Shelby's Social Diary

Rudy Giuliani is mum on presidential bid but high on praise for first respondersat benefit

Photo by Kim Coffman
The convention center was patriotically dressed for the dinner at the HiltonAmericas-Houston, just across the street.
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman

You just can't go wrong with Rudy Giuliani as a keynote speaker and few appreciate his draw more than organizers of the Fire Fighters Foundation of Houston, which called on the former New York City mayor to headline the annual "Answering the Call" dinner at the Hilton Americas-Houston.

The evening that drew a crowd of more than 500 brought in more than $450,000 for the fire fighters branch of the city's first responders. As might have been expected, Giuliani reflected on 9/11 and praised the men and women who worked at Ground Zero. No mention of a possible 2012 presidential bid in the 20-minute talk by the Bracewell & Giuliani partner.

All smiles on this successful evening was dinner chair Philamena Baird, who was accompanied by her husband, Arthur Baird.

Receiving special recognition on this evening were members of Task Force 1, which functions as a federal team under FEMA's national urban search and rescue program. Headquartered in College Station, Task Force 1 is comprised of more than 540 emergency response personnel from 68 organizations and departments across the state.

Applauding these heroes were Mayor Annise Parker, accompanied by partner Kathy Hubbard, and city leaders that included Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and wife Gwen, Fire Chief Terry Garrison and wife Annette, Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland and Federal Judge David Hittner.

Fans of our first responders included Margaret Williams with Jim Daniel, Melissa and Bill King, Joni Baird, Gaylon and Don Gullquist, Jasmeeta and Bobby Singh, Karen Hartnett and George Gayle III, Fred Zeidman, Paula Sutton and Bill Gross and Connie and Lee Vela.

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Arendelle Life

Houston's TUTS Gala dazzles with Frozen preview and Kelli O’Hara

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kelli O'Hara performed with TUTS Education students.

In a soirée where Broadway glitz met the icy enchantment of Arendelle, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) celebrated its “Lights Up” Gala at The Post Oak Hotel on November 8.

Setting the stage — literally speaking — was Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated Kelli O’Hara, who delivered an emotional performance alongside students from TUTS Education’s Pre-Professional and Performance Troupes. The program, titled Thank You, Ladies, paid tribute to influential women in O’Hara’s career.

The evening also marked an exclusive moment for TUTS: A first glimpse of its highly anticipated, one-of-a-kind production of Disney’s Frozen. TUTS artistic director Dan Knechtges, who will direct and choreograph the show, unveiled a preview that had the crowd visualizing snow-covered mountains and heartfelt ballads. The production is a unique honor, with Disney entrusting TUTS with creative license to reimagine the blockbuster musical.

Attendees entered through a snow-kissed milieu inspired by Frozen, with Scandinavian-inspired decor and chilly glam enveloping the ballroom. ABC-13 anchor and emcee Samica Knight welcomed guests, while executive director Hillary Hart emphasized the organization’s dedication to inclusivity and the arts.

“Musical theatre isn’t just about putting on a great show,” shared Knechtges. “It’s a celebration of who we are as a community — a vibrant tapestry enriched by all our diverse stories and experiences.”

Auctioneer Tim Dietz brought the sass with a live auction featuring luxury vacation packages, diamond earrings, and a VIP Tony Awards experience with a custom gown by designer David Peck. Major donors, including Margaret Alkek Williams, Deni and Doni Dennis, Demetra and Frank Jones, Greenberg Traurig, Amy Pierce, and Kristina Somerville, played key roles in the evening’s tally, contributing to the $96,000 raised in the donation drive alone.

The night’s curtain call was an after-party, with DJ Druw keeping the dance floor quite active. Adding to the revelry were cast members from TUTS’ upcoming Frozen production, blending Broadway sparkle with community charm. With 300 Houston arts aficionados in attendance, the event raised nearly $700,000 to support TUTS’ productions and education initiatives.

Letting it go were Charles O’Neill, Paul and Penny Loyd, Marianne and Joe Geagea, Linda and Willie Chiang, Mady and Ken Kades, Jane DiPaolo, Melissa Sandefer, David Wuthrich, The Honorable Peggy and Dr. Ashley Smith, Kristina Somerville, Leticia and Stephen Trauber, Sofia Adrogue, Vanessa Ames, Gina Gaston Elie, Jordan Seff, Daniel Turner and Jay Landa, Kristen Cannon, April McGee, Sarah Pope and Adam Cryer, Amber Mostyn, C.C. and Duke Ensell, John Dermer and Sarah Perry, Michelle Phillips, Elaine Balagia Croucher and Brant Croucher, Kendall Pierce, Bethany and Bryson Grover, Sarah and Scott Irby, Paulina and Jim McGrath, and Marris and Rob Goldberg.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kelli O'Hara performed with TUTS Education students.