Party Watch

Houston’s young and chic rally for Symphony with wine and flair

What: Houston Symphony Young Associates Council Tasting Notes: A Wine and Spirits Pairing Dinner

Where: Andiron

The scoop: Members of the Houston Symphony's Young Associates Council and friends raised a glass — or several, but who’s counting for a good cause. The exclusive and charming evening drew eager oenophiles and symphony fans who enjoyed a thoughtfully curated experience for the taste buds and the soul.

The evening opened with a lively cocktail hour, where the chic A-listers mingled over hand-crafted potions. Chef Michael O'Connor's Andiron team prepared a multi-course tasting menu, with each dish paired with a selection of wines and spirits that elevated the flavors. Adding a touch of melodious elegance, Houston Symphony musicians Boson Mo on violin and Sheldon Person on viola performed a set featuring Spanish and French arrangements. Europe without a plane ride? We’re in.

With Aprill Nelson, Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl, and Kirby Lodholz at the helm, the proceeds contributed to the Houston Symphony’s Wine Dinner and Auction, directly supporting the symphony’s Education and Community Engagement programs.

Who: Javita Alexander, Kimberly and James Bell, Sverre Brandsberg-Dahl, Lindsay Buchanan and Brian Fisher, Elizabeth Condie, Ray Dennison, Logan and Charles Dresser, Sarah and Reza Ebrahimi, Gonzalo Farias, Laurel Flores and Matt Weathers, Blaine Fulmer, Amy Goodpasture, Roya Gordon, Mario Gudmundsson, China Howard, Jonathan Jan, Paul Kirchkoff, Jeremy Kreutz, David Lodholz, Maxine Olefsky and Justin Kenney, Sagar Patel, Lauren Price and Gator Adams, Nikki Reddy, Anthony Sanchez Rodriguez Lee, Liana and Andrew Schwaitzberg, Crystal and Hussein Shel, Melanie Smith, Jen Torres, Stephanie Weber and Paul Muri.

Houston Symphony Young Associates Andiron dinner

Photo by Johnny Tran

Stephanie Weber, Nikki Reddy, and Amy Goodpasture.

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For Good

Emotional night uplifts mental health at UTHealth Houston's $1.8M gala

UT Health Houston Mission in Action gala 2025

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Greg and Kristy Kroencke and Cheryl and Anthony Faillace.

At a time when mental health is finally getting its long-overdue moment in the spotlight, more than 200 supporters gathered at the Thompson Hotel for UTHealth Houston’s 2025 Mission in Action gala — an evening as elegant as it was emotionally resonant. Co-chairs Yvonne and Walter Johnson welcomed guests to an event that raised awareness and empathy.

This year’s event honored the John S. Dunn Foundation, a philanthropic force synonymous with health care advancement in Houston. Accepting the honor on behalf of the foundation, Charlie Lusk reflected on a legacy that’s shaped institutions quietly but powerfully over nearly five decades.

The evening, produced by Keely Thorne Events, struck a tone of transformation and dignity. Live music from Divisi Strings floated through a ballroom filled with trees and moody ombré florals by The Blooming Gallery, symbolizing the journey from darkness to light.

Walter Johnson shared his own family’s experience with behavioral health struggles. That spotlight widened with a moving video presentation featuring two UTHealth Houston patients, whose candid stories offered a visceral look at what compassion, research, and comprehensive care can achieve. UTHealth Houston president Melina Kibbe underscored a future-facing focus.

“We are committed to building a future where behavioral health care is more predictive, more preventive, and more personalized so that we can reach people earlier and support them more effectively,” Kibbe said.

The evening’s total impact? More than $1.8 million raised in support of behavioral health research, education, and care at UTHealth Houston.

In the room were Marco Patti, Cynthia Adkins, Terri Lacy, Diana Hawkins, Andy Sowell, John Wallace, Kathleen and Dick Rogers, Cheryl and Anthony Faillace, Jodie Jiles, Sonny Jiles, Ginny and LE Simmons, Larry and Tatiana Seligmann, Bette and Ralph Thomas, Mike and Rajni Jain, Elizabeth and Drew Kanaly, Maria Pappas, Anne-Laure and Steve Stephens, Lisa and Michael Sachs, Les and Linda Allison, Clay and Charlotte Allison, Carla Diaz Lewis and Kenneth Lewis, Anne and Karl Stern, Leila and Walter Mischer, and Regina Rogers.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Greg and Kristy Kroencke and Cheryl and Anthony Faillace.

fundraisers ut health hospitals