diamond days

Houston Astros invite fans to annual gala at Minute Maid Park starring Boyz II Men

Diamond Dreams Gala Houston Astros Minute Maid Park

Toast the World Series season this Friday.

Photo courtesy of Houston Astros

The World Series is over, but thankfully for Houston Astros fans, the celebration continues.

Fresh off the massive, 2 million-attended downtown championship parade and a slew of hotly attended players appearances, the Astros invite fans to the team's annual Diamond Dreams Gala on Friday, November 18. Now in its seventh year, the Texas-sized soiree is held on the field at Minute Maid Park.

As always, the event promises top-tier entertainment and this year is no exception: '90s power troupe Boyz II Men will bring the jams to the Juice Box in a night that promises to be equal parts heartwarming and raucous.

Individual tickets to the gala and concert are still available for the event and can be found online. Notably, the team has extended concert-only tickets to the public, which include general admission access to the Boys II Men show and two drink tickets (good for beer and wine).

This cherished event benefits the Astros Foundation and New Hope Housing, an area nonprofit that works to battle homelessness by providing housing and support services for those in need.

Doors open at 7 pm, with Boyz II Men taking the stage around 8 pm after cocktails and the gala program.

For passionate Astros fans, this is the perfect way to close out the World Series season and rub elbows with fellow fans, social scenesters, Astros owner Jim Crane and his wife Whitney, staff, and — always a huge draw — select players who make a surprise appearance.

For tickets and more information, visit the official event site.

bite by bite

Houston young professionals crack open $420,000 at annual oyster party

American Cancer Society Shuck Cancer 2024

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jenny Todd, Whitney Lawson, Katie Tsuru, and Nora Jarrard.

With every oyster slurped and savored, Houston’s culinary community opened their hearts — and their wallets — to help fight cancer. Supporters flocked to Post Houston on November 21 for the third annual Tricoast Homes Shuck Cancer Houston, presented by SheSpace. Organized by the Houston Young Professionals for the American Cancer Society, this foodie fête served up more than delectable bites and sips.

As guests strolled through the sprawling venue, they sampled offerings from 35-plus restaurants, bars, and wineries. Highlights included an oyster bar and playful oyster shooter station from Pier 6 and Prestige Oysters, paired with wine, seasonal cocktails, and gourmet bites.

The sparkle bar gave attendees a chance to shine — literally — while the Moment Band kept the atmosphere electric with live tunes. Another standout? A virtual reality experience that transported participants to Hope Lodge Houston, offering a glimpse into the vital services American Cancer Society provides to cancer patients and their families.

Emceed by KPRC’s Derrick Shore, the night was helmed by co-chairs Katie and Seth Tsuru and Nora and Brian Jarrard.

Of course, no Houston soirée is complete without a little competition. The crowd roared as Kittsie Klaes, the top Pearl Honoree, was celebrated for raising $44,000 as part of her months-long campaign. Among the dedicated 2024 Pearl Honorees lauded for their remarkable fundraising efforts were Lori Blackwell, Rachel Collins, Danielle Deleon, Anthony Galvan, Katherine Garcia, Anna Gryska, Anastasia Hansen, Ryan Hughes, Cassandra Iku, Whitney Lawson, Abbey Martin, Jodi Munsinger Boyd, Samantha-Anne Nadolny, Dr. Abby Patel, Anna Reagan Chronister, Hannah Richard-Molina, Ronda Ross, Shaniese Ruffin, Gaurav Sahni, Matthew Schultz, Claire Stevenson, Shayla White Bowden, Shelia Wolfe, and Hayden Wood.

Each honoree’s dedication to raising $3,000 or more played a pivotal role in the event’s cash tally. Sponsors such as Tricoast Homes, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Ferrari of Houston made the night possible, underscoring Houston’s philanthropic spirit. With 1,000 attendees, Shuck Cancer Houston raised $420,000, more than double since its inaugural party three years ago.

Seen in the crowd were Jenny Todd, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Imani Guillory, Tiffany Halik, Whitney and Marc Lawson, Disney and Max Harris, Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, Kristen Cannon, Courtney Harmon, Danny and Robin Klaes, and David Hance.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jenny Todd, Whitney Lawson, Katie Tsuru, and Nora Jarrard.

fundraisers american cancer society