Operetta Chic

Musical menu delights Houstonians at Gilbert and Sullivan Society gala

High notes met high bids and applause for the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Houston.

Gilbert and Sullivan Society Auction of Arias 2026

Photo by Michelle Watson

Sean Holshouser, Richard Paul Fink, Riley Ortega, Laura Coleman, Meaghan Heath, Catherine Schaefer, Riley Vagis, Julie Hoetzel, and Pantelis Karastamatis.

That was the scene at the Doré Commons of the Baker Institute at Rice University for the 11th annual Auction of Arias gala. The event marked the company’s 75th season, drawing more than 120 guests for an evening of musical revelry. At the helm of the evening was event chair Melissa Stonebrook.

The program leaned into the society’s signature charm, with artists from past productions and the upcoming The Gondoliers delivering a blend of Gilbert and Sullivan favorites, operatic showstoppers, and playful departures into musical theater. Leading the welcome was board president Joe White, serving both as emcee and performer.

Through a lively auction-style menu, bidders selected the evening’s soundtrack, prompting renditions of classics like “Three Little Maids” from The Mikado and “Poor Wandering One” from The Pirates of Penzance, alongside crowd-pleasers including “Je Veux Vivre” and “You’ll Be Back.”

Laura Coleman, Richard Paul Fink, Meaghan Heath, Julie Hoeltzel, Sean Holshouser, Pantelis Karastamatis, Riley Ortega, and Riley Vagis offered performances Gilbert and Sullivan would approve — with a wink.

Three video presentations, produced by society member and voice actor John Gremillion, featured alumni like Susan Facer, who went on to star in Phantom of the Opera, Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, and Broadway director Andy Einhorn.

The gala raised more than $130,000, a record-breaking total that will support the group’s upcoming production of The Gondoliers and its scholarship program.

Summoning their inner operetta chic were Victor Stonebrook, John Yabraian, Karen McCarver, Ashly Evans and Clifton Vining, Geoff Copper, Meredith Rice, Sandra Pushkin, Jane Cizik, Marcia Feldman, James Ferrendelli, Barbara Mackey, David Satterfield, Molly and Jim Crownover, Terrilyn Neale, Laura Groppe, Elizabeth Fritschle, Anne and Albert Chao, Cindy and Michael Ma, Jose Ivo, Olga and Orlando Alvarado, and Sharon Birkman.

Hats and Hearts

Houston charity races ahead with stylish Derby-day fundraiser

Bo's Place Kentucky Derby fundraiser 2026

Photo by Wilson Parrish

Elia Gabbannelli, Michelle Torino, and Kim Scheffler.

Consider this Houston’s annual parade of fascinators, florals, and fast horses.

Photo by Wilson Parrish

Elia Gabbannelli, Michelle Torino, and Kim Scheffler.

The 10th annual Hats, Hearts and Horseshoes delivered all the Derby-day drama short of a photo finish courtesy of more than 350 guests who gathered at The Revaire on May 2 for Bo’s Place’s milestone celebration.

Chairs Libby and Mattison May, alongside Shelby and Matthew Seligmann, led the fête with a roster of honorary chairs that read like a who’s who of Houston philanthropy scene.

Guests lingered around the ice bar sponsored by Lowenberg Law Firm, sipping Le Chemin du Roi Brut Champagne from Sire Spirits — yes, the one associated with 50 Cent — while keeping one eye on the growing auction action.

Bo’s Place executive director Lisa Iparrea presented the Champion of Hope Award to the National Charity League Heart of Texas Chapter, accepted by chapter president Julie Gibson. The afternoon also took a heartfelt turn when Shelby Seligmann shared reflections on her family’s grief journey following the loss of her sister.

Emcee and auctioneer Johnny Bravo kept the crowd energized through live and silent auctions, heads-or-tails competitions, and cheers erupting from every corner once the Kentucky Derby finally began. When surprise winner Golden Tempo crossed the finish line, one lucky racing wall participant trotted home with a Houston Texans package courtesy of Hannah and Cal McNair.

The event raised $330,000 to support Bo’s Place and its grief support programs for children, families, and adults navigating loss.

On the scene were Jennifer Allison, Jennifer Brown, Tiffany and Brian Burgher, Elia Gabbannelli, Mari and Bryan Glass, Lauren and Rob Gray, Laura Laux, Julia and Harvin Lawhon, Debbie Leder and Bruce Orr, Kirby and David Lodholz, Gwyn Richardson, Cindy Seligmann and John Knox, David Shine, Tracy and John McNath, Daphne Savva, Elizabeth Martin, Gretchen Gilliam and George Lane, Suzie Johnson, and Nina and Clint Rand.

fundraisers bo's place