It's been a wild week with a non-stop parade of charity events including four on Wednesday and four on Thursday. Even taking our vitamins and wearing our running shoes, we couldn't make them all.

But as you've seen in the Social Scene section of CultureMap, we've hit a load of them. And today, we catch you up with a few more.

It seems that everyone who knows Houston Grand Opera's Rudy Avelar loves Rudy Avelar. No wonder then that a well-heeled crush of HGO supporters turned out to salute the director of development and patron services, who will chair the April 9 Opera Ball. Terrie and Mike Turner opened the doors of their stunning Tanglewood home for the cocktail buffet where Avelar greeted fans, many of whom he has known through his 30 years with HGO.

In true Avelar form, he chose to honor at the Opera Ball the coterie of women who've helped him succeed.

In a recent letter to patrons, Avelar wrote, "I chose the theme 'My Fair Ladies' because . . . ladies have been the rock of my support and inspiration. I honor all My Fair Ladies — from the Opera Ball and all Houston arts organizations."

Among those joining the salute and swooning over the buffet that Tony's catering arm served were Denise Bush Bahr and Philip Bahr, Joanne King Herring, Betty and Jess Tutor, Mary Ann and David McKeithan, Lynn Guggolz, Astrid Van Dyke, Donna Bruni, Joanne and Bill Crassas and HGO's Guyla Pircher.

World AIDS Day

AIDS Foundation Houston is kicking up its heels over the success of its annual World AIDS Day luncheon that drew 350 patrons to the Hilton Americas-Houston. With the support of presenting sponsor Chevron, the event celebrated the 15 years that Camp Hope has been providing a summer break for children ages 7 to 17 with HIV/AIDS. Three counselors who have volunteered at Camp Hope for that duration were honored with the Shelby Hodge Vision Award. Lynn Selzer, Heidi Henrichs and Thom McDaniel were recognized for their commitment and dedication to improving the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS.

Edward Sanchez served as chair of the luncheon that raised $200,000. Carolyn Farb served as honorary chair for the luncheon that was emceed by KPRC news anchor Rachel McNeill. Joni Baird, Chevron public and governmental affairs manager, also joined in the program as did board chair Diann Lewter, AFH interim CEO Angiela Zielinski and Lee Carter of Momentum BMW/Mini which provided the two-year lease on a Mini Cooper.

In the mix were Joe Nelson, Martha Turner and Glenn Bauguss, Jessica Rossman and Gordon Bethune, Nancy Marcus Golden, Jennifer Roosth, John Evatz, Barry Mandel, Gina and Devinder Bhatia and the 2011 World AIDS Day luncheon chairs fashion designer Cesar Galindo and interior designer Fred Smith.

Rocking on Sunday

Friends of Mark Lanier are abuzz about the trial lawyer's zillion dollar Christmas party that is expected to find as many as 8,000 men, women and children crawling over his 25-acre estate Sunday afternoon when the big name entertainer will be Sting. In years past, Lanier and his wife Becky have in brought headliners such as Dolly Parton, Bon Jovi and Miley Cyrus for an appreciative audience that drives the 30 miles from downtown Houston to park in a church parking lot and complete the journey to the party site via buses.

Non-transferable invitations , complete with a secret password, went out in November for the annual extravaganza that is more kid-friendly than adult-oriented. No alcohol is served. And the estate grounds are covered with kiddie play areas.

Major giving

The Methodist Transplant Center of Methodist Hospital was enriched by $10 million this week thanks to the gift from the children of the late J.C. Walter Jr., a noted oilman and philanthropist, who received a heart transplant at Methodist 20 years ago.

Through the Walter Oil & Gas Co., Joseph C. "Rusty" Walter III and his sister, Carole Walter Looke, created an endowed fund for the hospital's multi-organ transplant program, which includes heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas. Methodist has the largest multi-organ transplant program in Texas.

J.C. Walter Jr. served on the Methodist board for three decades and was active in other areas of the medical center. In a prepared statement, Dr. Ron Girotto, Methodist Hospital System CEO, said "Receiving this gift during the holiday season is so fitting, reminding us of the generosity of those who donate their organs to help others."

Sight 'ems

Ellie Francisco and Ileana Trevino celebrating their birthdays at a ladies luncheon bash in the wine room at Tony's. Close to 60 fashionables poured in for a multi-course feast and a surprise visit from Santa himself. Joining in the holiday cheer were Susan Krohn, Randa Williams, Soraya McClelland, Sandy Barrett, Roz Pactor, Sheridan Williams, Donna Vallone, Greggory Burk and Danielle Ellis ...

Clyde Drexler dining at Backstreet Cafe.