With a dozen of the city's leading chefs sharing their culinary talents in a party setting where grazing is encouraged, you simply can't go wrong. It's a formula that Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA) adopted 10 years ago with the fundraiser that has grown so popular that it has had to move from swank private homes to a real deal party venue.
So it was that the 10th anniversary of "Home Safe Home" moved from its familiar venues in Memorial and River Oaks to The Astorian where all 265 guests could be easily accommodated.
It was a special evening also for two for the city's leading trial lawyers — Joe Jamail andJohn Eddie Williams, recipient of the second annual Joseph D. Jamail Award for Justice. (Jamail received the first annual award, named in his honor, last year.) Williams was honored for "his unparalleled community service and advocacy for those who cannot afford legal representation in Houston."
The evening was orchestrated by chairs Brooke Bentley Gunst, Mary Patton and Claire Cormier-Thielke with Hannah and Cal McNair serving as honorary chairs. Their event raised $325,000 for the non-profit's efforts to end family violence.
Preparing the tasting menu were chefs and sommeliers Mark Cox, David Denis, Kaz Edwards, Elliott Kelly, Brandon Lampert, Kevin Morris, Monica Pope,John Sheely, Erin Smith, Danny Trace, Kiran Verma, Antonio Gianola, Sean Beck, David Keck and Cathy Nguyen. Wine selections were provided by by Palm Bay Imports and its affiliate, Esprit du Vin.
Notables in the mix included Ilena and Michael Trevino, Ede and Bruce Weiner, Beth Zdeblidk, Divya and Chris Brown, Joan Pillow, Bonnie and Larry Likeover, Stephanie and Anthony Milam, Marie Bosarge, Sheridan Williams, Philamena and Arthur Baird.
Claire Cormier Thielke, Mary Patton, Brooke Bentley Gunst.
