Shelby About Town

A-Rod hits a Houston steakhouse, Page Parkes lives large as a TV star and Dr.Muscle wows

Lara Bell, from left, Page Parkes-Eveleth and Roseann Rogers at The Capitol atSt. Germain.
Photo by Arthur Garcia/Select Studios
Tabitha Pagel Garcia and Christopher Rich at The Capitol at St. Germain.
Photo by Arthur Garcia/Select Studios
The restaurateur and his wife at a Casa de Esperanza benefit earlier this year.
Photo by Kim Coffman
Alex Rodriguez, shown here at Art Basel Miami, was spotted dining at DelFrisco's.
Milton Townsend, from left, Arthur Garcia and Ryan Boudreaux at The Capitol atSt. Germain.
Photo by Arthur Garcia/Select Studios
Magen and Brad Cherry at the premiere of Scouted.
Photo by Arthur Garcia/Select Studios
Photo by Arthur Garcia/Select Studios

At long last, one reality show with a strong Houston connection has made its way to the tube and for the premiere on Monday night, several hundred fans poured into new downtown nightspot The Capitol at St. Germain for a launch party. The crowd turned out in support of Page Parkes Eveleth, who has a leading role in the program — E! Entertainment's Scouted.

As many as 200 celebrants including models from Page Parkes Corp., corporate team members and friends from around the Houston area packed the spanking new supper club and event space for toasts, taste treats and a TV viewing of the show that is touted online as "aspiring models are plucked from obscurity."

Before the show began, Page expressed her gratitude to the guests. "I want to thank everyone for tirelessly watching me look for tall, skinny chicks." The crowd cheered Page and Tabitha Pagel Garcia, Page Parkes' corporate director, as the scenes rolled by on a large screen TV suspended above the club's stage. Among the first to raise their hands in applause were husbands of the two stars — Bob Eveleth and Arthur Garcia.

Guests sipped on Smirnoff cocktails and sampled contemporary comfort fare from The Capitol's chef Kevin Bryant, formerly the personal chef for country star George Strait.

The runway-ready crowd included Todd Ramos, Travis Shirley, Milton Townsend, Clifford Pugh, Lara Bell, Lori Freese, Roseann Rogers, Shelley Taylor Ludwick, Chris McCauley and Vickie Snow and Stuart Rosenberg.

Churrascos for charity in Sugar Land

Michael Cordua opened the doors to his third Churrascos Restaurant in Sugar Land on Sunday and 375 hungry Cordua fans poured in to celebrate and to raise funds, more than $20,000, for Casa de Esperanza.

Guests checked out the stunning artwork of architect Jordan Mozer while sipping on Latin cocktails and sampling small bites from the Churrascos menu. Leading the charge as benefit chairs were long-time Casa de Esperanza supporters Susan and Mark Papa, Raynell and Tony Singletary and May and Lindsey Tape. Serving as co-chairs were Megan and Brad Beauchamp and Christine and Jay Sherman. Dee Koch served as honorary chair.

With Judge Jim Richard serving as auctioneer and Sugar Land City Councilwoman Jacqueline Chaumette serving as emcee, it was a guaranteed lively scene. Contributing to the fun were Sugar Land Mayor James Thompson and wife Gay Thompson, Rosenberg Mayor Vincent Morales and wife Regina Morales, Drs. Sonal and Subodh Bhuchar, Julie and Scott Breeze, Lillie and Chris Breaux and Marilyn and Albert Glover.

Senior weightlifting champ

Applause, applause for Dr. Paul Radelat, who took top honors in the 75- to 79-year-old category at the WPC World Championship men's masters raw bench press competition earlier this month in Riga, Latvia.

He bench pressed 82.5 kilograms or approximately 182 pounds. Let's hear it for the doc, who when not training works as a pathologist.

Sight 'ems

"A-Rod," New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, dining with friends at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House while in town to check on his Mercedes dealearship in League City . . .

Carolyn and Jimmy Robertson a dining duo Saturday night at Tony's where a host of notables had dinner including Carolyn Farb, University of Houston College of Architecture dean Patricia Oliver, Joyce and Arthur Schechter, Punkin and Walter Hecht and Arlene and Marshall Hoffman.

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Building dreams

Sold-out Houston luncheon celebrates Habitat for Humanity

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kristi Gilliam, Janis Priest Neal, Laurie Allen, and Michelle King.

Houston Habitat for Humanity laid the foundation for the future at its annual "Building a Dream" luncheon on October 22. The fundraiser at the Briar Club roused an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, community leaders, and volunteers to champion the mission of erecting affordable homes and being a catalyst for brighter futures.

With a sold-out crowd filling the room to the rafters, the energy was palpable — a testament to the dedication of event co-chairs Chinhui Juhn, Linda Epner, and Paige Erwin. Their commitment, along with that of the audience, celebrated a milestone moment for the organization, which has helped more than 1,200 families build and achieve safe, affordable housing.

The event featured an inspiring keynote by women’s rights advocate Sima Ladjevardian, this year's recipient of the Building Dreams Award. Known for her work championing women’s rights and economic mobility, Ladjevardian's words resonated deeply with Houston Habitat for Humanity’s mission. Her speech laid brick by brick the importance of homeownership in creating stability, economic resilience, and a prosperous future — values that echo the nonprofit’s commitment to empowering families across the city.

In a touching tribute, attendee Lillie Robertson honored Ladjevardian’s recognition by making a donation of $30,000 on the spot, dedicating the gift to Houston Habitat’s ongoing work. This generous moment was one of many cornerstones throughout the event that highlighted the organization’s impact on families and communities. A powerful lineup of videos showcased the testimonials of Habitat homeowners and the heartfelt dedication of volunteers who help lay the foundations and raise the roofs to make homeownership a reality. These stories highlighted not just the organization addressing Houston’s growing housing challenges but the ultimate outcome: Creating spaces where people can build families, create memories, and thrive.

Serving as master of ceremonies, KPRC meteorologist Justin Stapleton brought his warmth and energy to the afternoon, building momentum as he guided patrons through a program focused on Houston Habitat's achievements and ambitions. Since Hurricane Harvey alone, the organization has rebuilt and repaired more than 800 homes.

Looking forward, Houston Habitat remains committed to expanding its reach and building up neighborhoods across the city, from the Fifth Ward to Clinton Park and beyond. This luncheon laid the groundwork for the organization’s ambitious goals in the coming year.

Among the 350 builders of hope were Masoud Ladjevardian, Rania Daniel, Whitney Radley, Sabiha Rehmatullah, Annette Mullins, Christopher Gardner, Carrie Pepi, Sue and Randy Sim, Jane Cizik, and Dr. Esmaeil Porsa.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kristi Gilliam, Janis Priest Neal, Laurie Allen, and Michelle King.

fundraiser habitat for humanity gala