Shelby's Social Diary
Lady Gaga, Tina Turner and other impersonators took the PetSet Soirée to newlevels of kitsch
It was showgirl chic and high-roller haute in the ballroom of the Hilton Americas-Houston on Saturday night when Houston PetSet threw its "Be Fierce & Fabulous" fundraiser.
Chairs Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux envisioned a glitzy party theme that encouraged lots of vamping, no tuxedos and plenty of love for the pooches and kitties that attended as special guests — even more for the uncared-for animals that roam the streets.
Party designer Darryl Murchison ran with the "fabulous" inspiration and created a party setting replete with crystals and feathers and a giant-sized white peacock. In a nod to the star-struck theme, female impersonators provided convincing clones of Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Liza Minnelli and Patti LaBelle.
The 330 animal fans attending this ninth annual fundraiser for Houston PetSet brought in $125,000, a good bit of that coming from the live auction. The highlight of that entertainment was bidding on the Monica Pope dinner to be held in the home of KPRC chief meteorologist Frank Billingsley and Kevin Gilliard. That temptation sold twice, first to honoree Brian Teichman and then to Kristi and Randy Wade.
The Wades and Teichman shared the spotlight as honorees, along with Hershey Grace and John Moritz, Andy Cordes and the LemonAid Girls (aka Emma Taylor and Olivia Taylor). The latter sell lemonade all year long and donate proceeds to animal welfare groups.
And who were the animal-lovers? Kara and Aaron Howes, Stace Soriero, Nancy Hoffman, Paula Howe, Carla and Donny Cranfill, Neal Hamil, Elizabeth and Daryl Brackin, Mark Horn and Sondra Pulford.