Philanthropy in bloom

Discovery Green’s butterfly-themed gala flutters past $1 million mark

Under a canopy of twinkling city lights and illuminated butterfly wings, A-listers meandered to Discovery Green for the biennial Gala on the Green, presented by H-E-B. The black-tie soirée, co-chaired by Ulises and Kara Kinder Vidal and Eduardo and Maria Vidal Morales, supported the beloved urban oasis that has been a catalyst for the transformation of the city’s core.

Inspired by the majestic butterfly — a fitting emblem for the park’s 17-year metamorphosis — the evening unfolded with an al-fresco cocktail hour along the Brown Promenade. Guests sipped on monarch margaritas beneath Jen Lewin’s shimmering art installation Atlas, basking in the warmth of Houston’s winter reprieve.

Derrick Shore of KPRC2’s Houston Life brought his signature wit to the emcee role. Amid courses crafted by City Kitchen, speakers including Lacey Dalcour Salas, Reverend Nathaniel Katz, and Mayor John Whitmire honored Discovery Green’s evolution from concrete expanse to vibrant verdant village. The spotlight shone brightest on honoree Guy Hagstette, the park’s inaugural president, whose visionary leadership laid the groundwork for what has become a local iconic greenspace. Current president Kathryn Lott paid heartfelt tribute, emphasizing the gala’s theme of generational transformation and stewardship.

The tempo shifted as partygoers flooded the dance floor thanks to Austin-based cover band Skyrocket. High-stakes bidders vied for items such as a live painting by Taft McWhorter and an 18-carat white gold butterfly necklace from Zadok Jewelers.

For co-chairs and sisters-in-law Kara Kinder Vidal and Maria Vidal Morales, leading the gala was about instilling the value of generational philanthropy in their families. After all was said and done, the event raised more than $1 million.

Among the stylish social set were Nancy and Rich Kinder, Tommy Pepper, Bill White, Nancy and Butch Abendshein, Andrew Abendshein, Emily and Sean Glassel, John Nau, Barry Mandel, Lindsay Love, Allie and Jay Fields, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, and Yvonne and Scott Ziegler

Photo by Fulton Davenport

Melanie Camp, Anthony Yanez, Rebecca Yanez, Nicole Jones, and Nick Jones.

discovery green fundraisers

Party Watch

Houston fashionistas kick off Reflections on Style with high-octane flair

Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary’s Reflections on Style 2025 kick-off

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Houston fashionistas kick off Reflections on Style with high-octane flair

What: Reflections on Style Kick-Off Party

Where: The Podium

The scoop: Houston’s chic set revved up for spring’s anticipated style fête as Ann Ayre, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson, and Donae Chramosta hosted a soirée at The Podium, setting the pace for The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary’s Reflections on Style: Fashion in the Fast Lane. With more than 80 stylish attendees mingling among gleaming zoomers — thanks to presenting sponsor Porsche River Oaks — the affair was a blend of elegance, philanthropy, and high-octane excitement.

As conversations buzzed about upcoming closet clean-outs and must-have pieces for the Chic Boutique, anticipation built for the sold-out luncheon and shopping experience set for April 8 at River Oaks Country Club.

Fashionistas can then cruise over to the Reflections on Style Chic Boutique, located at 3403 Richmond Ave., when it opens to the public on April 9, 3-7 pm, for a $20 entry fee. Shoppers can continue to peruse the treasure trove of couture and classic finds free of charge 10am-5pm on April 10-12.

Proceeds will benefit The Salvation Army’s vital Houston programs.This year’s Fashion in the Fast Lane theme celebrates the intersection of timeless elegance and modern flair. Because compassion never goes out of style.

Who: Houston Area Commanders, Majors Carolynn and Robert Webb, Texas Divisionals Leaders, Lt. Colonels Ann and Art Penhale, and Vicki West, Maureen Higdon, Linda McReynolds, Lilly Andress, Ann Bookout, Stick Delaup, Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, Alice Mao Brams, Gracie Cavnar, Elia Gabbanelli, Marla Hurley, Debbie Festari, Heather Almond, Cheryl Byington, Crystal Robin, Maria Moncada Alaoui, Rob Dale, Carson Brown, Heidi Turney, Allison Shell-Van Koolwijk and many others.

$Salvation Army Women\u2019s Auxiliary\u2019s Reflections on Style 2025 kick-off$

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Melanie Jarrell, Alison Gemp, Ann Ayre, Donae Chramosta, and Stick Delaup.

salvation army fundraisers