a gem of an effort

Longstanding Houston jewelers branch out to beautify city with new trees

Segev Zadok, Laura Mayer of Trees for Houston, Jonathan Zadok

Segev Zadok, Laura Mayer of Trees for Houston, and Jonathan Zadok are ready to beautify the city.

Photo courtesy of Public Content

A beloved and longstanding Houston family is making sure their efforts to beautify Houston are taking root. The Zadok family, of Zadok Master Jewelers, have partnered with Trees for Houston to plant tree seedlings around the Bayou City.

The Zadoks, known as Houston’s seventh-generation jewelers, have committed to planting a sapling tree within the Houston city limits in honor of each couple who purchases a diamond engagement ring in Zadok’s Houston store or online, according to a press release announcing the venture.

Locals can look for the first round of trees to be planted through a potting event on Sunday, October 25 at 2001 W. 34th St. The new program is meant to combat the effects of climate change by increasing the number of trees in the Houston area, thus helping to reduce carbon levels in the atmosphere.

“The Zadok family is proud to support and partner with Trees For Houston, a non-profit that promotes an important mission — the planting, protection, and promotion of trees throughout the Greater Houston area,” said Dror Zadok, owner of Zadok Master Jewelers, in a statement.

“Much like Trees For Houston, Zadok Master Jewelers strives to ensure that ethical and sustainable practices are being executed — both in the community and in business policies — that help to conserve our planet and its natural resources.”

The tree-planting initiative is just the latest in the high-profile family’s news. The Zadoks anticipate unveiling their mixed-use development including a 26,000 square foot showroom, at 1801 Post Oak Blvd. in February of 2021.

“We are excited to partner with Zadok Master Jewelers in their pledge to plant a tree for each engagement diamond purchased,” said Trees For Houston executive director Barry Ward, in a statement. “Now more than ever, access to trees and green space is essential, especially in underserved communities. Our services and resources allow us to ensure a far-reaching impact for years to come, and we are inspired by the Zadok family’s contributions and dedication to that impact.”

charity nature jewelry

Intimate Musicale

Tunes fill River Oaks mansion in support of Miller Outdoor Theatre

Miller Outdoor Theatre Piano Noir fundraiser 2024

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Lynden Unger, Jacob Stein, Elizabeth and Alan Stein.

In a night that struck all the right notes, Robin and Danny Klaes opened their storied River Oaks home on November 10 to host an intimate soirée benefiting Houston’s beloved Miller Outdoor Theatre. Draped in sophisticated black and white cocktail attire, circa 40 arts patrons gathered for an evening of charming performances, fine cuisine, and meaningful chit chat — all with an eye toward supporting Miller’s mission of making the arts accessible to all.

The setting? An exquisitely decorated Kirby Drive home steeped in local lore, famously tied to the true-crime bestseller Blood and Money by Thomas Thompson, which added an intriguing layer to an already memorable evening. Was the ghost of Joan Robinson Hill roaming around? Perhaps.

Guests first mingled in the quaint, canopied courtyard, enjoying Chef Smirnov Catering’s hors d’oeuvres before being whisked into the grand ballroom on the second floor. With its baroque-inspired decor and ceiling murals, the space provided the allure of yesteryear, a theatrical backdrop for amicable chamber music.

St. John Flynn as emcee introduced performances by flutist Victor Kendall and the American Zeitgeist Chamber Ensemble, including Quantz’s Flute Concerto in G, Claude Bolling’s Suite for Jazz Flute, and Barber’s String Quartet. Adding a soupçon of modern flair, vocalists from the Music Box Theater — Rebekah Dahl, Brad Scarborough, and Austin Biel — offered their signature blend of cabaret and comedy.

Amid the musical interludes, Claudia de Vasco, managing director of the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, advocated for the nonprofit’s ongoing capital campaign. She spotlighted a recent key purchase: a grand piano specifically built to withstand Houston’s unpredictable outdoor elements. De Vasco invited attendees to become the official Miller Outdoor grand piano sponsors and make their mark on the amphitheater's enduring legacy.

Since stepping into her leadership role, De Vasco has ushered in a fresh energy around Miller Outdoor Theatre’s mission, focusing on how to better serve Houston’s diverse communities. The nonprofit’s free programming continues to be a gateway for Houstonians to experience everything from world-class symphonies to vibrant cultural showcases.

Guests in attendanceincluded Lance Jones and Allen Ueckert, John Edwards, Gabriel Olson, Carey Kirkpatrick, Lisa and Stan Duchman, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Gretchen Gardener and Jack Watson, Lynden Unger, Jacob Stein, Karla and Romulo T. Cisneros, Senator Borris L. Miles and Cydonii Fairfax Miles, and Philamena and Arthur Baird.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Lynden Unger, Jacob Stein, Elizabeth and Alan Stein.

performing-arts fundraisers miller outdoor theatre