Taking a page out of the Houston Astros #NeverSettle playbook, Houstonians braved the elements to mix and mingle, cheer on the Astros, and support a noble cause at The Pink Party.
More than 400 stylish locals — undeterred by the chance of light showers — turned up for the open-air party at Shops at Arrive (formerly West Avenue). The annual October soiree, sponsored by CultureMap, raises funds and awareness for breast cancer; this year’s event also highlighted the Real Men Wear Pink campaign. Dozens of Houston’s most dashing gentlemen have each committed to raising a minimum of $2,500 towards breast cancer research for The American Cancer Society.
Happy to hop on the theme, locals donned cool and hot shades of pink, posed on the red carpet, strolled the lush, pink party plaza, and snapped selfies at the photo booth. Hordes of Astros fans huddled around the big screen TVs showcasing the clutch ALCS showdown with the Boston Red Sox. Playoff anxieties were helped along by libations courtesy of Wheatley Vodka, plus vino from Union Wine Company and Cru Wine Bar.
Partygoers danced to the DJ’s tunes and nibbled on bites from Eddie V's, Dolce Bacio, Pondicheri, Tiff's Treats, KICPOPS, and more. Those taking a break from the game strolled the plaza and perused the offering from Shops retailers including Tootsies, Suitsupply, Ann Sacks, Casa Houston, Charles Weiss, Dr. Forrest Roth, Azur Salon, Carlo Chiocchio, Picked Flower Co., and others.
Real Men Wear Pink co-chair Ben Rose (he’s chairing with his mother-in-law Leisa Holland-Nelson) recognized Real Men stalwarts including Gow Media CEO David Gow, Channel 2’s Andy Cerota, KRBE’s Freddy Cruz, The American Cancer Society’s Dan D’Armond, Peter Remington, Joe Francisco, Bruce Padilla, Mike Rosenbaum, and Steve Winter. Never afraid of a big ask, Rose even joked that the dapper Remington would be auctioned off to hit the Real Men goal of $150,000 (the group is already nearing the finish line). Spurred on by Rose and Cruz, the enthusiastic crowd was eager to make impromptu donations.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of this campaign,” Cerota told CultureMap. “It’s so important to raise awareness about breast cancer. Someone you know — a family member, a friend, a coworker a — is affected by this disease.” D’Armond agreed: “This is a chance for guys to show the women in their life that they should get screened for breast cancer. But guys can get breast cancer too, so we want awareness for everyone, and have men start a dialogue with their doctor about their overall health.”
The Astros may not have come away with a win, but with its friendly weather, chic style, and vivacious vibe, the Pink Party was a huge victory for everyone supporting Real Men Wear Pink and breast cancer awareness.
Partiers thinking pink included Ben and Laura Rose; David Gow; Andy Cerota; Peter Remington; Freddy Cruz; Mick and Ellie Francisco; Joe Francisco; and fiancée, Nicki Erickson; Laura Beavers; Lisa Gochman; Dr. Forrest Roth, and a hip, haute Houston crowd.
Taylor Savoie, Carrie Lynch, Natasha Taylor, Renee Palisi, and John Newinn.
