Shelby's Social Diary

MFAH has more than 1 million reasons to celebrate One Great Night

Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman

It's difficult to get one's mind around the concept of a recession when the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston scores $1.1 million in a single evening of testosterone-infused wining, dining, cigar-smoking and philanthropy. That was the case with One Great Night in November, the men's smoker, that not only saw high-dollar proceeds but also enjoyed one of the annual event's largest contingents of black-tie-attired social/business heavyweights.

How sweet it is for the MFAH and director Peter Marzio to be so well-placed that within two months, two fundraisers (the Grand Gala Ball was held in early October) earned the museum more than $1 million each.

Credit the evening's chairs — Berdon Lawrence and his sons, Charles B. Lawrence and Mark Lawrence, and his son-in-law David Mitchell — with much of the success. Before a single gent had raised his hand to make a personal purchase of artwork for the museum from the cache presented by MFAH curators, the event had brought in $320,000 in table sales. That total went to purchase the ceramic vessel Red Figure Krater With Battle Scene (460-450 B.C.), which received the most votes from the men.

The exciting philanthropy fun on this night is traditionally the individual purchases that enrich the museum's holdings. Case in point on Tuesday, the photograph Atomic Bomb Damage: Wristwatch Stopped at 11:02, August 9, 1956 that Houston Texans owner Bob McNair gave to the museum in honor of the birth of his grandson on that very great day in November. Meredith Long purchased and donated a ceramic vessel from 520 B.C. in honor of his wife, MFAH board chair Cornelia Long.

After parting with serious greenbacks and feasting on an osso bucco dinner from City Kitchen, many of the guests stepped outside in the garden to light up the Davidoff cigars that Jeffrey Stone provided, a tradition for many years.

Big guns in the mix included Fayez Sarofim, Jason Fertitta, Herman Stude, Jack Blanton Jr., Tony Petrello, Jim Flores, Corby Robertson, Joe Hudson, Harry Reasoner, Les Ballard and Lee Godfrey.

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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