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    Shelby's Social Diary

    Hottie Elves and Sexy Santas rock this young professionals' swan song party

    Shelby Hodge
    shelby hodge
    Dec 25, 2013 | 11:32 am

    It might have been the swan song for the annual "Don't Stop Believin'" holiday bash but there were no signs of subdued nostalgia at the 10th and final jingle bell rock. Close to 700 revelers, a few elves and Santas among them, crowded into Jackson's Watering Hole and the adjacent party tent to send this fundraiser off in style.

    While DJ Senega provided the tunes that kept them dancing all night long, the entertainment took this party to grand finale levels. The Houston Texans Bull Pen Pep Band drum line made a noisy appearance while Transformer Optimus Prime, Superhero the Incredible Hulk, a fire twirler and the Don't Stop Believin' dancers kept the party scene rocking into the wee morning hours. And as is tradition, the infamous Santa Claz photo couch was available with Buddy the Elf making the scene.

    While DJ Senega provided tunes that kept them dancing all night long, the entertainment took this party to grand finale levels.

    While this was curtains for "Don't Stop Believin'," the group's annual "A Night in Havana" will continue as the group of 14 young professionals who organize the charitable fundraiser are opting to continue the summer bash. Each year, the gents gather to select a charity as beneficiary of the party night and for 2013, Young Texans Against Cancer will reap the proceeds. Since its founding, the event has raised more than $200,000 for charity. Not bad when considering that the funds are entirely voluntary donations.

    Santa hats off to philanthropic gents that are part of this team — John Andell, David de Roode, James Easterling, Tony Essalih, James Gietz, Matt Harris, Jon Paul Hull, Cory Krueger, Anil Mahendra, John McAleer, Curtis Willeford, Lee Willeford, Dusty Wilkerson and James Zafereo.

    As Andell said in his email the morning after the party, "I have to say that it feels pretty surreal to look back on 10 years of Don't Stop Believin' Christmas parties to realize that the last party has been thrown! All of us have all had so many memories, have had so much fun, and have made so many (eh em) 'questionable' decisions over the years all in the name of charity."

    He added, "The summer Event 'A Night in Havana' will continue on . . . but for the Christmas event? To all a good night . . . but remember . . . Don't ever Stop Believin'."

    Kirstin Ericson, left, James Zafereo and Nicole Bertran at the final Don't Stop Believin' bash, held at Jackson's Watering Hole.

    Don't Stop Believing_December 2013_Kirstin Ericson_James Zafereo,_Nicole Bertran
      
    Photo by Chinh Phan FotoWerk Group
    Kirstin Ericson, left, James Zafereo and Nicole Bertran at the final Don't Stop Believin' bash, held at Jackson's Watering Hole.
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    Joel Luks
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    Memorial Hermann Gala 2025
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    Bill King and Cheryl Boblitt King perform during the surprise flash mob.

    Memorial Hermann Foundation’s annual gala lived up to its “Can’t Stop the Feeling” moniker with an electrifying display of energy, emotion, and philanthropy — all sparked by a surprise backflip and a flash mob. The event took place at the Hilton Americas.

    Guests were barely settled into their seats when a dancer flipped the night into high gear. A troupe of professionals kicked off a flash mob, soon joined by gala chairs Cheryl Boblitt King and Bill King, honorees Lisa and Jerry Simon, Memorial Hermann leaders, and foundation board members. The choreographed moment captured the essence of the evening: High-spirited, heartfelt, and fully in sync.

    The festive vibe was reinforced by a thoughtful musical program. Guitarist and composer Hunter Perrin provided a sophisticated sonic backdrop during the reception, while a soulful invocation by Houston United Voices honored the late Stacy Methvin, Memorial Hermann Health System board chair.

    The evening’s deeper mission was clear: Raising crucial funds for the expansion of the Memorial Hermann Life Flight helicopter fleet. Memorial Hermann Health System president and CEO Dr. David Callender emphasized the life-or-death stakes.

    What drew a roar from the crowd was learning that more than $4 million had been raised.

    Before guests could hit the dance floor, they fueled up on a decadent four-course dinner crafted by Houston favorite Aaron Bludorn. Once the band The New Millennials cranked up their high-energy playlist, it didn’t take long for the dance floor to fill and stay that way well past bedtime.

    Seen were Brad and Jill Deutser, Christine and Brent Secrest, Erin Asprec, Albert Yen, Beverly and Jim Postl, Tonya and Dr. David Callender, Gary Moss, Melissa Juneau, Ken and Kathy Wells, Barbara and Bill Easter, Trent and Pamela Aulbaugh, Lawson and Lauren Gow, Lisa and Jerry Simon, Marguerite Swartz, Tony Bradfield, Mary Sage, Mark and Laurie Lashier, Julie and Keenan Lashier, Marty and Liane Phillips, Angie and Zach Matula, Scott and Geraldina Wise, Trini Mendenhall, Philip Royalty, Scott and Lorraine Wegmann, Michael Roussos, Lillian Liao, Steve Trauber, Dr. Jamie McCarthy, Frank Jones, Vitaly and Zhanna Golodryga, Dr. Michelle McNutt, and Dr. Billy Gill.

    Memorial Hermann Gala 2025
      

    Photo by Daniel Ortiz

    Bill King and Cheryl Boblitt King perform during the surprise flash mob.

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