This Night Brought in $6.5 Million

Points of Light 25th anniversary gala brings in amazing $6.5 million and President Bush, 41, loves it

You just gotta love the Midas touch that former President George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush bring to every fundraising event on their dance card. Tuesday night's Points of Light 25th Anniversary Tribute was no exception. The night of commendations and song raised $6.5 million for the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service.

It was a rare coming together of both sides of the aisle as House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and former Sen. Harris Wofford (D-Pennsylvania) joined the festive evening in the Cullen Theater of Wortham Center. Wofford was presented with the George W. Romney Award for Public Service. He was instrumental in founding the Peace Corps after which he served as special assistant to President John Kennedy.

(Pelosi and Wofford also wedged in a little time for politics, with a Houston fundraiser for Democrats on Sunday.)

While serving in the White House, George H. W. Bush founded the Points of Light volunteer initiative in 1990. Today, the organization is chaired by Neil Bush. Tuesday night's tribute came in the middle of the annual Points of Light Conference on Volunteering and Service, held in a different city each year and in Houston for the first time.

Neil Bush was among the notables attending, including former Vice President Dan Quayle, United Nations special envoy Ray Chambers, CARE USA president and CEO Michelle Nunn and Debi Rolfing, executive director of the Mark and Debi Rolfing Charitable Foundation.

Performing for the gathering of 1,000 were Dionne Warwick, Yolando Adams, Kristian Bush, the Midtown Men and Kenna.

Applause, applause for chairs of the successful benefit — Susan and James A. Baker III, former Secretary of State, and Shahla and Hushang Ansary.

The tony crowd included Cathy and Joe Cleary, Gina and Carl Luna, Julie Baker Finck and Ron Finck, Ileana and Ron Trevino, Kay and Fred Zeidman, Dominique Sachse and Nick Florescu.

Barbara Bush, George H.W. Bush (seated), Dan Quayle, Debi Rosling.

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Party Watch

Distinguished Houston gents gather for Brioni’s grand opening

What: Brioni Grand Opening with Men of Distinction

Where: Brioni Boutique in River Oaks District

The scoop: Italian menswear designer Brioni celebrated the grand opening of its Houston flagship at River Oaks District with a luxurious evening that merged high fashion with philanthropy. The November 7 event featured a private preview of Brioni's Bespoke Trunk Show, spotlighting the brand’s tailored craftsmanship. Men of Distinction, a nonprofit honoring Houston's community leaders, took the opportunity to recognize its esteemed researchers and honorees, celebrating milestones in raising funds for critical medical research at Texas Medical Center.

Dr. Michael A. Belfort of Texas Children’s Hospital delivered remarks that highlighted Men of Distinction's contributions to pioneering medical procedures, such as life-changing surgeries for spina bifida. Guests enjoyed Italian prosecco, old-fashioned cocktails, and tastings from The Macallan’s 12- and 15-year single malts, along with Italian bites by Bari Ristorante. Attendees left with luxurious parting gifts, including a Brioni crocodile leather keychain and a spa experience at The Post Oak Hotel.

Photo by Gary Fountain

A.J. Williams with Andi and Ballard Infante.

Who: Jesse Tudor, Gary Peterson, Mike Linn and Carol Linn, Keith Mosing and Alice Mosing, David Wurthrich, Tom Perich and Debra Perich, Dancie Ware and Jim Ware, John Serpe, Molly Crownover, Kevin Gilliard and Frank Billingsley, Tracy Dieterich, Robert Bernard, A.J. Williams, and Andi and Ballard Infante.

brioni river oaks district fundraisers men of distinction