Lots of laughter and loot

Presidential library enjoys a windfall as raucous comedian plays funny with liberal politics

There were probably few yellow dog Democrats in the ballroom of the Royal Sonesta for the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation dinner Thursday night. And that would be a good thing as conservative comedianDennis Miller, darling of the Republican set, let loose with a hilarious monologue that included more than a few send-ups of the country's Democratic leadership.

The annual Vintner Dinner and Wine Auction enjoyeda turnout of close to 600 guests including three generations of the Bush family.

Miller's remarks were not without praise for former President George H.W. Bush. "He is a great man, a great president and more important than anything, a great guy." Miller's closing comments led to a standing ovation for the former president.

The annual Vintner Dinner and Wine Auction enjoyeda turnout of close to 600 guests including three generations of the Bush family — the former president, Neil Bush and Pierce Bush. They were joined by Barbara Bush and Neil's wife, Maria Bush.

Among those 600 were ardent admirers of the former president including Shahla and Hushang Ansary, Betty and John Hrncir, Joanne King Herring and Astrid and Gene Van Dyke. That loyalty helped raise a record $650,000 for the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M and for the foundation.

A good portion of the proceeds came from the auction of grand wines and personal Bush memorabilia, which included a set of Barbara Bush's pearls with matching earrings, Bush's leather travel bag from his presidency, a trophy fish and his presidential golf bag.

Among those dining on the beautiful meal paired with six fine wines were Sen. Ted Cruz and wife Heidi, French Consul General Sujiro Seam, Laurie and Wade Phillips, Paige and David Gum, Trish and Buddy Hagner, Jennifer and Joe Van Matre, Tammy and Joel Cowley, Margaret Alkek Williams with Jim Daniel and Richard Flowers of The Events Co., which provided the decor.

Dennis Miller, from left, Barbara Bush, George H.W. Bush and Carolyn Miller.

Photo by © Chandler Arden

Dennis Miller, from left, Barbara Bush, George H.W. Bush and Carolyn Miller.

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roman chic

Gladiators and aviators take off at Houston Flight Museum’s ball

Houston Flight Museum Jet Setters Ball 2024

Photo by Emily Jaschke

Julie Barker, Tomorrow Thumann, and Nichole Lemasters.

It was a smooth take off and landing for the Lone Star Flight Museum’s annual Jet Setters Ball, presented by CenterPoint Energy. The November 22 fundraiser morphed the museum into a Mediterranean dreamscape, blending a Tuscan-inspired milieu with aviation thrills. The Roman fete honored Scott Rozzell, the museum’s immediate past board chairman, with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of steering the organization through adventurous flight paths.

Guests were greeted by a scene complete with silver-painted living statues that doubled as chiseledgladiator eye candy. You could say chairs Cheryl Boblitt and Bill King, Penny and Dennis Murphree, and Diane and Steve Biegel were delightful pursers, ushering an affair that featured flavorful fare from Churrascos, gelato stations, and specialty cocktails served against a backdrop of historic aircraft.

Houston mayor John Whitmire delivered remarks celebrating Rozzell’s legal career and dedication to the museum. Meaningful highlights included a surprise video tribute from James A. Baker III, a special nod to 99-year-old World War II aviator Lt. William Bayer, who was in attendance, and Rozzell’s daughters, Kimberly McVey and Stacy Murphree, who delivered a heartfelt message of love and appreciation.

Between bidding wars, black-tie party-goers enjoyed hands-on experiences, such as piloting Rozzell’s Fairchild F-24 in a flight simulator and performing daring aerial pirouettes — safely, of course. Supporters explored the museum’s pristine collection of aircraft and STEM-focused exhibits, which showcased the museum’s mission of inspiring the next generation of innovators.

The evening welcomed more than 400 attendees and raised nearly $670,000 to bolster STEM programs and educational initiatives. Among them were former US Congressman Pete Olson and wife Nancy, Susan Bloom, Megan and Jason Ryan, Laura and George Pontikes, Carolyn Pardue, Anne-Laure and Steve Stephens, Denman Moody, and Lenora Sorola-Pohlman. Sponsors included Joan Skipper and Ed Peine, Bette and Ralph Thomas, Anthony W. Hall Jr., and Million Air.

Photo by Emily Jaschke

Julie Barker, Tomorrow Thumann, and Nichole Lemasters.

museums lone star flight museum fundraisers