striking a chord

Strings and style blend at Houston Symphony League celebration

The newly redecorated ballroom at The Junior League set the stage for a stylish and heartwarming afternoon as the Houston Symphony League gathered for its annual Fall Membership Luncheon and Fashion Show. Co-chaired by Cynthia Wolff and Paige Cawthon, the affair on Sept. 18 was a testament to the league’s dedication to blending panache with purpose, a counterpoint of community spirit, fashion, and music in harmony.

The artistry extended beyond the runway. A violin performance by Houston Symphony violinist Sophia Silivos drew attention. The musician’s playing punctuated the afternoon with a melody of sophistication, serving as a reminder of the league’s commitment to fostering a love of music in the Houston community.

This year, the spotlight wasn’t just on fashion but also on the volunteers who form the organization’s backbone. President Heidi Rockecharlie set a new tone of gratitude as she welcomed Houston Symphony Board of Trustees president Barbara Burger and this year's league board members. With a sense of appreciation, Rockecharlie’s remarks underscored the importance of those who give their time, energy, and passion. She unveiled a series of strategies to boost fundraising while reducing costs—highlighting Baccarat crystal membership gifts donated by league president-elect Leslie Nossaman and generous sponsorships, all of which promise to strengthen their collective impact.

“Only three months into the season, and we’re already seeing the rewards of our community’s generosity,” Rockecharlie noted. “We’ve managed to cut costs for some of our key projects by nearly half, all thanks to the incredible support of our volunteers and sponsors.”

When it came time for the runway, designer Christy Lynn's fall collection added a note of modern elegance. Lynn’s commitment to supporting the arts shone through, not just in her designs but in her donation of show costs and a percentage of sales to the Houston Symphony League.

Among the distinguished crowd were Saks Fifth Avenue general manager Heidi Turney, Beth Wolff, Lesha Elsenbrook, Betty Tutor, Elsie Eckert, Saula Valente, Nancy Willerson, Helen Shaffer, Sharon Brier, Kirk Kveton and Daniel Irion, Karen Payne, Mary Sage, Seema Sharma, Teresa Cox-Reading, Alecia Lawyer, Diane Gendel, Alex Blair, Christina Sacco, Hasina Stark, Libi Lebel, Jerre Parsons Williams, Nick Rockecharlie, Alicia Jansen, Anna Dean, Astrid Van Dyke, Deborah Laws, Sandra Porter, Kim Padgett, Helen Balensiefen Bow, Kirin Wells, Harriet Gertner, and Amy Glenn Becke.

Houston Symphony League fashion show 2024

Photo by Jacob Power

League president Heidi Rockecharlie and Beth Wolff.

performing-arts fundraisers houston symphony fashion show

Water Works

Buffalo Bayou gala unveils major trail expansion to honor $100M gift

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Representative Christina Morales, Council Member Mario Castillo, and Representative Gina Hinojosa.

Houston’s beloved waterway had its moment in the moonlight.

The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park was the backdrop for the 2025 Buffalo Bayou Partnership Gala. Held in November, the Milestones in Motion soirée evinced that progress looks especially good under twinkling lights and driftwood chandeliers

Chaired by Richard Dawson and Lynn and Ty Kelly, the classy and chill party took full advantage of Houston’s rare perfect fall weather. Upon arrival, attendees sipped cocktails from Giant Texas Distillers and nibbled on City Kitchen Catering hors d’oeuvres while soaking in smooth jazz from Houston Groove Society. Those who arrived early scored exclusive twilight tours of the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, a haunting underground space that feels part art gallery, part time capsule.

Guests then ascended to a tented dinner on the Brown Foundation Lawn, styled by Bergner & Johnson with gauzy fabric and organic textures that nodded to the bayou’s earthy charm. As the sun set and the three-course dinner landed on tables, Collin Cox, BBP chair emeritus, welcomed guests and introduced Mayor John Whitmire, who reflected on the city’s ongoing transformation.

Then came the big news.

In honor of a landmark $100 million gift from the Kinder Foundation, BBP unveiled the new Kinder Trail, a vital connector from US 59 to Lockwood Drive, and Kinder Bridge, which will link Japhet Creek Park to Tony Marron Park. Both projects are centerpieces of the nonprofit’s eastward expansion plan.

BBP board members Gaynell Floyd Drexler, Mary Hinojosa Kelly, and Bo Fraga closed the program by sharing personal reflections on Buffalo Bayou’s history and future as a space that has shaped their lives and the city itself — regardless of the way one might pronounce “bayou” or “bayoh.”

Showing their love partnerships matters were Judy Nyquist, Nancy and Rich Kinder, Sis Johnson, Kenneth and Delaina Allen, Meg and Dick Weekley, Lisa Helfman and Lee Haverman, Emily Keeton, Jay Jones and Terry Wayne Jones, Charlie Jenkins, Carrie and Al Pepi, Christian Menefee, Sallie and Bob Wright, Christina and Matt Altenau, Iris Tian and Tim Latimer, and Anne and Tom Olson.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Representative Christina Morales, Council Member Mario Castillo, and Representative Gina Hinojosa.

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