Shelby's Social Diary

"Friendsgiving" party makes a Young Professionals splash at Hotel ZaZa

Photo by Daniel Ortiz
Photo by Daniel Ortiz
Photo by Daniel Ortiz
Photo by Daniel Ortiz
Photo by Daniel Ortiz
Photo by Daniel Ortiz

A few days before we all sat down for turkey and dressing, hundreds of young community leaders gathered at Hotel ZaZa's Monarch Bistro for their premiere "Friendsgiving" evening.

The point was to raise funds for Star Of Hope's Thanksgiving program that provided the holiday dinner to more than 60,000 Houstonians. To help make this happen, Hotel ZaZa partnered with six of the city's young professional groups, members of which turned out in force to raise money as well as boogie to the live sounds of Katie Stuckey, sample cocktail inspirations from bartender Alex Aland and nibbles from Monarch Bistro's chef Adam West.

Joining in the holiday effort were Houston Ballet's Ballet Barre, Houston Young Professionals for the Arts, Trees for Houston's RedBuds, Opening Night for Young Professionals, Young Professionals in Energy and Dress for Success' Women of Wardrobe.

Among the youthful philanthropists were Heather Pray, Sharron Melton, Brian Thorp, James Sivco, Stacey and John Andell, Charlie Chanaratsopon, Josh Espinosa, Tiffany Whitely, Katie Williams, Kristy Junco and Hasti Taghi.

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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