dumplings and drums

Houston's political and media VIPs celebrate Lunar New Year in style

If the Year of the Snake is about wisdom, transformation, and charm, then this Lunar New Year fête at Horizon on Sunset (formerly Gremillion Gallery) delivered just that. Hosted by Miya Shay, Gene Wu, Corbett Parker, and David Du, the Jan. 25 affair brought together a who’s-who of Houston’s media, legal, and political circles for a lively evening of food, tradition, and festivity.

Guests meandered between floors, admiring artwork while savoring a spread of delights from Kim Son — think crispy spring rolls, dumplings, and comforting classics like kung pao chicken and beef with broccoli. Sweet treats from Asiatown, including egg tarts from ECK Bakery and fan-favorite Pocky Sticks, were a hit with the kids (and, let’s be honest, plenty of adults too). A special “dragon punch” made its rounds, with both family-friendly and grown-up versions available. Vodka anyone?

The outdoor courtyard became the heart of the celebration as the Soaring Phoenix Dragon and Lion Dance Association delivered a high-energy performance complete with acrobatic lion dancers, drums, and firecrackers. Guests eagerly fed the lions red envelopes for luck, keeping with tradition to welcome prosperity and ward off misfortune.

Decked out in lucky red and gold, partygoers embraced the festive theme as they mingled under glowing red lanterns and DIY décor crafted by Shay herself. A dedicated kids’ zone — with bubble wands, glow sticks, and lawn games — made sure the little ones were as entertained as the adults. And of course, every child received a red envelope, a meaningful nod to time-honored traditions.

This Year of the Snake bash proved the best way to ring in the new year is simply by gathering good company and great food under one festive roof.

Joining the list of VIPs were Judge Lina Hidalgo and husband David James, Congressman Sylvester Turner, State Sen. Carol Alvarado, TCEQ Commissioner Catarina Gonzales, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen, Tax Assessor Annette Ramirez, Council Member Abbie Kamin with her husband and son, Fulshear Council Member Patrick Powers, Stafford Council Member Alice Chen, and Former Congresswoman Erica Lee Carter with her daughter. Also in attendance were media personalities ABC13 anchor Elissa Rivas with husband Chris Stipes and their daughters, ABC13 anchor Briana Conner, House of Ho’s Aunt Tina Ho, Bachelorette alum Erica Rose Sanders with husband Charles Sanders, and Cindi Rose.

Photos by Quy Tran

Elissa Rivas and Mary Benton.

parties lunar new year celebrities

Starry Night

Elegant Museum of Fine Arts, Houston gala raises $1.6 million

Photo by Michelle Watson

Scott and Geraldine Wise; Renu and Suresh Khator.

A landscape of midnight blue and the glow of chandeliers set the scene for the 2025 Grand Gala Ball at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in the Caroline Wiess Law Building. This year’s sold-out affair honored longtime supporter J. Venn Leeds, whose philanthropic signature on the museum spans decades.

Guests stepped through a tented entrance swathed in deep blue linens and soft candlelight while inside, the cocktail reception featured white banquettes, gold accents, and floral arrangements that struck a balance between sleek and celebratory.

Dinner in Cullinan Hall transported attendees to an indoor garden-meets-starry-night vignette created by The Events Company. Trees and florals filled the room, silver-embroidered tablecloths shimmered under a collection of chandeliers, and the Manhattan Orchestra provided the evening’s soundtrack.

The evening raised over $1.625 million, thanks to robust support from donors and the introduction of the Jan and J. Venn Leeds Grand Gala Ball Operating Endowment.

This year’s lead underwriter was the Hildebrand Fund. Other underwriters included ExxonMobil, Cherie and Jim Flores, Nancy and Rich Kinder, the Leeds. Fayez Sarofim & Co., Susan D. Sarofim, Anne S. Duncan, Lynne and Joe Hudson, Cornelia C. Long, the Schnitzer Family, and Margaret Alkek Williams.

Among those joining the celebration were Alvin Abraham, Claudia Kreisle, Sara Morgan, Ann and Karl Stern, Doug and Melissa Schnitzer, Joan Schnitzer, Janie and Daniel Zilkha, Michelle and Frank Hevrdejs, Durga and Sushila Agrawal, Anu and Shirish Lal, Paula and Reggie DesRoches, Suresh and Renu Khator, Cyvia Wolff, Nancy and Butch Abendshein, Meredith Cullen, Carla Knobloch, Andrius and Tamara Kontrimas, Dan and Kirsten Zimmerman, Will and Kristin Pritchard, Leslie and Jack Blanton Jr., Kathy and Marty Goossen, and Jay Jones and Terry Wayne Jones.

Photo by Michelle Watson

Scott and Geraldine Wise; Renu and Suresh Khator.

fundraisers museums museum of fine arts houston