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    Birthday Bonanza

    A magical night to remember: Blow-out birthday party salutes Gerald Hines on his 90th

    Shelby Hodge
    Sep 23, 2015 | 1:03 pm

    Part Las Vegas-glitz, part Broadway-up-in-lights, the transformation of the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture building on the University of Houston campus on Saturday was a glamorous repurposing of the education facility into magical party palace.

     

    How could it be anything less for the celebration of Gerald Hines' 90th birthday, a milestone for the renowned developer who has made a lasting mark on commercial real estate design throughout the world. With his namesake firm, Hines, at work and a generous budget at play, the evening soared in every aspect.

     

    The 440 guests' arrival at the Philip Johnson-designed building was heralded by klieg lights with Hines' initials emblazoned above each side of the entrance. Stepping through the college doors was not unlike stepping through Alice's looking glass as partygoers were greeted by a sea of pink, lavender and yellow lighting, speckled with bubbles of white light.

     

    The party began at ground level in the college atrium where Staging Solutions created a chic lounge affair with the focal point being a dramatic stage set comprised of soaring models of some of Hines' iconic buildings, the structures glimmering in fantastical lighting. Here, Sara Niemietz sang with several back-up musicians, before catching the red-eye back to Los Angeles where she performed at one of the Emmy parties Sunday night.

     

     Heavy hitter crowd

     

    Cocktail-attired leaders of architecture, education and business quickly filled the atrium as Hines and his wife, Barbara, circulated through greeting UH president Renu Khator and husband Suresh Khator; famed architects Robert A.M. Stern, John Burgee and Cesar Pelli; former Houston Mayor Bill White and wife Andrea; and Central Houston Inc. president Bob Eury and Gayle, among the numerous notables from Houston and around the world. (These starchitects and several others had been featured the day before at the Hines Architectural Forum at the Hobby Center.)

     

    Act two of the spectacular evening took place on the college's fourth floor where desks, storage bins and detritus of student life were removed to make way for a spectacular dinner setting where again lavender and rose-hued lighting set the stage. It was a transformation that Architecture Dean and Hines friend Patricia Oliver could hardly believe. More than a dozen flat screen TVs assured that guests from any vantage point could see the program of video tributes and the welcome led by Hines' son Jeff Hines, who now heads the company, and by Barbara and Gerald Hines' daughter, Serena.

     

     Frank Gehry dessert

     

    One particular tribute came from world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, who was supposed to have attended but doctor's orders following a recent back surgery prevented him from boarding an airplane. Via video he sent words of praise and congratulations and in artistic spirit he created the sculptural chocolate shavings that topped the Indiana Hoosier pie dessert.

     

    That pie, saluting Hines's birthplace, was the finale of a stunning five-course meal overseen by Tony Vallone. Each course represented some aspect of Hines' life ranging from the "Nova Scotia Salmon Tower" to the "Colorado Short Rib of Beef/Texas Gulf Snapper" entree. The food, service and staff excelled on every level as would be expected of both Hines and Vallone.

     

    The party continued after dinner, kicking into high gear back in the atrium where Leslie Uggams sang "Happy Birthday" before she and jazz singer Peter Cincotti revved up the dance tunes.

     

    The heavy-hitter crowd, almost half of whom were from out of town, included Yvonne and Scott Zeigler, Brenda and John Duncan, Anne and Dr. John Mendelsohn, Eleanor and Dan Gilbane, Sis and Hasty Johnson, Diane and Charles Ofner, Anne and Charles Duncan, Carolyn Farb, Charles Ward, Marley Lott, Jo and Jim Furr, Dee Osborne and Joan Schnitzer-Levy.

    The University of Houston College of Architecture transformed into a swinging nightclub.

    News, Shelby, Gerald Hines 90th birthday, Sept. 2015, stage
      
    Photo by Fulton Davenport/PWL Studio
    The University of Houston College of Architecture transformed into a swinging nightclub.
    galasdinner
    news/society

    Advocacy In Style

    Houston nonprofit's stylish event celebrates 45 years of healing and hope

    Joel Luks
    Jul 7, 2025 | 4:15 pm
    AVDA New Beginnings Luncheon 2025
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis, Erika Frankfort, and Chita Craft.

    Pink pianos, powerful stories, and a sea of spring pastels set the scene for one heartfelt afternoon. AVDA's third annual New Beginnings Luncheon morphed The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa into a sanctuary of strength, resilience, and community.

    AVDA New Beginnings Luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Daniel Ortiz

    Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis, Erika Frankfort, and Chita Craft.

    Chaired by dedicated supporters Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis and Erika Frankfort, the event struck a balance between elegance and earnestness. Guests were greeted by soft spring palettes and gentle ambiance, including a pink Steinway and Sons Spirio Baby Grand player piano playing mood-setting melodies. Photo ops came courtesy of a glow booth trimmed with florals, while themed cocktails like the Gentle and Brave Bloom ensured spirits were lifted in more ways than one.

    Local TV personality Chita Craft emceed the afternoon, guiding attendees through a moving program that celebrated AVDA's work while centering survivor resilience. AVDA CEO Maisha Colter, marking her fifth year in the role and 20th with the organization, shared heartfelt reflections on the organization's 45-year journey.

    This year, AVDA honored two groups whose advocacy has rippled through policy, philanthropy, and campus life. Council Member Abbie Kamin received the Ambassador of Advocacy Award for her legislative leadership on domestic violence prevention, paid parental leave, and women's safety. The Young Advocate Award went to the Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Houston. Over the past year, these collegiate changemakers raised more than $30,000 and contributed countless hours to raise awareness and support for AVDA's services.

    Adding to the excitement were luxury raffle prizes that sparked competitive buzz: Diamond Club Astros tickets, a Houstonian Hotel staycation, and culinary outings to hot spots like Bludorn and Drake's Hollywood. First-out valet, it turns out, is a coveted status symbol.

    The luncheon drew more than 300 attendees and raised $250,000 to support AVDA's mission of advocating for survivors of domestic violence and ending family abuse.

    Among those spotted in the crowd were Vanessa Ames, Imani Guillory, Jordan Seff, Michele Leal, Tiffany Halik, Meredith Marshall, Sean Teare, Natalie Mohtashami, Caroline Monday, Jillian Waldo, Ashley Seippel, Katie Tsuru, and Nora Jarrard.

    news/society
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