Coulam for breach of contract. The case came to a close this month, with a judge saying the $60 million sale must go through. Coulam also owes Rivard and the other plaintiffs $22 million in damages and $1 million in lawyer fees.

As CultureMap has previously reported, the Texas Renaissance Festival is expected to proceed as planned, with an opening in October 2025.

obituary deaths texas renaissance festival