paw-sitive vibes

Texas country star Pat Green goes to the dogs at $1 million PetSet gala

The tail-wagging festivities at the 2024 Fierce and Fabulous Soirée offered a night filled with country twang, stylish boots, and plenty of heart at the Post Oak Hotel. Held on Friday, September 6, the event celebrated two decades of Houston PetSet's work to combat the city's homeless animal crisis.

Texas country artist Pat Green, known for his love of animals and electric live performances, stirred the crowd with his music before turning auctioneer. His biggest offer? A private concert that had donors barking for more. From tickets to Paris Fashion Week to glam jewelry, partygoers weren’t shy about putting their paws in the air for the sake of four-legged friends.

The lively Deborah Duncan of Great Day Houston brought her signature enthusiasm to the mic as emcee, keeping the energy high. Duncan introduced a pack of honorees — the 20 for 20, a group of dedicated animal welfare champions who’ve been instrumental in Houston PetSet’s efforts. With their help, the organization has made a big dent in reducing the number of homeless animals roaming the streets.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Houston PetSet party without a luxury silent auction. Animal lovers perused the display of designer handbags, fine jewelry, and family experiences. Co-presidents and event co-chairs Tena Lundquist Faust and Tama Lundquist were at the center of the bidding merriment, winning items and celebrating alongside their supporters as the evening came to a close.

The lively throng of 450 animal-lovers carried on throughout the night, raising more than $1 million and hitting all the right notes for the city’s homeless pets. Sponsors included iTouch Diamonds, de Boulle, Par Avion Ltd., Faust Distributing, River Oaks District, and Van Cleef and Arpels.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Event co-chairs Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust with Pat Green.

Roaming the ballroom were Jan Duncan, Sidney Faust, Hershey Grace, Trini Mendenhall Royalty, Karen Winston, Alicia Smith, Courtney Hopson, Jamie and John Sparacino, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Joan Huffman, Tyson Faust, Elsie Eckert, Sandra Smith Cooper, Sippi Khurana, Christine and Mike Wicks, and Dan Faust

fundraisers pat green

shock and awe

Dark elegance and spooky splendor raise $1.1M for Children’s Museum Houston

When the Children’s Museum Houston threw its annual adult fête on October 26, the Corinthian wasn’t just an event space, it was a full-on haunted playground for the city’s imaginative souls. Nearly 500 attendees — clad in mysterious black lace, horns, feathers, and flowing capes — stepped into a realm where goth and childhood wonder collided with spectacular results.

This year’s “Noir Ball: A Celebration of Haunted Elegance,” chaired by Whitney and Ryan Burns and Allison and Iván Chávez, made no bones about its moody vibe. From the moment partygoers floated in, the eerie ambiance—think chandeliers dripping in ghostly light and roses under glass cages—set the stage.

The masterminds at Bergner and Johnson Design turned the room into a scene from a spellbinding fairytale, where fog floated ominously across a grand fountain, dotted with rose petals and flickering candles. One could practically hear the spirits whisper.

And as any child knows, no Halloween is complete without a little shock and awe. At one point, lightning cracked and thunder rolled through the room. Even the sweet tooth found its haunting hour with Jackson and Co.’s darkly decadent desserts, including cake candles that might just have you second-guessing what’s edible. It was a feast fit for vampires, werewolves, and Houston’s social elite alike.

Adding to the festivities, ‘80s cover band The Spazmatics revived the dance floor with a high-energy, undead-worthy set, pulling every last creature of the night into their spell. With the iconic chandeliers casting an ethereal glow, the floor was alive with revelers reliving their MTV glory days.

Maleficent, Dracula, and Wednesday Addams mingled with the crowd, adding a dash of dark fantasy to the evening’s ambiance while paddle bids flew during the live and silent auctions chaired by Devorah Krieger and Elizabeth McIngvale-Mackey. Highlights included everything from a diamond necklace to a puppy duo courtesy of K-9 Angels Rescue. Guests vied with ghostly fervor for a bangle donated by Zadok Jewelers. After a close battle, Yana Rodilosso emerged triumphant

The evening raised a spine-tingling $1.14 million, the museum’s second-highest tally ever, all to fuel its mission to nurture Houston's young minds.

Among the undead were Alexandra and Alex Cabraie, Antoinette and Julian Duncan, Kathryn and Travis Boeker, Erin Smith, Bethany and Ben Buchanan, Courtney and Bo Hughes, Deanna Altenhoff, Darren Brasher, Stephanie Wilcox, Freddie Minahan, Heather and Mark Teshoian, Iona and Mike Avery, Veronica and John Griffin, Lacey and Matt Goossen, Ashley and Jonathan Sloan, Neil Badlani and Rekha Muddaraj, Cassandra and Ryan Dalton, and Matthew Mackey.

Photo by Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design

Ashley Sloan, Kathryn Boeker, Erin Smith, and Bethany Buchanan.