Party Watch

Houston young professionals toast a night of music and camaraderie

What: Houston Symphony Young Associates Council Salon Concert

Where: The Ivy

The scoop: An air of understated elegance floated through The lvy as members of the Houston Symphony’s Young Associates Council (YAC) gathered for a midweek musical soirée. The February 19 Salon Concert, hosted by the sleek River Oaks property, unfolded with an intimate vibe. Co-chaired by Lindsay Buchanan, Roya Gordon, Liana Schwaitzberg, and Elise Wagner, the evening featured a chamber performance that added just the right amount of classical style.

A basset horn trio — Ben Freimuth, Christian Schubert, and Sasha Potiomkin of the Houston Symphony — brought the room to a hush with their rich, mellow tones.

Attendees noshed on an elegantly curated charcuterie spread by Christie Tang, sipped on cocktails, and mingled with both familiar faces and new symphonic supporters. More than 90 music-minded Houstonians came through, including Houston Symphony executive director and CEO Gary Ginstling and board president Barbara Burger.

Who: Tim Ong and Michael Baugh, Elizabeth and Ethan Collins, Mhair Dekmezian, Emily and Alex Dvorscak, Brian Fisher, Berrhett Foss, Florence Francis, Carolyn Gaidos, Gary Ginstling, Amy Goodpasture, Mario Gudmundsson, Claudio Gutierrez, Luis Gutierrez, Veronica Juarez, Maxine Olefsky and Justin Kenney, Dee Kimata, Kat Kunz, Gerrit Leeftink, Allison Love Pace, Ashley and Andrew Kang, Stephanie Weber and Paul Muri, Trevor Myers, Aprill Nelson, Blake Plaster, Sam Richards, Lori Harrington and Parashar Saikia, Katie Salvatore, Andrew Schwaitzberg, Young Son, Jeffrey Taylor, Sloane Teagle, Laurel Flores and Matthew Weathers, and Joseph Von Edwins.

Houston Symphony Young Associates Council Salon Concert 2025

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Roya Gordon, Elise Wagner, Barbara Burger, Gary Ginstling, Lindsay Buchanan, and Liana Schwaitzberg.

houston symphony fundraisers

Pink Warriors

Research and resilience shine at Komen’s annual Houston luncheon

Susan G. Komen Tickled Pink luncheon 2025

Photo by Jacob Power

Allison Honer, Alison Lock, Ashley Cairns, Varshini Mohan, and Laura Leonard.

It was an afternoon of purpose and pink as Susan G. Komen hosted its Fourth Annual More Than Pink Luncheon at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston on March 20. With 100-plus supporters gathered downtown, the event brought together breast cancer advocates, survivors, and scientists over lunch, cocktails, and a lively silent auction in pursuit of breast health equity for all.

This year’s honoree, Anne Meyn, was celebrated for her commitment to Komen’s mission and her work across the organization’s advocacy and research. A Komen Scholar and survivor herself, Meyn received recognition for mentoring the next generation of advocates and investigators.

Adding gravitas to the gathering was keynote speaker Dr. Abenaa Brewster, also a Komen Scholar and professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center, who moved the room with insight into how research and community investment are saving lives and shifting disparities.

With a committee powered by Jane Marmion, Dorothy Paterson, Kelly Hunt, Nadine Eidman, Elda Garcia-Ditta, and Cindy and Roger Masek, the event raised more than $30,000 for the cause. People in the pink mix included Fran and Frances Ditta, Jessica Epps, Rosette Nije, Kari Wallace, Allison Horner, and Stephen Marmion.

Photo by Jacob Power

Allison Honer, Alison Lock, Ashley Cairns, Varshini Mohan, and Laura Leonard.