Cheers!

Country stars join Houstonians to toast record-breaking night at T.J. Martell Best Cellars dinner

No disrespect to any of Houston’s restaurants and wine bars, but the T. J. Martell Foundation's Best Cellars Dinner Wednesday at Hotel ZaZa was the ultimate destination for those who appreciate inventive food and incredible wines. Throw in live music performances and a crowd dotted with country music stars and it was the recipe for a record-breaking night.

The seventh annual event has quickly become a must-attend dinner, raising money for cancer research and giving guests an all-around good time, thanks to wine hosts who dig into their own personal cellars, pairing wine with food concepted and prepared by Houston’s finest chefs. The event raised a record-breaking $250,000 for The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Even before the ballroom doors opened, champagne flowed and guests mingled with country music stars Randy Travis andChris Young, both of whom were happy to take pictures with fans. Houston native and The Voice winner Sundance Headwas also popular with fans. Head took to the stage after dinner, showing off his winning pipes singing “Love Can Build A Bridge,” an old Judd favorite, and Etta James’ “At Last,” among others.

But before the music, there was food, glorious food, prepared by chef chairman Mark Cox who collaborated with guest chefs Bobby Matos of State of Grace, Luis Roger of BCN Taste and Tradition and Frederic Perrier, French Master Chef for a multi-course dinner menu.

Roger started the evening with a grilled wild Branzino sautéed with green peas, avocado, blood oranges, pine nuts and warm mayonnaise. Perrier followed with a crispy duck confit, chou farci stuffed with melt-in-your-mouth foie gras and Normandy apples. Matos appealed to the meats lovers and red wine drinkers, serving Beef “Pot-a feu” hearth roasted filet with with braised short rib, marrow and and wild herbed potatoes.

Guests knew to save room for dessert, and Roger provided a trio of desserts that definitely satiated the sweet tooth, with the Gypsy’s Arm sponge cake being the light and airy end to the meal.

Each of the tables in the sold-out ballroom were helmed by passionate wine lovers who also have a heart for philanthropy. Chairman Franelle Rogers along with honorary chairmen Carolyn Faulk, Jeanie and Jim Janke, and Dean Putterman brought together all the elements for a memorable evening, and wine host chairman Robert Sakowitz worked in concert with wine hosts who brought out the very best for the guests. The wines were a true delight, and hosts such as Putterman poured over every vintage and varietal for each course. The mood was indeed festive and the toasts sincere.

Those raising a glass included T.J. Martell Foundation CEO Laura Heatherly, Mary Travis, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Dr. Robert Bast, Jr. and Blanche Bast, Stephanie Baird, Ed Finger, Hallie Vanderhider, Cathy and David Herr, Mark Bermann, Gaye Lynn and Stuart Zarrow, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Caroline Kenney, Laura and Jerry Kent, Lori and Darryl Schroeder, Kimberly Stout, Bill Baldwin and Fady Armanious, Kim and Mike Weill, Chantell Preston, Chip Beavers, Becky and Michael Harris, and Sharleen and Ron Walkoviak.

Jeanie ane Jim Janke.

Photo by Kim Coffman

Jeanie ane Jim Janke.

charity

$420,000 raised

Health Museum gala honors Houston hero Dr. Peter Hotez

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Dr. Peter Hotez.

What a charming theme for the Health Museum’s annual fundraising bash. “Mysterious Worlds: Unveiling the Wonders of Healthy Living” at the Hotel Zaza on November 2 where the black-tie set and those with a penchant for science mingled. At the helm of this Museum District evening were gala chair Erica Littlejohn Burnette and her daughter Sophia Burnette, who helped craft a dinner party that honored health heroes and supported the museum’s mission to inspire future scientists.

The highlight was a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Peter Hotez, whose vaccine research and public health advocacy have made a global impact. During the pandemic, the co-director of the Texas Children’s Center for Vaccine Development and Dean of National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine became against misinformation, sharing his expertise with national and international media outlets and offering clarity in a chaotic time. His ability to translate complex scientific research into simple guidance helped people navigate the tumultuous period and elevated him to the status of Houston’s leading man of science—a trusted figure during an era of uncertainty.

The evening began with an intimate reception where cocktails flowed, and renowned Houston artist Taft McWhorter live-painted his iconic Texas Flag. Guests also clamored a mountain of mystery boxes, which created a whirlwind of excitement as attendees compared their newly-found treasures and encouraged others to join the fun. The hidden prizes, valued at up to $850, ranged from spa getaways to Houston Rockets swag bags. And they sold out in a matter of minutes.

Inside the ballroom, KUHF host Ernie Manouse and Health Museum president and CEO John Arcidiacono welcomed gala goers. Student ambassadors Sophia Burnette and Duro Dina, participants in the museum’s Global Teen Medical Summit, introduced Dr. Hotez, sharing how the program shaped their career aspirations.

Auction co-chairs Dr. James Flowers and Robin French energized the crowd with a live auction offering one-of-a-kind prizes, including Dr. Hotez’s signed lab coat and signature bow ties, a private overnight adventure at the museum, and experiences at the Houstonian Hotel and Spa. The intergalactic afterparty, complete with a surprise dance floor, a DJ booth, and a stilt-walking, illuminated robot, kept guests moving late into the night.

By the end of the night, more than 300 attendees helped raise $420,000. Among the guests were Susan and Ward Pennebaker, Susan Bickley and Robert Scott, Connie Kwan-Wong, Merele Yarborough, Bill Littlejohn, Martha Walton, Carolyn Benton Aiman, Lynn Jones and Ed Jones, Nikhil Nayak, Dr. Kenneth Mattox, and Dr. Margaret Mary Wilson.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Dr. Peter Hotez.

fundraisers health museum museums gala