Millinery Moment

Statement hats and spring spirit shine at Houston park's luncheon

Is it the hats or Hermann Park?

This beloved al fresco spring lunch is about both.

At Hermann Park Conservancy’s annual Hats in the Park event, A-listers — mostly gals with some fashionable gents — strutted in wearing statement pieces on their heads.

This 18th annual event, set in the McGovern Centennial Gardens, welcomed nearly 450 guests. Event co-chairs Demetra Jones, Tina Arias Peterman, and Nicola Fuentes Toubia orchestrated a garden scene encouraging supporters to push the limits of millinery — architectural, whimsical, and unapologetically grand — stealing their fair share of attention.

From the podium, conservancy board chair Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell welcomed the crowd, reflecting on the park’s deep-rooted place in the city’s rhythm. Following comments from the co-chairs, representatives from honoree UTHealth Houston took the stage. Kevin Foyle, senior vice president of development and alumni engagement, connected the dots between green space and public health, reinforcing the luncheon’s theme, “Nature is a Healer.” The partnership between UTHealth Houston and the conservancy was recognized for advancing programs that promote wellness, accessibility, and community engagement.

Closing remarks came from conservancy president and CEO Cara Lambright, who spoke to Hermann Park’s enduring role in Houston’s evolution. By the afternoon’s end, the event had raised $375,000 for the care and improvement of Hermann Park.

Summoning their most stylish spring looks were Sallie Alcorn, Kenneth Allen, Fady Armanious, Katie Arnoldy, Kristy Bradshaw, Kathryn Boeker, Julie Longoria Chen, Susie and Sanford Criner, Paula DesRoches, Kate Dearing Fowler, Sandy Godfrey, Paula Harris, Stacy Johnson, Abbie Kamin, Devorah Kreiger, Kelley Lubanko, Rebecca Mark-Jusbache, Laura McWilliams, Ginni Mithoff, Maria Pappas, Annise Parker, Amy Peck, Amanda Hughes Pickering, Lacey Salas, Allison Thacker, Stephanie Tsuru, Phoebe Tudor, Hallie Vanderhider, MaryFaye Way, and Katherine Whaley.

Hermann Park Hats in the Park luncheon 2026

Photo by Jenny Antill

Kristy Bradshaw, Kelley Lubanko, Stephanie Tsuru, Phoebe Tudor, Shawn Stephens, and Martha Finger.

fundraisers hermann park

Vegas Vibes

A winning night at the JCC scholarship ball hits jackpot for Houston kids

Photo by Mark Katz Photography

Rikki Veksler, Arin Freedman, Dena Magelssen, Rozanna Chrapot, and Lisa Robbins.

The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center rolled the dice and came up seven at its 36th Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball and the Westin Galleria Houston. With Lizzy Kamkahgi at the helm as ball chair, alongside auction co-chairs Arin and Henry Freedman and program chair Jodi Rubenstein, the evening shattered expectations while supporting the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund.

The night honored Joe Kaplan, son of the fund’s founder Irvin Kaplan, and Murray Kalmin for their enduring commitment to Houston’s children and families. The fund’s mission? Providing access to early childhood education and camp programs for families who might otherwise be left on the sidelines.

Beneficiaries include the Bertha Alyce Early Childhood Academy, Ellen Boniuk Early Childhood School, Sherry Merfish Infant Care Program, Karol Musher STARS Early Childhood Intervention Program, and J Camps.

More than 550 guests stepped into the scene, greeted by a lounge singer crooning in the background, an Elvis impersonator working the room, and a magician adding a little sleight-of-hand intrigue to the cocktail hour. Showgirls shimmered through the crowd as attendees browsed over 200 auction items.

The formal program opened with a heart-tugging video featuring the J’s preschoolers alongside CEO Larry Skolnick. One of the evening’s most memorable moments came courtesy of teenager Ella Bibi, whose rendition of “You Have Yourself” brought the room to a hush.

The ball drew more than 550 attendees and raised more than $1 million.

Photo by Mark Katz Photography

Rikki Veksler, Arin Freedman, Dena Magelssen, Rozanna Chrapot, and Lisa Robbins.

fundraisers jewish community center jcc