Shelby's Social Diary
World Trade Soiree draws a posse of top political guns to Hotel ZaZa
We doubt that Hotel ZaZa has ever enjoyed such political prowess as it did Saturday night when the Greater Houston Partnership packed the hotel party rooms with 600 highly-placed movers and shakers.
The occasion was the World Trade Soirée dubbed "Wild About Houston." Among those celebrating the virtues of the nation's fourth largest city was a powerful contingent that included Mayor Annise Parker, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia and Baytown Mayor Stephen DonCarlos.
Gala chair Karen Love and honorary chair Roland Garcia of Greenberg Traurig law firm took bows for the lively evening that included cultural dances by elaborately-costumed performers, a silent auction, casino gaming and wild animal experiences provided by the Houston Zoo. Guests moved throughout the hotel ground floor where each room reflected the ambiance of a different continent and featured cuisines from the partnership's international partners.
Further contributing to the international flair were members of the Houston Consular Corps, third largest in the nation, who were special honorees.
Adding zip to the goings-on were Greater Houston Partnership chairman Pat Oxford of Bracewell Guiliani, Gwen Emmett, Mike Ballases, Dan Bellow, Bellarie City Councilman Corbett Parker, Andrews Kurth's Tom Perich, FosterQuan's Charles Foster, Karen Garcia, Susan Asimakis and Cody Sutton.
Before the doors opened on the actual gala, Ellie Francisco of Francisco + Co. and Leisa Holland-Nelson of ContentActive hosted the VIP reception in the Warwick Suite for sponsors and key players in the event.