No, Mark Kelly isn't currently running for office, though speculation has had him in the field to try for his wife Rep. Gabrielle Gifford's post in the event that she does not run for re-election in 2012. And while he hasn't thrown his hat in any ring, he is stepping up to the political plate.

Astronaut Kelly's color photograph boldly tops a "save the date" email blast that went out earlier this week from Balance PAC. The fundraiser is scheduled for early evening Nov. 1 with details to follow.

According to political strategist Lillie Schechter, "Mark has agreed to headline the event for us . . . Balance PAC will be raising money and awareness to help Democratic incumbents in the 2012 election protect the current balance in county government."

But does Kelly have his own aspirations?

In early July, Kelly said no way to the proposition of his running for office. A few weeks later his tune changed, according to the Associated Press, "When asked whether he was positioning himself for a career in politics, Kelly says 'That's not the plan right now.' But he hasn't ruled it out. Kelly adds: 'I've learned over a lot of years that you should never rule anything out.'"

We can't help but wonder what future plans the Nov. 1 splash might portend.

And the honorees are . . .

It's a secret no longer. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America has revealed the ABC-13 2012 Women of Distinction, community leaders that will take their bows at the Winter Ball on Jan. 28.

Applause, applause for Terry Brown, Diane Watson Cain, Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein, Robin Young Ellis, Susan Plank, Kathi Rovere, Millette Sherman, Y. Ping Sun, Mary Ann Reynolds Wilkins and Clarease Yates and for 2012 Ambassador Betty Tutor. They will be formally introduced at the annual announcement party to be held at Saks Fifth Avenue on Oct. 18.

Chairs for the 25th annual Winter Ball are Evelyn Leightman and Barbara Scott with Donna and Tony Vallone serving as honorary chairs.

A new Sarofim on the scene

Following a different course from his often-below-the-radar dad, multi-millionaire Fayez Sarofim, Trellis Partners general partner Phillip J. Sarofim stepped out Wednesday night along with Partners Energy Group founder Ramon Manningwhen they hosteda private reception for Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, candidate for U.S. Senate.

It was an impressive turnout at La Colombe d'Or that included drew leaders from the business, money management and investment, philanthropic and arts communities.

Among host committee members were Ali Ansari, Jonathan Avery, Alex Broeker, Marcus Spagnoletti, Andrew Busey, Meredith Cullen, Guido Stefanelli, Artee Jones, Chuck Leaver, Nick Lopez, Mark Obrecht, Khaled Salem, Michael Wein and Kitch Taub.

Major fun at MINI Cooper shop

The joint was jumping over at Momentum MINI the other night when 400 fashion-forward revelers gathered to salute AIDS Foundation Houston, to view runway creations by Houston designer Danny Nguyen and to see the 2012 MINI Cooper that will be raffled for a two-year-lease at the World AIDS Day luncheon on Dec. 1.

Headlining the evening during which canned goods were collected for Stone Soup, an AFH program, were World AIDS Day luncheon chairs fashion designer Cesar Galindo, interior designer Fred Smith and architect Ken Newberry.

Highlight of the evening was unveiling of the newest MINI in the fleet. Planning on serious raffle sales were AFH board chair Diann Lewter and husband Mike and AFH CEO Angiela Zielinski.

And the big news of the night was that Galindo will show his rouge collection not only during Fashion Houston but also as a runway show during the World AIDS Day luncheon, to be held at the Hilton Americas-Houston. Add that Mayor Annise Parker will be the honoree and the scene just keeps getting better and better.

Baylor College of Medicine bash

OK, so it wasn't exactly a blowout for Baylor College of Medicine's President's Circle but it was a swell night that found a number of supporters gathering in the posh pad of Dr. John and Becca Cason Thrash. (Yes, he's a graduate of Baylor College of Medicine but no longer practices.)

The Cason Thrashes hosted the evening that saluted Dr. Paul E. Klotman, BCM president and CEO. Among those giving their support were Marc Shapiro and wife Jeri, Margaret Alkek Williams and Jim Daniel, Sheila and Ron Hulme, Mary and David Wolff, Betty and John Hrncir, Lacy Baird, Joanne and Welcome Wilson and Charlotte and Larry Whaley.

The President’s Circle includes business and community leaders who share an interest in science and medicine and a commitment to shaping the future of Baylor College of Medicine.

New man in town

British Consul General Andrew Millar and wife Cathy arrived here more than a month ago but it wasn't until this week that they opened the doors to the consulate home in River Oaks for a reception celebrating the changing of the guard. Millar replaces the popular Paul Lynch, who departed in early summer for his post as deputy head of mission at the British Consulate General in Hong Kong.

Among those welcoming the new consul general were Karyn and Jay Guerrero, Karen and Byron Hood, Albert Cheng, Marcus Ganz, Andy Pryce, Lanny Edwards, Leah Mayo, Tracy Achilles, Deborah Mansfield, German Consul General Roland Hermann and Dutch Honorary Consul Geert Visser.