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    party watch

    Houston hunks rock the runway for boisterous bash's 20th birthday

    Steven Devadanam
    Nov 19, 2018 | 5:03 pm

    For 25 years, elegant and socially conscious power couple Rudy and Debbie Festari have been quietly clothing — and in many cases, grooming for success — generations of Houston businessmen, power players, athletes, and celebs at their Festari for Men store.

    But as anyone who has attended “Una Notte in Italia” knows, there is nothing quiet about a Festari party.

    More than 600 locals packed the ballroom of the Royal Sonesta for the 20th anniversary of the Festaris’ annual gala, which celebrates all things man and style — all for a good cause. The event — benefiting Houston Area Women's Center and co-chaired by Brigitte Kalai, Melissa Mithoff, and honorary chair Debbie Festari — started its pregame in the lobby, with Houston’s society set mingling by the bar and chatting up the celebrity models, including a contingent of Houston Texans players such as Kareem Jackson, Andre Hal, Jonathan Joseph, and Tyrann Mathieu.

    Guests were ushered to the ballroom, where they enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and wine. As soon as DJ Senega spun Justin Timberlake’s “Suit and Tie,” the hunky models, donned in suit and tie, were off and running on the runway. (At this point in every Una Notte, the atmosphere switches from refined soiree to all-out pandemonium.) Confetti cannons burst, eager fans waved cutouts of their model friends, and the women’s cheers rivaled the loudest Vegas bachelorette party.

    As effortlessly glam emcee Dominique Sachse and Debbie Festari announced the models, which included Bashar Kalai, Ali Dhanani, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Tommy Khuranoff, Antonio Merlo, Ed Finger, Chip Lewis, Travis Torrence, and Marc Nguyen. Each gent manned up and hammed it up: Carmelo's Cucina Italiana chef Daniel Berg could’ve passed for superhero Bruce Wayne as he sauntered and pointed to the crowd. Finger surprised all with a twirl. (Speaking of twirls, attorney Torrence should consider a dancing side career, based on his runway moves.) Sheriff Gonzalez received a generous round of applause for his service.

    Thunderous applause greeted Texans safety Hal, who has fought a dramatic and inspiring battle with cancer — and has scored a huge win: he’s now in remission after staring down Hodgkin lymphoma. Hal looked streamlined, suave, and best of all, a pillar of health as he confidently modeled. Mathieu lived up to his nickname; the "Honey Badger" showed he didn't care as he worked some signature struts. While some of the hunks may have stolen the show, grateful recognition was bestowed on the ever-dashing Rudy Festari, the picture of elegance in a black tuxedo.

    So it was apropos, then, that after a lively auction hosted by Channel 2’s Andy Cerota, and raucous dance party afterwards, the event raised more than $400,000 for the Houston Area Women's Center — a record for the event celebrating its 20th anniversary.

    "My husband and I created this event so many years ago as our way to help worthy charities in the community," Debbie Festari tells CultureMap. "We’ve raised our children and grandchildren to understand the importance of giving back and to always think of others in need."

    Bravo, Debbie. One can only imagine what you have in store next year.

    Fab faces in the crowd included Margaret Alkek Williams, Rachel and Jeff Bagwell, Hallie Vanderhider, Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Iraida and Danny Brown, Jennifer and Chad Pinkerton, Jessica and Michael Bertuccio, Jessica Rossman with Gordon Bethune, and Jane and Larry Wagner.

    Faruk Mujezinovik struts his stuff.

    Una Notte-Faruk Mujezinovik
      
    Photo by Quy Tran
    Faruk Mujezinovik struts his stuff.
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    Stage With Purpose

    Broadway stars and Houston youth shine at Covenant House Texas gala

    Joel Luks
    Jun 11, 2025 | 2:00 pm
    Covenant House Night of Broadway Stars gala 2025
    Photo by Katy Anderson
    Rayshun LaMar performed "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours."

    The curtain rose, and so did hearts, as Night of Broadway Stars lit up the Wortham Theater Center, merging musical razzle-dazzle with a mission rooted in compassion. Benefiting Covenant House Texas, the evening offered both Broadway brilliance and deeply personal testimony in support of youth experiencing homelessness.

    The stage sparkled with talent flown in from New York, including Houston’s own Kevin Cahoon, who returned to his hometown to perform “Maybe Love” from Shucked. Josh Young brought heat with “Heaven on Their Minds” from Jesus Christ Superstar, Brook Wood belted “Save Me,” and Rayshun LaMar had guests dancing in their seats to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours.” Rita Harvey teamed up with Young for a romantic rendition of “Come What May” from Moulin Rouge.

    But the real headliners were the Covenant House youth, who joined the Broadway pros onstage.

    Their performances were acts of courage, resilience, and transformation. During the seated dinner in the Wortham’s grand foyer, guests were visibly moved as the youth shared their journeys using signs that contrasted their lives before and after Covenant House.

    A key fundraising feature — Scholarships of Hope — invited attendees to fund holistic care for the youth, including shelter, meals, mental health services, and career development.

    The evening was chaired by April and Wells McGee and Flo McGee and Wade Upton, and honored the Hamill Foundation for its longstanding support. Incoming Covenant House Texas CEO Anthony Flynn took the mic to share his personal connection to the cause, his own experience with housing instability, and his excitement for the organization’s future.

    Seen on the scene were Heidi and Todd Binet, Cheryl Boblitt King and Bill King, Kurt and Marlene Nondorf, Randy Walker, Elaine and Robert Shaffer, Patti and Tom Turner, Amy Pierce, Joe and Cathy Cleary, and Barbara Strobel and George Bement.

    Covenant House Night of Broadway Stars gala 2025
      

    Photo by Katy Anderson

    Rayshun LaMar performed "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours."

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