It was a diamond- and emerald-studded evening with a very serious purpose at Harry Winston in New York earlier this week when a coterie of Manhattan philanthropists arrived for a cocktail reception celebrating Texas Children's Hospital and its global initiative. Courtney Sarofim was in New York to co-chair the gathering with New York/London resident Alisa Swidler.

Taking a brief break from offices in Houston to spread Texas Children's international story were Dr. Mark Kline, TCH physician-in-chief and chair of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, and Dr. Peter Hotez, head of the Sabin Vaccine Institute which recently relocated from Washington D.C. to TCH. Their mission was stirring interest in and support for the Texas Children's Center for Global Health.

Welcoming guests to his home turf was Harry Winston president and CEO Frederic de Narp. It was a heady turnout of 60 that included Sotheby’s executive vice president Stephane Connery (son of Sean Connery); money manager Karl Wellner and his wife Deborah Norville of Inside Edition; rare books, maps and prints dealer Graham Arader; and a number of guests from the Clinton Global Initiative.

Much of Houston is already aware that Texas Children's and Baylor College of Medicine have made global health a top priority, that focus launched by the Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, of which Kline is founder. That entity operates a network of clinics in Africa and Eastern Europe. Spreading the word beyond Houston borders was the plan on this evening.

A lovely windfall

The celebratory cheers were long and loud when it was announced that the Houston Area Women's Center was recipient of the 2011 $100,000 grant from Humana Communities Benefit. The second floor ballroom at Brennan's continued awash in celebration when Humana market president Pattie Dale Tye added that the two runners-up — San José Clinic and The Parish School — would also receive donations from the health care company.

Houston Area Women's Center president and CEO Rebecca White accepted the grant check that will be used to fund a state-of-the-art call center to more effectively serve women who are the victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

The evening started off with a bang — the Hustlers Brass Band leading guests into the ballroom New Orleans style. In that mix of 150 were United Way CEO Anna Babin, Philamena Baird, Carol and Dr. Tom Sawyer, Sue Schechter, Claire Sullivan Jackson, Susan Vick, Leisa Holland-Nelson and Diana Hudson.

Now in its seventh year, the Humana Communities Benefits program awards a one-time $100,000 grant to a registered non-profit focused on improving health experiences in the region. From a sea of applications, a panel of local judges makes the final determination.

Thinking rodeo already

It was ride 'em cowgirls at Tootsies Wednesday night when the party-minded retailer rolled out the red carpet for the Champagne Cowgirls, a nicely-funded buying group that goes for the gold each year at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Steer Auction. With their $200,000 cache at the last rodeo, they were able to make the high bid on three prize-winning steers.

Tootsies' Mickey Rosmarin was on hand to welcome the group and introduce them to jewelry designer Stephen Dweck, who was in town for a personal appearance at the store. His gemstone fantasies are right up the alley of the Champagne Cowgirls, who dress to impress (mostly in black with loads of turquoise and silver) during their rodeo outings.

The champagne flowed, the shopping went well and the schmoozing was high style with guests that included CC organizer Ellie Francisco, Donna Bruni accompanied by her beloved poodle Pooka, Kelli Weinzierl, Kelley Lubanko, DeeDee Marsh, Darlene Bisso, Danielle Ellis, Lesha Elsenbrook and Susan Krohn.

It's all in the hands

While the Astros' luck ain't so great on the playing field, expectations are that the Astros Wives Organizations will be kissed by Lady Luck when the Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament gets underway next Friday at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse. The wives group and their selected charity, the Houston Area Women's Center, will benefit from the evening's proceeds.

Astros Mark Melancon, Bud Norris and Brian Bogusevic will headline the tables along with international poker player and Houston native Katie Stone. Fifty-five players, buying in at $250, will be joined by Astros veep Jay Lucas, Terry and Dr. Jo Agris, Roy Marsh, John Moritz, Gaylon and Don Gullquist, Patti and Don Murphy and Lauren and Norman Nolasco.

The party starts with a reception at 6 and all hands on the table at 7 sharp. You can sign up with Judy Nichols at judynichols1@sbcglobal.net or 713-781-0053.

Sight 'ems

Stedman Graham, Oprah Winfrey's squeeze, having dinner at Brasserie 19 on Thursday, also Rob Mosbacher celebrating his birthday with sister Kathi Mosbacher and her hubby Mike Wheeler . . .

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Grand Gala Ball chairs Michelle and Frank Hevrdejs having a late dinner in the bar at Tony's . . .

Beth Muecke and Liz Decker (still beaming over the fact that daughter Katie Decker's bracelets were worn by Michelle Obama) lunching at Ava . . .

Wine expert Joe Pat Clayton, who oversaw the wine list at Tony's for five years before moving to Austin and opening a wine brokerage company, at Ciao Bello where he hosted a Valpolicella wine dinner along with Jeremy Parzen.