Fall 2022

Timeless

59 LUXURY RESIDENCES IN HOUSTON, TEXAS

Patiently held in reserve for 70 years, 1661 Tanglewood builds upon the founding Farrington-Miller family tradition of bold vision. Accommodating every comfort of urban high rise living, these mansions in the sky offer interiors of exceptional character, generous proportions and a considered lifestyle. Discover the latest landmark in the continuing story of Tanglewood.

Ruthie Porterfield Mary Elizabeth Hahnfeld 713.622.1661

1661Tanglewood.com

Reflections

GYBR – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, 2019. Limited edition print on archival paper signed by the artist.

F O R T U N E FAVO R S

Feeder

24 NEWS

Hot H-Town musicians, amazing art and sensational shopping!

36 DESIGN

Chocolate is nice — especially with spice. Take a look at the season’s tasty home-decor trend.

38 ART

An exhibition at Rice’s Moody Center examines how humans interpret life in cities like Houston.

51 STYLE

From Barbiecore to luxe leather, the Houston Ballet’s new It Couple models fall’s most covetable trends.

Features

62 ON THE DOUBLE

Meet the power pairs of our revived “Duos” portfolio.

70 SECRET SUBURBAN CHIC

The owner of a fabulously renovated home in Sugar Land has top-tier fashion cred, famous friends — and an extraordinary art collection.

On the Cover Twin actor-models Johnathan Calton, in white, and John Calton, photographed by Jhane Hoang at Select Studios.

Book Reports

78 PARTY PEOPLE

84 DINING Uchiko lives up to the hype, plus all the latest food news!

86 TRAVEL Cancun, with a tempting new array of fine dining, is throwing a different kind of fiesta.

89 GUIDEBOOK

Dr. Germán Newall Plastic Surgeon

“The art of plastic surgery has been my profession and livelihood, but more importantly, it is my passion. I love what I do, and it gives me great satisfaction to help others achieve their appearance goals.” – Dr. Newall

Editor-in-ChiefJEFF GREMILLION

Managing Editor

Creative Director

Style Editor-at-Large

Contributing Editors

Senior Stylist Podcast Producer Writers

Evan W. Black

Patrick Magee

Kate Stukenberg

Chris Becker and Robin Barr Sussman

Todd Ramos

Luke Brawner

Leah Cast, Julia Davila, Ray Dennison, Amanda Llanes, Zachary McKenzie, Ed Nawotka and Mai Pham

Photographers & Illustrators

Kat Ambrose, Dionne Christiansen, Greta Connolly, Fulton Davenport, Jenn Duncan, Kelli Durham, Kirsten Gilliam, Carla Gomez, Jhane Hoang, Shannon O’Hara, Daniel Ortiz, Phoebe Rourke, Ashkan Roayaee, Debora Smail, Julie Soefer, Al Torres, Steven Visneau and Becca Wright

Stylists & Groomers

LISA HOLTHOUSE

Sales Director

Associate Publisher

Account Executive Operations Director Technology Director Advisors & Partners

Accountant

Edward Sanchez and Darcie Teasley

Executive Publisher

Peter Remington Jennifer Kahlden

Nader Safinya

Eric Holden Christopher J. Nodd M. Sonny Garza and David Paul Rabalais Christopher Doyle

945 McKinney Street, Suite 119, Houston, Texas 77002 832.514.3001 Phone | 832.514.3002 Fax

FOR SALES INFORMATION sales@houstoncitybook.com TO CONTACT AN EDITOR evan@houstoncitybook.com

President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Gremillion Vice President Lisa Holthouse Chief Operations Officer Eric Holden Chief Technology Officer Christopher J. Nodd Advisors M. Sonny Garza and David Paul Rabalais Style Editor-at-Large Kate Stukenberg

HOUSTON’s Choice in Plastic Surgery

At ACPS we pride ourselves on providing award winning results & service. Our 7 surgeons are some of the most awarded aesthe�c surgeons in the na�on with over 500 awards, publica�ons & presenta�ons in over 30 countries.

Dr. Paul Fortes

Dr. Abigail Rodriguez

Dr. Henry Mentz

Dr. Rolando Morales

Dr. Germán Newall

Dr. Chris Patronella

Dr. Kris� Hustak

LISA HOLTHOUSE Executive Publisher

As I reflect on this fall issue brimming with “duos,” I’m reminded of the famous quote, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” And although there are plenty of individuals who accomplish much in life, I feel certain they had a team of others (or at the very least, a partner) who helped them overachieve.

Comaraderie, support, collaboration and harmonious relationships are key to successful teams — whether duos, trios or greater. It’s no wonder that the duos highlighted in this issue are soaring to great heights in their endeavors. They are passionate about their joint efforts, and it shows in their success. We are thrilled to share them all with you.

Happy fall, y’all! We are officially on the other side of linen and white shoes with Labor Day well behind us. So, although it’s still hot as Hades, and we haven’t formally yet dodged hurricane season, it is starting

to feel like we are inching into the season, and that’s a good thing.

With invitations flying off the press left and right, fundraisers abounding, it’s no wonder that we see our dear friend Laura Ward and Houston Children’s Charity as a highlight in the issue. Houston’s nonprofits are back into full swing, and we are thrilled to highlight so many deserving organizations, as always.

The holidays will be here before we know it. Does anyone else feel like life is accelerating at a velocity — exponentially — speedier as we age? We have only a quarter left before it’s 2023!

I don’t know about you, but my plan is to bring a little of that slower pace of summer with me into the autumn wherever I can, just to slow down and continue enjoying all that Houston’s fall season has to offer. As always, I invite you to join me in doing the same.

With gratitude…

JEFF GREMILLION Editor-in-Chief

Welcome to fall in Houston.

The season is unique here. While other cities have cooler temps, pretty leaves and sweater weather, we’re still transitioning out of a roiling hot summer. Can you believe it was 105 degrees here just a month ago? Geez. The new rosemary bushes I planted last spring will never forgive me.

But there are other telltale signs that fall has arrived. For one, the philanthropic and cultural seasons typically get started with a bang. And this year has been bangier than ever!

The Symphony has begun, officially welcoming its new conductor Juraj Valcuha with an Opening Night concert at Jones Hall and dinner nearby at the regal Corinthian ballroom Downtown. And, at this writing, Houston’s Grand Opera’s season premiere is right around the corner, as well. La Traviata is on its way!

The Houston Ballet has also bowed, with a fabulous dinner on the Wortham stage following the Opening Night presentation of Peter Pan. I caught Chase O’Connell, who has joined his fiancé Beckanne Sisk as a new principal dancer in the company, as the sinister Captain Hook. At six-foot-five, he’s an imposing villain, well fit for a crocodile’s dinner!

Truth is, of course, he and Beckanne, who are planning to marry next year and just relocated to H-Town from

Ballet West in Salt Lake City, couldn’t be sweeter. We learned this firsthand when the power couple modeled fall trends for a fashion shoot in this issue.

As a companion story to our style piece on the Ballet’s new power couple, we have revived a fun portrait feature we haven’t done since preCovid that we call “Duos.”

This is where we highlight some of the pairs making interesting contributions to the life and culture the city now. Married couples, parent-child combos, siblings, professional partners. It’s a great cross section of fascinating folks making their move.

And we have a special section on Houston philanthropy — just flip this edition over and find our nifty magazine-withina-magazine — featuring the indomitable Laura Ward, one of the grand dames of fundraising and do-gooding in town. The Houston Children’s Charity, which she co-founded with Tilman Fertitta and others, presents its 25th gala this season. Plus, we highlight some of the most important nonprofits of the moment, all making a big impact in the community as fall gets underway.

Sweater weather will arrive soon enough. For now, I’m loving the coming of the autumn Houstonstyle, with a brand of splendor and splash only H-Town can deliver.

CityBook At Large

FOOD

Southern Smoke Makes a Fiery Return

The Southern Smoke Festival, benefiting Chris Shepherd’s Southern Smoke Foundation, returns Oct. 21-23. More than 60 chefs from all over the country will descend upon H-Town for a weekend of food, wine, live music and more. Shepherd made news in the summer, announcing his departure from Underbelly Hospitality, parent company of Georgia James and his other famous restaurants.

ICYMI Insta-Worthy Moments

Here are a handful of hits from our social-media feed. Follow @houstoncitybook for more!

FotoFest Pops Up at River Oaks District

Ahead of its gala fundraising event on Sept. 29, FotoFest launched a pop-up exhibit at River Oaks District, featuring fine print photography by a diverse group of international and Texasbased artist photographers. Prints from the show will be auctioned off at the main event.

Ballet Debuts PunkPerfect ‘Peter Pan’

The Houston Ballet raised the curtain on its new season, beginning with a punk-tinged performance of Trey McIntyre’s Peter Pan As previewed on CityBook Digital, the three-act ballet featured giant puppets, sword fights and high-flying sequences.

August 16 New Pacha Nikkei restaurant melds the flavors of Peru and Japan in shareable small plates and craft cocktails boasting sake and pisco alike.

August 10 Guess whose sexy Hyde Park pad hit the market for $2.1 mil? We had all the deets — and all the gorgeous pics.

August 3 Houston’s Trill team, led by Bun B and famous for their Trill Burger smashburger pop-ups, won Good Morning America’s “United States of Burgers.”

ART DANCE

Hoop Dreams

COLINE CREUZOT is deeply rooted in Houston. Though based in L.A. now, she’s the granddaughter of the founder of Frenchy’s Fried Chicken, and she’s worked with H-Town hitmakers like Slim Thug, Z-Ro, Paul Wall. The musician and lyricist’s R&B-tinged tunes have climbed the billboard charts; her latest single, “For Love,” dropped in July and is working its way up. “I love New Orleans ‘bounce’ music, so I put my spin on it.” –robin barr sussman

STYLE,

THE DISPATCH BOOKS

Brazos Bookstore hosts best-selling authors Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney in conversation with Houston’s own novelist Katherine Center, Oct. 13 at Christ Church Cathedral. Each ticket includes a copy of Picoult and Finney’s new book, Mad Honey brazosbook store.com

FESTIVAL

The Dallas-based Chefs for Farmers festival comes to H-Town for the first time on Oct. 2.

Expect beverages and bites from local breweries, distilleries and chefs, including AaronBludorn, Chris Shepherd and Evelyn Garcia. The afternoon event will be held at Autry Park off Allen Parkway, and will benefit the Houston Food Bank. chefsfor farmers.com

MUSIC

Ali John MeredithLacey, better known as the Welsh recording artist Novo Amor, brings his folk-tinged indie music to White Oak Music Hall on Oct. 14. whiteoakmusic hall.com

So Composed

Chamber orchestra Kinetic launches its eighth season with the Wilderness Anthology on Oct. 9 at MATCH. The four-part program features a world premiere by its composer-in-residence Nicky Sohn, who will also debut a concerto inspired by clients of the Women’s Home, called Her Story, in March.

Art

good on paper

AFTER A BANNER festival at Memorial Park in the spring, the Downtown iteration of Bayou City Art Festival is set for Oct. 8-9 in Sam Houston Park and along Allen Parkway. The featured artist is Cindy Olmes, whose work is comprised of layers of paper and acrylic paint, often depicting female figures. The two-day, family-friendly fest has wine and beer gardens, kid crafts, food trucks and live music. artcolonyassociation.org –ewb

Music

‘Untethered,’ by Olmes

THE DISPATCH ART

Bring any Lego aficionados in your life to the Houston Botanic Garden, which until February is host to a handful of incredible Lego sculptures by New York-based Sean Kenney. Nature Connects includes intricate displays like a monarch butterfly atop pink milkweed flowers; a giant lily; and a hummingbird feeding from a towering trumpet flower. houstonbotanic garden.com

Style

in bloom

DEVELOPMENT

Uptown’s Sheraton Suites will rebrand as The Chifley, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and soon feature 284 suitestyle rooms and 8,000 square feet of meeting space. The restaurant will become Rouse, with craft cocktails and “eclectic” cuisine.

KOREAN-AMERICAN designer Christy Lynn Lee remembers celebrating the New Year in floral organza dresses with her hair pulled back in loose braids, tied off with a silk bow or tassels. The newest collection in her eponymous line pulls from these memories: Think silkchiffon drop-waist dresses and matching sets in jade, marigold and periwinkle, and special prints of blossoming tulips, which “represents growth,” she says. Pieces will be available in October at Tootsies, Golden and the Christy Lynn Atelier at 306 Avondale St. christylynn.com

MUSIC Capathia Jenkins takes on Toni Braxton, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Adele, and more in the She’s Got Soul concerts with the Houston Symphony, Oct. 7-9. houston symphony.com

‘No War No,’ by De Maria

Art

Survey Says

On Oct. 29, the Menil Collection displays works — plywood sculptures, conceptual drawings, sound installations — by influential American artist Walter De Maria. Called Boxes for Meaningless Work, the exhibit is the first ever to survey his 50-year career.

julia davila

This dinner

started here.

The Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom will help you create a kitchen that’s uniquely yours. On-site chefs, product experts, and inspiring designs will help you envision the possibilities for your home – and all of the delicious moments to come.

TX 77056

(713) 599-0053

THE DISPATCH ART

BOOKS

In July, Deep in the Heart, narrated by Matthew McConaughey, was released on steaming platforms, sharing footage stories of Texas’ unique wildlife and vistas. a companion coffee-table the same available, featuring photos depicting the state’s diverse landscapes awe-inspiring animals, with important information conservation. Published Greenleaf Group out of the book features chapters on bears, bison, tailed deer, birds, ocelots aquifers.

MUSIC Mumford frontman Mumford White Oak Hall on Oct. 10 as part of his inaugural solo tour promoting his self-titled whiteoakmusic hall.com28

Music

R shining starlet

ising-star recording artist Julia Cole performed at the Grand Ole Opry in July to a full house. “Beautiful and epic,” she says of the experience. The gorgeous blonde got her start by singing the anthem before her Klein High School volleyball games, which led to performing at NFL and MLB events. Cole,

29, who eventually moved to Nashville and secured a publishing deal, will soon hit a streaming milestone of 100 million, with hits like “White Pearls,” a tribute to mothers, and “Thank God We Broke Up.” A full album is in the works, and next year she hosts the music-festival docuseries The Ultimate Fanfest on Circle TV. “It has been a whirlwind,” notes the rising star. –rbs

Design

Dream Home

Designed to bring the whimsy, romanticism and bespoke beauty of high-fashion into the home, the new Gucci

Décor collection is full of floral prints and animal totems. Armchairs boast beechwood horsehoof legs, fabrics of moiré and elaborate jacquard, and overthe-top tassels. –ewb

Fourteen large-scale gelatin silver prints by Samuel Fosso depict the artist as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and other icons from Black liberation movements. Samuel Fosso: African Spirits debuts at the Menil on Aug. 5 and runs through Jan. 15, 2023. menil.org

SQUARE BANG UNICO

18K King Gold and black ceramic case. In-house UNICO chronograph movement.

THE DISPATCH

MUSIC

The Houston Symphony officially welcomed new music director Juraj Valčuha, who presented masterpieces by Italian opera master Giuseppe Verdi in mid-September. The Slovakian conductor replaces Andrés Orozco-Estrada. houston symphony.com

ART

Korean-American artist Bumin Kim presents her first solo exhibition at Anya Tish Gallery

Her thread-onpanel paintings are eye-catchingly unique; Kim enjoys exploring “how colors talk, what stories are behind them, and the inner response they evoke.” On view through Oct. 8. anyatishgallery.com

MUSIC

The Houston Symphony’s annual Hocus Pocus Pops concert returns to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Oct. 14. Costumes encouraged at this family-friendly event! houston symphony.com

partners in rhyme

Serendipity. How else can you describe the moment in 1967 when an artists and repertoire man for Liberty Records handed an unknown pianist named Elton Hercules John a randomly selected envelope of poems by an equally unknown Bernie Taupin?

Thus began one of the most historically successful collaborations in rock’n’roll, a 50-year songwriting partnership John is celebrating with gusto on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which comes to

Bernie Taupin paints the lyrics of his iconic music.

Houston’s Minute Maid Park Nov. 4. Meanwhile Taupin, who dedicated himself to visual art in the 1990s, has created a series of colorful text-art paintings inspired by lyrics he wrote for some of Sir John’s most beloved hit songs, including “Rocket Man,” “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” and “Bennie and the Jets.” Reflections: The Art Of Bernie Taupin shows Nov. 1-19 at Off The Wall Gallery. RSVP to meet Taupin in person when he visits the gallery Nov. 3 and Nov. 5. –chris becker

Art

Kim’s ‘Voice of Color’

Ho Ho's Holiday Treasures

New Store opeNiNg october 1St

Ho Ho's Holiday Treasures is a full-service christmas store where you can find just about anything and everything you need for the holiday season. We invite you to come explore and find one of a kind pieces that you won't find anywhere in town. From Home decor, lighting, nutcrackers, wire-edged ribbon, trees, oversized displays and so much more, you're sure to find it here. Visit our site and subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to hear about in store specials and deals happening throughout the season. You can also follow us on instagram and facebook @hohos_holidaytreasures.

77027, 832-843-4074

TX 77389, 832-906-6185

Featured Brands

Holliballs, Mark Roberts, Winward by Jim Marvin, Vickerman, Kurt Adler and many more

Houston truck with rich red glossy finish and silver galvanized accents. Best of all, doors and hood actually open, allowing for incredible photos and displays, by Zaer.

42" Blue and white realistic, hand assembled wreath, by Winward

37" Santa's Delivery service, These pieces are designed with the highest level of detail and creativity, by Mark Roberts.

8" Glass Handcrafted King's Jewel Egg & Finial Ornaments in Dark Blue and Burgundy, by Mark Roberts,

72" Santa with burgundy robe holding a christmas tree that comes with decorations and lights, each limited edition piece comes with a numbered and hand signed certificate by Ditz

THE DISPATCH

CULTURE

The Houston Grand Opera presents a dynamic duo of shows in October, beginning with La Traviata (Oct. 21Nov. 6) and followed by The Wreckers (Oct. 28-Nov. 11). houstongrand opera.com

Style

Boutique Buzz

USHER IN THE fall season with stylish pieces from H-Town’s newest boutiques! Cali-chic lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne launched its first Texas location in River Oaks District, while nearby in the Galleria mall, Marc Jacobs has debuted a storefront with the full line — men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, plus handbags, accessories, shoes and fragrances. Rice Village recently welcomed viral, eco-conscious athleisure brand Vuori to its roster. And in Montrose, another socialmedia-savvy, eco-friendly shop has bowed: The first Houston outpost of Reformation, with dresses, tops and celeb-beloved novelty denim styles, opened in Montrose Collective this summer. A selection of Ref Shoes (Maize platform sandal, $248, pictured) is also available. –jd

THEATER Stages presents Plumshuga, a new work by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton that tells the story of Houston dancer Lauren Anderson’s rise to ballet royalty. Blending spoken word, dance, music and theater, the play — which is the culmination of three years of conversations between Mouton and Anderson — runs Oct. 7-Nov. 13. stageshouston.com

BOOKS

Chef Anita Jaisinghani of Pondicheri has released her first cookbook. Masala: Recipes from India, the Land of Spices draws inspiration from one of the oldest and most diverse cuisines on the planet. In the cookbook, more than 100 gorgeously photographed recipes highlight how easy, delicious and healthful Indian food can be.

Update

S never a dull moment

ince his inclusion in CityBook ’s annual Music Issue in the spring, Micah Edwards ’ debut album Jean Leon was released to critical acclaim, and his song “Moments” hit 11 million streams on Spotify. Known to some as “Mr. Texas Soul,” Edwards also welcomed his “best collab yet,” a son named Benjamin, earlier this year.

–ewb, photo by steven visneau

34 | houstoncitybook.com Anderson

THERE’S A BETTER APPROACH TO CANCER CARE

At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available at locations across Greater Houston.

That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.

Baytown

Willowbrook

Land

The Woodlands Clear Lake

713.790.2700 houstonmethodist.org/cancer Houston Texas Medical Center

Brown Sugar

Cozy, warm neutrals like chocolate and espresso are compelmented by spicy autumnal shades and metallic finishes. With a few ’70s-inspired accents, the vibe is vintage and voluptuous.

By Amanda Llanes

1. Throw pillows, from $60, at CB2.

2. Smoke wine glass, $14 each, at CB2. 3. Recycled-wood chain, $289, at Pottery Barn. 4. Indira vase, $150, by Melanie Abrantes at West

Astrid fringe stool, $375, & Co.

Chocolate furniture accessories at CB2. 7. Eames bird, $450, by Herman Miller.

Meet LAUREN VARNADO

s managing partner of Michelman & Robinson (M&R’s) Houston office and a member of the firm’s commercial litigation practice, Lauren Varnado has become one of Houston’s most formidable trial lawyers – successfully litigating high-stakes lawsuits for oil, gas, and petrochemical clients throughout Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, California, North Dakota, New Mexico, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Colorado.

“I have always dreamed about becoming a lawyer since I was a little girl,” says Varnado, and today she’s making that dream her daily reality.

Lauren is a familiar and trusted face and voice in both state and federal courtrooms and a trusted advisor on upstream and midstream operations, class action royalty litigation, LNG contracts, renewable energy, and market manipulation disputes in energy and commodity trading.

“It’s rare for women to be practicing trial law, and even more rare for a woman my age (under 40) to take the lead in oil land gas litigation.”

“I am part of a very diverse team, and I attribute a great deal of our success to the fact that we are able to bring critical perspectives to the courtroom. We are smart, efficient, and relentless when it comes to meeting our clients’ needs. We always think outside the box to find new ways to successfully argue our clients’ cases because at the end of the day, if it is important to the client, it’s important to us.”

Photo by: Sofia van der Dys

Ajust-opened exhibit at Rice University’s beautiful Moody Center for the Arts explores the complex, often fraught relationship between humans and their built environments. In Urban Impressions, internationally acclaimed artists — including three Houston-based visionaries, Charis Ammon, Tiffany Chung and Rick Lowe — interpret the meaning behind and implications of the contemporary global metropolis.

It’s an ambitious show, with remnants of Neolithic

MOODY METRO

By Chris Becker

culture sharing space with modern day signage, and aligns with the Moody’s mission to connect the visual arts with other fields and topics. That connection is something both Chung and Lowe explore in their socially engaged art.

Chung’s personal and artistic journey is particularly harrowing. During the Vietnam War, her father, a helicopter pilot, was captured and remained in prison until 1984, nearly a decade after the fall of Saigon and the first exodus of refugees. Thanks to an agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam to bring former

An ambitious exhibit at Rice’s Moody Center depicts how humans including three celebrated Houston artists —relate to the urban sprawl around us.

Public Display Detail from ‘Principle of Hope,’ a 2017 photo by Robin Rhode, who captures youth interacting with urban art

Mammograms made convenient for you.

Make sure you stay healthy for yourself and your loved ones with regular mammograms. We offer convenient hours at more than 15 Greater Houston locations, near home and work. All with 3-D screening for your best chance at early detection. This is breast care designed for you.

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

political prisoners and their dependents to America, Chung, her parents and her siblings were able to immigrate to Los Angeles where her extended family were settled. Her experience as a refugee has had a profound impact on her art and is key to her ability to articulate the humanity of those who suddenly find themselves displaced and in danger due to circumstances beyond their control.

“Art definitely gives me a platform to process all of the trauma,” says Chung, who now owns a house in Houston. “It wasn’t something I could handle until much later in my life and in my career.”

Included in Urban Impressions is a new iteration of Chung’s 2009 work “Signs‐Sites‐Sights‐Sighs,” a collection of real signage from around the world designed to reassure the hapless citizen attempting to navigate the chaotic environment of the city. The Moody commissioned Chung to create a new collection of Houston-centric signs, now titled “City of Future Promises.”

“I am always skeptical of the promise of modernity and progress,” says Chung. “I want these signs to document a dystopian and utopian vision.”

Born in Russell County in rural Alabama, Lowe has made the journey from growing up in an area he describes as “nothing but farmland and a lot of poverty” to being represented by the blue-chip

gallery Gagosian. In 1993, Lowe, a MacArthur Genius, co-founded the organization Project Row Houses, which repurposed a strip of unused houses in Houston’s historic Third Ward neighborhood into artist studios, and continues to provide support for young single mothers and neighborhood businesses.

Lowe’s contribution to Urban Impressions, a monumental map painting titled “Project Row Houses: Hindsight,” provides the viewer with no strict narrative — but Lowe welcomes any conversation the title stirs up regarding the Third Ward, a neighborhood now in “full gentrification mode.”

“[Project Row Houses] is intended to show what is possible,” says Lowe. “It’s on the ground, trying to work with people. … The paintings really are just a manifestation of me sitting around in my studio thinking about what it all means.”

“Houston has surprised me in many ways,” says Josenhans, who relocated to the city in 2019. She appreciates how, in the midst of the traffic, pollution and endless ongoing construction, there are spaces like the Moody which offer Houstonians some respite.

“You can find these little havens of peace and calm that help to deal with these issues,” says Josenhans. “The duality of urban life and how it impacts us on so many different levels is something I hope visitors will be able to experience in Urban Impressions.

Cityscapes Clockwise from top left: Lowe’s ‘Project Row Houses: Hindsight,’ Chung’s ‘Terra Rouge CEW Study No. 8,’ and Chung’s ‘Signs-Sites-Sights-Sighs.’

M PENNER

How did this duo come about? We’re a husband-andwife team in a family business. We met in 5th grade at Kolter Elementary School and became lifelong friends. For the record, we didn’t start dating until a few years later — and we just celebrated our 40th anniversary!

What’s unique about your team and how does the relationship benefit the business? Our team is part of our family; many of us have worked together since we were in our twenties, so we’ve literally grown up together.

Throughout the year we have many events where our brand representatives come to the store. Without exception, they tell us that our team is the best they’ve seen. This sentiment is validated often by customers who send notes of appreciation (and

occasional bottles of tequila) for an experience that exceeded their expectations.

We are very proud of these accolades and credit our staff for their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. They love to share their interests beyond the fashion world, too; so, if you want to know anything about biking or scuba diving, great vacation spots, or dining recommendations, just ask. On top of that, they’re just a lot of fun to be around.

Tell us about your business. What’s special about what you do and how you do it? In a nutshell, we help men live their best lives in style.

We are unique in Houston by offering a curated collection of both established and artisan luxury

M PENNER DUO Murry & Karen Penner

Photo by Al Torres Photography

TRIOS & TEAMS

brands, along with best of class casual offerings, all together, under one roof. We have been experts in the custom business for over 40 years and offer made-tomeasure services from the most sought-after brands in the world, including Zegna, Kiton, Isaia, Brunello Cucinelli, Santarelli, Sartorio, and more. We have what many consider to be the best tailor shop in town, and we offer complimentary alterations, closet consultation, private appointments, style advising, and local delivery.

What would you be willing to share with others about the secret of success as a duo? We are often asked how we can be married, work together, and not kill each other — how that works. The easy answer is we trust each other. We share great satisfaction in seeing the business and our employees grow and prosper. On occasions where there is conflict, the answer is simple. The buck stops with Murry … at the store. At home, it’s a … well, another interview!

And what makes for an effective team in retail? Everyone on the team works together, so a culture of mutual respect and trust is fundamental. We’re fortunate to have great synergy here that enhances the experiences of both our team and our customers.

Our team works hard, and they are really talented. To keep things fun, we like to have contests that involve games like winning poker hands and “stealing the $20.” We also set team goals, and it’s wonderful to see how the team always pulls together and encourages each other so everyone wins.

What’s up next? What can you share about your plans for 2023? After 17 years at this location, it’s time for a refresh and we’re embarking on a renovation early next year. We’re also planning something special next year to celebrate 50 years in business. Stay tuned!

The M PENNER Team: Judy Penner, Jeremy Penner, Cody Sever, Karen Penner, Belinda Hillhouse, Jesus Alfaro, Joel Choney, Andrea Irizzary, Whitney Wiggins, Murry Penner (not pictured – Javier Aceves)

Photo by Al Torres Photography

At The Tello group, we believe in having a family ambiance within our group. We are a large family, and we embrace a philosophy that promotes unity.

I have been in business for over 20 years, and we organized this team in 2020. At The Tello Group, we combine our expertise with our client’s wants and needs to find their dream home. We believe in the American Dream, and we guide our clients in every step along the way.

In less than three years, The Tello Group assisted over 500 families to buy or sell their home in the Houston area, and by the end of 2022, we will surpass 600 happy transactions.

There is no secret within the Real Estate business. The Tello Group works hard every day to assist every single client. We are confident with our expertise, we are persistent, and, above all, we put our clients wants and needs in the front seat.

The Tello Group is expanding. We currently have 15 real estate agents, and we are looking to bring 5-7 more real estate experts so we can service the Greater Houston Metropolitan area.

If you need to sell your home, buy your new home, or if you simply need advice, please let The Tello Group assist you. Who can give you a peace of mind when selling or buying your home? The Tello Group. PERIOD.

Photo by Al Torres Photography

Talented Teams of

REAL ESTATE

Clare & Leigh Leppert

The Mother Daughter Duo

Our Family Helping Your Family

Through all seasons of life

How did you come together as a team? This fall, we are celebrating the introduction of an exciting real estate collaboration between Clare Leppert, longtime Houston Realtor®, and daughter Leigh Leppert. Clare shared a 20+ year real estate partnership with her mother, Bette Carpenter, until Bette’s death in 2016. Having worked solo for several years, Clare in 2021 was awarded Houston Business Journal’s No. 2 Luxury Realtor® in Houston. Leigh, who has been working in marketing for the past decade, has always shared a passion for real estate and watched Clare successfully balance family and career. We are excited to re-create the next generation of a mother-daughter duo at Compass!

Tell us about your business. What’s unique about your partnership and how does the relationship benefit the business? Clare’s experience in the luxury market for the last 20+ years is enhanced by Leigh’s fresh take on marketing and insight on the ever-evolving Houston neighborhoods. We recognize that real estate is so much more than just “the house.” Exceeding client expectations, marketing, negotiating, hand-holding, and

successfully maneuvering in changing markets are what we do best.

What is the Leppert Ladies’ secret to success? We take a family approach to real estate. Clare and Leigh provide a combination of grit and grace, constantly striving to protect and honor clients’ privacy and to prioritize clients’ best interests.

What makes your partnership effective? Clients benefit from the expertise of not one but two Realtors! Clare is a top-producing, seasoned agent in the luxury market who grew up in River Oaks and knows the tried and true Houston neighborhoods. Leigh offers knowledge about current marketing and advertising strategies and is a connoisseur of Houston hotspots and happenings.

What can Houston expect from this duo? We specialize in assisting clients in all seasons of life. From leasing or purchasing for the first time to empty-nesting and beyond, Clare and Leigh will be there! Our goal is to be your real estate partner for generations to come.

Clare Leppert and Clementine, the Cavachon. Leigh Leppert and Benny, the Bernedoodle.

Photo by Al Torres Photography

PROMOTED

Talented Teams of

ESTATE

Sonnet Realty Group

Tell us about you team. Houstonian husband-and-wife duo, Sean and Gina McCarthy, have a passion for real estate and a community vision which is reflected in their full-service real estate team, Sonnet Realty Group. Sean, originally from the UK, left his career in financial services in 2004 and made a name for himself in the real estate industry. Gina launched her real estate career in 2009. This action-oriented team founded Sonnet Realty Group in 2014 and, within five years, Sean and Gina quickly expanded from a two-person firm to the dynamic team they are today. Their diverse group of agents proudly serve the greater Houston area and surrounding communities in the practices of commercial, residential and luxury real estate.

What’s unique about your team, and how does the relationship benefit the business? In our business, we treat each team member and client as unique individuals with unique circumstances and not a one-size-fits-all approach. Having this outlook benefits our business in many ways. It allows team members to embrace their strengths and be comfortable with working through challenges. For our clients it gives them a more genuine and bespoke home buying and selling experience.

What would you be willing to share with others about the secret of success? Adapting to change in the markets, staying current and involved, looking at trends and staying ahead of the curve. Be consistent. On the other side, knowing when to slow down and take time to recharge is a huge secret to avoiding burnout in our fast-paced business.

What makes for a great, effective team? Knowing how to listen, clear communication, support of each person’s ideas and goals, recognizing and playing to each other’s strengths and experience.

What’s up next? What can you share about your plans and initiatives for the rest of the year and 2023? In the coming months, we will continue to navigate the shifting market and be a truly informed team of advisors for our clients. Currently in 2022, we have expanded to serve Cleveland, Shepherd and the Galveston markets. More exciting news for 2023: Sonnet Realty Group has expanded to serve South Texas. Specifically, the Corpus Christi and Rockport Markets.

Talented Teams

Bayou City Life

What is the relationship between the partnership/team? And how did it come about? Bayou City Life began as a partnership with married partners, Becky Davis and Mark Standridge. They have been deliberate in adding strategic partners to the team since joining Compass in 2019.

Tell us about your business. What’s unique about what you do and how you do it? The Bayou City Life Group is a dynamic team of experienced Realtors with over $100 million in sales since our founding in 2016, a meteoric rise showing how Houston home buyers and sellers flock to our team’s trusted, expert brand of service.

Led by 30-year+ Houston Heights residents Mark and Becky, the team shines in the quirky close-in neighborhoods of the Inner Loop and just outside the Loop, especially the Greater Heights. Veteran Heights Realtor Sandy Steitz and bilingual agent Ericka Contreras, round out the team supported by Operations Manager Robert Atmar and backed by the resources and technology of Compass Real Estate.

When it comes to navigating the urban niceties of historic renovations, minimum lot size, transitioning neighborhoods, and ever-changing flood risk, there’s no better team to count on than one that has seen it all.

What’s special about your approach? With a client base and track record as diverse as the city they call home, the team shines when it comes to helping buyers and sellers envision and experience a fresh slice of life in the Bayou City. From empty nesters downsizing or returning to urban living to busy professionals looking to balance a smart investment for the future and quality of life today,

working with their team ensures you get well-rounded advice on the right move at the right time to the right place.

One of the team’s signature services is Becky’s Best Bungalow Bets, the self-proclaimed real estate nerd’s weekly curated digest of the best new listings in the Heights, along with other insider tips on Heights living. With over 1,400 Heights homes reviewed over the past six years, no Heights homebuyer should go shopping without it, and every Heights seller wants to make the list. With such a winning formula to serve buyers, sellers, and investors, Mark and Becky are frequently called upon to do real estate coaching and training at the national level, raising the bar for residential real estate professionals while expanding their network to better serve their clients for wherever life takes them.

What would you be willing to share with others about the secret of success? The secret to this team’s success is in the authentic relationships formed with clients. Bayou City Life provides the best advice when there is a genuine understanding of what really matters to clients, throughout the buying or selling process, so that it can be made into their reality. Today, Bayou City Life’s earliest clients are now some of the team’s best friends, with relationships based on a deep trust that extends far beyond the real estate transaction.

What’s up next? With the market gradually normalizing after a long period of record low inventory, the team looks forward to a better experience for home buyers and sellers in 2023, free from the frenzy of an imbalanced market. A more balanced market enables a team with their level of experience to shine as they help buyers evaluate more choices and sellers put their best foot forward on the market. They can do all of this with direct advice and tools like the Compass Concierge program to finance upgrades and improvements prior to the sale.

PROMOTED

Photo by Al Torres Photography

Talented Teams of

REAL ESTATE

The Evans Team

The Evans Team’s mantra is to always go the extra mile for our clients; there is nothing that is “not in our job description.”

Our secret sauce is simple: We share a mutual respect and genuine fondness for one another. Most of us have known each other for years and enjoy the winning combination of trust, friendship and similar work ethics, which has resulted in our many successes. Our cohesiveness creates a positive environment that enables us to produce maximum results for our clients.

We have a wide range of experience, skills and age, which gives us a unique spectrum of perspective in any situation. We work together to provide the same extraordinary level of “Evans Team” service to all of our clients, regardless of which team member you work with. We collectively cover a lot of ground and can offer clients our Real Estate expertise throughout the city. Together we bring unparalleled value to our clients — a wealth of knowledge, experience, resources and support. There isn’t a question we can’t get an answer to or a situation we can’t handle.

WE KNOW HOUSTON. WE KNOW REAL ESTATE. OUR TEAM IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING AN EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE TO EVERY ONE OF OUR CLIENTS.

Left to Right: Rich Evans, Vikki Evans, Leah Oliver Christman, Kat Pressly, Alyssa Silver

Talented Teams of REAL ESTATE

Perdomo Group

Lifelong Relationships

How did your team form? After ten years as a realtor for a top firm in Houston, Kim Perdomo established a boutique brokerage in 2011. The team grew organically and joined forces with Compass in 2019.

What is the relationship within the team? We have a very special relationship as a team. A lot of us have been friends for many years prior to working together in real estate. With that brings a camaraderie and loyalty to one another that is truly remarkable. We all work together to help everyone succeed, and that is a huge benefit to our clients.

What makes you unique? Our Brand Promise:

• Maintaining Lifelong Relationships With Our Clients

• Personal Service

• Distinctive Marketing

• Helping Our Clients Make the Right Move

How do you bring this promise to life? We specialize in presenting our listings to the market to achieve the best results. Our personalized, hands-on service includes coordinating staging services, repairs, inspections and through distinctive

marketing we attract the largest group of buyers. A few metrics we use to define best results include sales price, contract terms offered, days on market and list price to sales price ratios. Since we are with our clients throughout the entire process, our business relationships typically evolve into true friendships. We have done this successfully in a seller’s market and buyer’s market. As a team, we have 140 years of experience. We have seen it all.

What’s the secret to your success? Integrity. Doing what we say we are going to do and putting our clients’ needs above ours.

What’s next for the end of the year and 2023? We just returned from our top producer awards trip in Alys Beach, Fla., and we are beginning to set goals and prioritize on how we can continue to raise the bar as individuals and as a team. We are currently working with clients to help them evaluate their real estate needs and monitoring the luxury market while communicating exclusive listing opportunities to our buyer clients and fellow agents. Our team expertise and the Compass advantage provides the ultimate results for our clients.

Teams

Standing left to right: Meghan Johnson, Jill Knowles, Julianna Lind, Beth Stephan, Marla Reade, Galina Saburov, Lil Newman Seated left to right: Susan Boylan, Julie Sheets, Kim Perdomo, Kim Zander, Tracy Ackley

Pas de Deux

Beckanne Sisk, originally from Longview, and her handsome fiancé, native Virginian Chase O’Connell, have just debuted as principal dancers at Houston Ballet. The city’s newest stars shine bright in fall’s hottest fashion trends.

Photos by Ashkan Roayaee Styling by Todd Ramos

Hair and makeup by Darcie Teasley

On her: Top, vest, trousers and shoes, all by Michael Kors. On him: Jacket, $548, by Frame, and pants, $190, by G-Star at Saks Fifth Avenue.

MILITARY MOOD

Efficaciousness, durability and sleek army green were spotted on this season’s runways.

BOLD COLOR

Who says bright shades are reserved for spring and summer? From “Barbiecore” pink to orange and royal blue, pick a hue and do you this fall.

On him: Sweater set, pants and belt, all by Versace; shoes, $1,090, by Balenciaga at Neiman Marcus. On her: Dress, $2,195, by Balmain, and shoes, $1,795, by YSL, both at Saks Fifth Avenue.

We are proud to be Houston owned and Houston focused. We have been since the start. We hope to share other businesses that do Houston proud so that you can truly experience what it means to support local. Where you spend your money matters and we take that seriously. We want to be your next Realtor ® .

If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.

FEEDER

On him: Suit and tee, both by Gucci; shoes, $790, by Alexander McQueen at Saks Fifth Avenue. On her: Coat, tights and shoes, all by Gucci; earrings, $17,450, necklace, $700,000, diamond-wrap band, $69,500, and cocktail ring, $21,250, all at Valobra Master Jewelers.

SPORTY SPICE

Fashion is upping its game with athletic-themed details big and small, from racing stripes to soccer scarves and motocross gloves.

LEATHER REPORT

Worn-in and edgy is this season’s forecast! Biker-style silhouettes are big, but expect slick and supple head-to-toe looks, too.

FEEDER Style

On her: Tee, jacket, mini skirt, belt and jewelry, all by Versace. On him: Shirt, $898, by Frame at Saks Fifth Avenue.

On her: Suit, tights, shoes and jewelry, all by Chanel. On him: Sweatshirt, $340, by MCQ, jacket, $2,595, by Dolce & Gabbana, jeans, $298, by John Elliott, and shoes, $690, by Alexander McQueen, all at Saks Fifth Avenue.

FEEDER

PUNK PREP

Tartan and tweed get a gritty makeover for fall, incorporating chains, studs and knits to achieve the full Y2K effect.

On him: Shirt, $825, by Versace, shoes, by Prada, and pants, by YSL, all at Saks Fifth Avenue.

On her: Dress, tights, coat, bag and shoes, all by Michael Kors, with mosaic diamond earrings, $15,250, vintage chevron-link necklace, $15,200, by Tiffany & Co., spiral ring, $13,750, and oval ring, $13,500, all at Lesley Ann Jewels.

GO DEEP Donning classic, autumnal shades of red — like maroon and burgundy is a surefire way to make a statement.

DR. MARCUS DE GUZMAN

DR. CYNTHIA CORRAL

JOHN CALTON & JOHNATHAN CALTON

“It’s an icebreaker,” says John Calton, on the left, of being an identical twin. He and his brother Johnathan, both 31-year-old model-actors, are represented by Neal Hamil Agency locally and by firms like MMG and The Source in New York, Miami and beyond. Their fall calendars have booked up with fashion shows and a few national commercials, and they’re also soon launching their own production company for episodic films. “Being a twin has opened doors in modeling because of its uniqueness,” continues John, a dad of two. (Johnathan is single, by the way.) “But,” he adds with a laugh, “it’s a drawback when the industry wants our look, but only needs one.”

photographed at select studios

DUOS 2022

ON THE

DOUBLE

These power pairs, from cool couples and business partners to mom-and-son artists and a couple sets of indomitable identical twins, are on the edge of Houston life and culture now.

Photos by Jhane Hoang, Text by Evan W. Black

ARMANDO PALACIOS & CINDA MURPHY

Armando Palacios and Cinda Murphy, husband-wife owners of Upper Kirby’s iconic Armando’s, saw opportunity in crisis: They recruited top industry workers laid off during Covid, and doubled down on their hospitality ventures. “I knew the pandemic would eventually end,” says Murphy. They opened boutique Hotel Lulu in Round Top, where they already owned property and restaurants, and soon after brought the Lulu’s brand back home to the corner of Kirby and Westheimer; the chic Italian spot just turned one. In 2023, a Bellaire outpost of their Tex-Mexer Mandito’s, already a hit in Round Top, bows.

SYLVIA ROMAN & ALEX ROMAN, JR.

Growing up in Nuevo León, Mexico, Alex Roman, Jr. would see his mother’s paintings all over town. “I looked up to her, and wanted to be an artist just like her,” he says. Fast forward a couple decades, and not only is he a well known Houston artist, his street-art projects are carried out in partnership with his mom, Sylvia. Known as Donkeeboy and Donkeemom, the duo has splashed their colorful murals on walls and sidewalks for clients including the Houston Astros, Memorial Hermann and Shipley’s Donuts. Look for their third annual two-day “immersive” Donkeeshow, with neverbefore-seen pieces, in November.

COURTNEY ZAVALA & DERRICK SHORE

“When that red light goes on, Courtney and I starting talking, and we’re off to the races,” says Derrick Shore of filming Houston Life, which airs on KPRC on weekdays at 1pm, with his co-host Courtney Zavala. “And yes, sometimes we end up laughing so hard we’re unable to speak or we literally fall off the sofa.” It’s moments like those that might be unplanned, but certainly contribute to their becoming one of Houston television’s best-known duos. But at one point, Zavala, who stepped away from an anchor position in 2015 to raise a family, thought she was done with the newsroom — until she met Shore two years later. “We laughed and it was like we were old friends catching up,” says Zavala. “Lightning in a bottle. Our secret sauce.”

photography assistance by sarah de la rosa

ADRIAN MICHAEL & NICHELLE PRINCE

At age 27, Nichelle Prince has lived out her childhood dreams of playing soccer at the Olympics and the World Cup. What’s left to tackle? A December wedding to her musician partner, Adrian Michael, whom she met on Bumble in 2017. Michael, 31, is the lead singer of Adrian Michael & the Greenway Band, which is quickly becoming the most soughtafter private-events booking in Houston. Their Big Day will take place at the end of the Houston Dash’s season; a Canada native and two-time Olympic medalist — Prince has played her entire six-year NWSL career in Houston. “When I see Nichelle killing it, it motivates me to step my game up, and vice versa,” says Michael. “Nichelle winning the gold was the biggest motivator ever for me.”

photographed at select studios ; styled by angelique gioldasis ; photography assistance by sarah de la rosa

TAMA LUNDQUIST & TENA LUNDQUIST FAUST

Houston PetSet promotes collaboration as a way to end animal homelessness. So perhaps it’s no wonder that Tama Lundquist, at left, and Tena Lundquist Faust work together as co-presidents of the nonprofit. The longtime leading ladies have implemented efforts such as transporting more than 8,000 Houston shelter pets to a happy life in other states, providing free and lowcost veterinary care across Houston, and creating PetProtect, an emergency boarding program for the pets of survivors fleeing domestic abuse. This year, the twin sisters went to Austin to testify and ensure that the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act was finally passed. And they co-chaired — for the eighth time! — PetSet’s annual Fierce & Fabulous Soiree in September, raising a whopping $1 million at The Post Oak Hotel. Fabulous, indeed.

MARIO TORT & VANESSA TORT PAGEL

In January, Estilo Salon & Spa co-owner Mario Tort was enjoying a jaunt to France when his biz-partner sister, Vanessa, notified him that the retail space next-door to their Montrose salon was for lease. His European vacation instantly turned into a sourcing trip, and in September, the pair launched Estilo Home, filled with unique décor and lifestyle items — parasol-style lampshades, woven tabletop goods — with a Cali-meets-French Riviera sensibility. “Even as children, we were attached at the hip,” says Mario.

Step By Step

Globetrotting bon vivant and former fashion exec Terron Schaefer worked with architect David Guthrie to design a backlit staircase in his unique Sugar Land remodel. Objets d’art include, to the right, a heart-shaped Mexican sculpture called ‘Corazon Negro’ and, under the stairs, the nosecone of a 1950sera Lockheed Super Constellation aircraft, a nod to the homeowner’s aviation obsession.

Secret Suburban Chic

Our author gleaned that a fabulous renovation was taking shape in his Sugar Land subdivision. But he had no idea a true international man of mystery — with top-tier fashion cred, famous friends and an extraordinary art collection — had moved in.

By Mark A. Anawaty, Photos by Josh Gremillion

Ileft a notecard for my neighbor, Terron Schaefer, whom I’d never met, asking if I could sneak a look at the house in my neighborhood in Sugar Land that he’d been reconstructing for nearly three years. This was no simple remodel, and, with its starkly contemporary exterior shape, newly paneled with horizontal driftwood-gray cedar planks, it was not looking like any other home in the subdivision. It was a lotus blooming in the desert.

Weeks went by, and I assumed he’d written me off as a nosey neighbor, when I finally received a voicemail begging forgiveness for not responding earlier. He explained that he’d been traveling

Light Fantastic

A newly added skylight at the top of the stairs illuminates a landing appointed with a large cog from a ship’s engine, doubling as a rotary art piece.

abroad: Morocco, Paris, London, Berlin, Milan and Dubai. It was becoming more obvious to me that this was no ordinary home — and no ordinary homeowner. I had a lot of questions.

My new neighbor in suburban Houston is, it turns out, a former Saks Fifth Avenue global exec and TV star with a roster of glamorous friends and international exploits that would make a Kardashian jealous. And his home interior is a museum-white showplace for an art collection featuring meaningful bits of antiquity, nostalgia and primitive totems, mixed with hundreds of exquisite black-and-white photographs, mostly in crisp black frames.

In some places, there’s no more wall space for the photos, so they’re simply set on the edge of the floor against the wall in long, informal rows.

Helmut Newton, Graciela Iturbide, Bruce Weber, Terry O’Neill, Irving Penn, Matthew Rolston and Herb Ritts are all represented here. There’s a closeup of Naomi Campbell’s lips by the Brit Nick Knight — and a shot by Cuba’s Alberto Korda of Che Guevera, and also his tiny, reverent Fidel Castro at the base of the Lincoln Memorial. There’s a depiction of lounging gents, called “Sailors, Key West,” by the usually deep-color portraitist Marie Cosindas; the one owned by MOMA is in color, but at Terron’s insistence the version Cosindas gifted him is printed in black-and-white. Newer pieces include

two, with another on the way, by the red-hot Brazilian Guilherme Licurgo, whose bendy, athletic male dancers — presented nude in leafy outdoor settings — are celebrations of the natural world and rather erotic.

The Sugar Land home, now awash in images, had belonged to his parents, and he had inherited it, he explained. He also has a home in New York and one in Rio de Janeiro. Born in Brazil, raised in Argentina and schooled in Switzerland, he came back to Texas upon his parents’ death to put the house in order.

Terron asked noted Rice architect David Guthrie to help with an expansive renovation, with loads of natural light and wall space — and the ability to bring the outside in. The home now reads a bit like the piazzas seen in Italian residences. It’s an L-shaped, glass-walled affair that bends around a rectangular pool with azurecolored plaster; its Carrara marble coping and graceful fountain add to the Euro feel. The vibe is heightened yet more when the floor-to-ceiling glass doors slide open, and world music pipes throughout.

The architecture and furnishings are a shrine to both his travels and his sensibilities, which are certified first-rate. After all, he still holds what’s said to be the Christie’s record, and has the framed auction paddle to prove it, for the most expensive single piece of furniture ever sold at auction by a living designer. It was a “pod of drawers” — imagine a riveted-together aluminum cello

Pool Rules

The pool deck is sprinkled with chic curios, like a bottle-drying rack sourced in Round Top, and concrete spheres from New York.

House Beautiful Clockwise from top left: A Burmese water urn purchased in Bangkok, an antique plane propeller and a coffee table by Italian artist Gae Aulenti are among the living room’s treasures; the homeowner, per a previous magazine profile; a collage of images in the open dining space boasts a cowboy-cool portrait of Paul Newman and Lee Marvin by Terry O’Neill; the master closet, in which a window with a skyward glimpse becomes art.

with legs in which you might store your socks — by the Aussie industrial designer Marc Newson, sold for more than $1 million.

Terron had originally purchased the piece directly from Newson when Terron was living Down Under and designing surfboards for a company he owned at the time.

Terron has had a long and eventful career in and around the world’s retail fashion industry — including but not limited to surfboards. For years, he was the EVP and chief international creative officer for Saks. At turns he also starred on NBC’s Fashion Star, served as a senior marketing exec at Warner Bros., ran Harrod’s of London at the personal behest of then-owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, and oversaw a design and branding “refresh” of Britain’s Savoy hotel and its sister properties.

Terron recalls when Blackstone co-founder and hotelier Peter Peterson tapped him for the Savoy gig, which eventually entailed details such as enlisting John Galliano to design bathrobes: “In my very first interview, he asked me straightaway if I knew the hotels in London in the chain. I’m not sure he really knew the extent of my travels and experience, but I immediately started listing Claridges, the Connaught, the Berkeley, the Clarendon. Stopping me before I could finish, he hired me on the spot.”

Still a jetsetter, Terron returned to his beloved London last fall, as soon as the UK reopened as Covid waned, to celebrate his birthday with 22 of his closest friends at The Wolseley, a long-time favorite hangout at 160 Piccadilly. And what friends this man has made along the way! He’s close to famous models in every country, movie stars across the U.S. and Europe, musicians, Indian maharajas, Iranian shahs. I’ve seen pictures of him with Kanye West, with Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem and the kids in the backyard, with Russell Crowe.

“Russell is a prince,” Terron

While working as an exec at Saks Fifth Avenue, homeowner Schaefer channeled a previous gig as a surfboard designer in Australia, dividing the Saks logo into 64 pieces and using them graphically on surfboards sold at the department stores. One of the boards adds a sculptural accent in the media room.

says. “I first met him when he was nominated for an Academy Award, and his parents had flown up from Australia. He was stressed because his mother had no idea what she was walking into and had no clothes to wear to the various Oscar parties. I told him not to worry, and we all headed off to the nearest Saks where she was splendidly outfitted. We’ve been pen pals ever since.”

Terron’s most noteworthy association may have been with Salvador Dalí, which began when he was introduced to the surrealist artist by wealthy industrialist and gallerist Armand Hammer. “I think I became his muse in a sense,” says Terron of Dalí. “He thought my eye discerning, and I guess he knew a little of my reputation in the fashion world. I had given him my Polaroid SX-70, which was the rage then, and our friendship was sealed. Every time he was in New York, he would insist I meet him at the St. Regis, where he

held court with Woden, his pet ocelot.” There are a couple shots of Dalí in Terron’s photo collection.

There are lots of stories like this, that can be told in a variety of tongues. Sitting in his home, I’ve witnessed him seamlessly slip between at least four languages when the phone rings.

This day, he succinctly explains in English the passions of his life. “Nothing can replace travel for erasing prejudice,” he says, pointing to a photo of an Italian pal having tea on her terrace in the Dorsodoru sestiere of Venice. “And nothing can duplicate having friends across the world in different cultures to promote understanding and compassion. It’s so beautiful.”

Mark A. Anawaty is a design-driven developer and sometime freelance writer whose byline has appeared in many regional publications.

Endless Summer

Get the Picture

Hundreds of black-and-white images by the world’s most famous photographers, past and present, fill almost every wall in Schaefer’s home. Provocative pictures by current hotshot Guilherme Licurgo of Rio are among those presented in this upstairs hallway.

TOASTS WITH THE MOST

Houstonians raised a glass as summer soirees gave way to fabulous fall fetes. The Houston Ballet raised the curtain on its new season with a contemporary-cool performance of Peter Pan followed by an onstage dinner at the Wortham Center. Former Miss Texas USA Nicole “Niki” Lassiter celebrated a milestone birthday with a princess theme with hundreds of friends — and a few singer-actors dressed as Disney characters — at Hotel ZaZa.

Tarek El-Bjeirmi and Ceron at ‘South Beach’

Jim and Jo Furr at ‘HelpCure HD’

Caitlin Fleming, Katherine Orellana, Michael Vo at ‘WOW’

Bobby and Phoebe Tudor at ‘Ballet’

Margaret Alkek Williams and Jim Nelson at ‘Ballet’

Jose Altuve, Jim Crane, Lance McCullers, Jr. and Kyle Tucker at ‘Team Up’

Nick Muscara, Shiva Tavakoli at ‘Urban Harvest’

Party People

Courtney McKinney, Bill Baldwin and Ginger Baldwin at ‘Team Up’

Amanda and Terry Boffone at ‘Memorial Hermann’

Jessica and Matt Morrison at ‘HelpCure HD’

Donna Lewis and Anita Sehgal at ‘Team Up’

Party People

Astros stars Lance McCullers, Jr., Jose Altuve and Kyle Tucker hosted a glam slam at Tootsies to raise money for their respective organizations. The Team Up event benefited causes such as animal rescue efforts, children’s charities and Hospice care. ... Following a reno and Covid-related closure, Montrose’s South Beach nightclub welcomed guests back for the first time in four years. Former Astros pitcher Joe Smith and his wife Allie LaForce hosted the HelpCure HD gala at Minute Maid Park to raise funds and awareness of Huntington’s Disease. The foundation has pledged to help other couples eliminate the gene causing the brain disease using IVF by covering the cost of the expensive process. Houston do-gooders chilling in Colorado this summer gathered for a mountain-chic soiree in support of Memorial Hermann. ... The Women of Wardrobe’s (WOW) Summer Soiree returned to Tootsies, welcoming 300 guests who raised more than $15,000 for Dress for Success. Dedicated to furthering the mission of Urban Harvest, a new group called Cultivators has formed, made up of entrepreneurs, artists, chefs, educators, farmers and more. The founding committee welcomed patrons and curious supporters-to-be to Christopher Martin Gallery for a cocktail party. 

Henry and Jean May and Stanton Welch at ‘Ballet’

Ryan and Kat Pressly at ‘HelpCure HD’

Mandy Bynum and Monica Guerra at ‘WOW’

Olivia Awo and Kaitlyn Dhindsa at ‘WOW’

Lynn Wyatt at ‘South Beach’

Beth Muecke and Nicole Lassiter at ‘Niki’

Amalia Stanton, Laurie Krohn, Melissa Juneau, Laura Escalona at ‘Memorial Hermann’

Fady Armanious at ‘South Beach’

Iraida Brown, Debbie Festari and Melissa Mithoff at ‘Niki’

Allison and Troy Thacker with Hallie Vanderhider at ‘Ballet’

Pitmaster Greg Gatlin is spreading his wings with Gatlin’s Fins and Feathers. His H-Town Hot sandwich stars a hunk of fried fish or chicken dunked in spicy Viet-Cajun sauce. Yes, please. See Latest Dish on page 85

photo by becca wright

Smoke Signals Clockwise from above: S’mores get charred with hardwood charcoal; koviche with lobster and fried sunchoke; chef de cuisine Shaun King.

Yakitori Glory

The hotly anticipated Houston outpost of Uchiko has finally bowed. By Patrick Magee

OOne can just about keep time according to the length of the line that rounds the corner of Westheimer and Grant in Montrose. The queue starts around 3:30pm; around 4pm revelers are shuffled into Uchi for happy hour. It’s a Montrose tradition at this point. Across town, on another prominent street corner, Hai Hospitality has opened sister restaurant Uchiko, in the Zadoks’ Post Oak Place.

The menu at Uchiko marries Tyson Cole’s modern Japanese cuisine, a la Uchi, with the charred and smoked flavors one might find at Loro, another Hai Hospitality gem. To achieve superb texture and flavor, the kitchen is outfitted with a yakitori grill, commonly used to make Japanese street food. The grill cooks meat, vegetables and even fruit quickly over charcoal. “We’ve been experimenting a lot with charring and juicing vegetables,” says chef de cuisine Shaun King, “and the use of smoke to strike a balance between bold and more

delicate flavors.”

The main dining room is windowless and filled with lots of wood and stone, yielding a warm and energetic space with am-I-still-in-Houston vibes. The chandeliers are a standout element: Dark blue fabric surrounds a pale yellow sphere of light that brings to mind the moon on a cloudy evening.

Not unlike the one at Uchi, the menu here is broken down into daily specials, maki and nigiri, plus cool and hot tastings. Oysters from Alabama make an appearance as a special. The server explains that, while technically still a Gulf Coast oyster, these from Alabama aren’t too briny, and are naturally just salty enough to complement the spinach and ponzu on top.

On the raw side of the menu, impressive cuts of fish like the medium-fatty bluefin chutora, which is flavorful and melts like a hunk of butter on the tongue, are meant

to be savored. The full range of cuts are to be eaten fish side down, so the fish hits the tongue first.

A highlight of the cool tastings is koviche It’s a healthy portion of lobster topped with fried sunchokes, a Jerusalem artichoke which, when fried, tastes like a potato chip. As for the hot tastings, Cole and King bring the Texas influence to items like sakura pork belly with burnt honey chili, and Texas Wagyu, seared four times and served with greens and french fries — because why not?

The charring is brought tableside for dessert: A log of dark chocolate is topped with marshmallow and singed with a binochotan, or hardwood charcoal, for upscale campfire perfection.

For all the Montrose patrons, Uchi will soon open a 12-seat omakase tasting room next-door at 904 Westheimer Rd. And Uchiko offers half-off bubbles daily at 4pm. That like-clockwork line might start to be a daily occurrence on Post Oak, too.

Dining

LATEST DISH!

HOUSTON’S BEST FOOD NEWS, IN SMALL BITES

Agricole Hospitality will open a second location of Eight Row Flint this fall at 3501 Harrisburg Blvd., located on the MetroRail’s Green line. Agricole also plans to open EZ’s Liquor Lounge nextdoor to Coltivare on White Oak.

In Garden Oaks’ Stomping Grounds, Cherry Block Smokehouse has bowed. Expect a Texas-style mishmash of pecansmoked meats, gumbo, a gussied-up double cheeseburger and more. “The Market” touts bread, cheese and other take-home items.

Opening soon in the former Tony Mandola’s spot on Waugh: Gatsby’s Prime Seafood from the owners of Gatsby’s Prime Steakhouse in Montrose. The menu will be comprised of

fresh seafood brought in daily, including a branzino filet, Bedford scallops, sea bass, a showy seafood tower, and caviar offerings.

Alli Jarrett, who owns Harold’s Restaurant & Tap Room in the Heights, has opened Low Tide Kitchen & Bar in a former Spring Branch taquiera. The remodeled space now lends a beachside feel, complete with an oyster bar. The menu of seafood, chicken, burgers and sandwiches (which can be prepared as salads!) is both familyand budget-friendly.

Lagniappe Kitchen & Bar has opened in the former Revival Market space, from owner Layne Cruz, who was previously Revival’s GM. The New Orleans-reared Cruz is bringing some of her breakfast,

lunch and bar-bites favorites to H-Town, a la muffuletta sandwiches and cheddar-bacon biscuits.

Gatlin’s pitmaster Greg Gatlin dishes out a Houston spin on Southern staples at his new Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers in Independence Heights. Arrive hungry for expertly fried chicken and fish (and don’t skip the buttery biscuits). Start light with the charred Brussel sprouts salad, and then splurge on the orange Creamsicle doughnut.

New modern Vietnamese joint Dinette, located on Shepherd at 11th, from the owners of Hando and Kanpai Club, is already known for its vegan specialties, square eggrolls, Vietnamese pizza, and colorful tiki cocktails.

Fire Starter Charred pineapple on the ‘yakitori’ grill and, below, lobster on bamboo skewers roasted.

Eight Row Flint’s chicharones and queso

Cancun 2.0

Forget the solo cups and spring-breakers. This food-forward Mexican destination throws a different kind of fiesta. By Patrick Magee

TThe music gets louder as the chorus of Shouse’s party anthem “Love Tonight” pumps through the speakers. It’s a scene for sure, but it’s not the spring-break party atmosphere Cancun is sometimes known for. Here, the 20-somethings are dancers at the restaurant Chambao, where diners are encouraged to get on their feet between courses of a steak dinner.

At the JW Marriott Cancun across the street from Chambao, it’s equally clear that Cancun is still a party place, but for grownups. Each of the hotel’s 448 rooms offers luxe accommodations and a balcony that looks over the Caribbean Sea and Nichupté Lagoon.

At 35,000-square-feet, the hotel spa incorporates the area’s Mayan history in its décor — embroidery, carvedreclaimed-wood accents — and treatments, a la aromatic oils and herbs believed to have healing properties.

Further relaxation is found beachside, where Bali-style daybeds and turquoise lounge chairs matching the hue of the Caribbean dot the white sand beach. Order freshsqueezed juices — with or without tequila — and then opt for a dip in a sprawling infinity pool. The adventurous can

even take professional diving lessons in a certified artificial reef pool.

With 11 on-site restaurants, the hotel is a foodie’s paradise. Every night, an attractive crowd walks along the beach to SacBe, which boasts traditional Mexican fare and live music. Dubbed “the beach shack,” the trendy restaurant spills out onto the sand; diners can sit on oversized pillows and eat on low tables, at regular tables, or at the bar, which doesn’t have stools but instead a dozen or so swings.

From the bar, you might get a glimpse of the fire dancers entertaining at Cancun’s first Polynesian restaurant, Hana. The food is experimental and irreverent: The crispy catch of the day is a served as a full fried fish made into a small bowl shape, then filled with fresh greens and edible flowers, giving the impression of a small garden.

After dinner, the lobby bar has a menu of 150 Instagramworthy margaritas to try. The varieties range from traditional to inventive ones with Jaegermeister, Chamoy and Licor 43. After a few, you might start dancing on the tables — which is slightly less encouraged in the lobby than it is at Chambao.

Life’s a Beach Clockwise from top: The JW Marriott Cancun’s SacBe restaurant; creatively plated food at on-site restaurant Gustinos; ‘pan,’ or bread, offerings at the hotel spa

Rigatoni alla Vodka at Marmo

Fine Jewelry presents

GuideBook

Here’s

51FIFTEEN american

Located inside Saks Fifth Avenue in the Galleria, this two-story restaurant’s lunch and dinner plates are

as pretty as the designer wares. 5175 Westheimer Rd., 713.623.6100

A’BOUZY american

This sceney restaurant and patio combines a menu of shareable plates with prime meats and a raw bar. Pick from the substantial wine list that includes more than 250 Champagnes or sparklings. Excellent take-out and delivery specials! 2300 Westheimer Rd.

UPDATE! ADAIR KITCHEN american

This Tanglewood gem is popular for its cold-pressed juices, big breakfasts and giant

salads. Healthful home-style meals are casual and quick, but regulars are known to settle in with a bottle of wine at dinnertime and stay awhile. Now open in West U! 5161 San Felipe St., 713.623.6100

AMALFI italian Charming Amalfi touts coastal Italian dishes like homemade fettuccine in creamy black-truffle sauce by Salerno native chef Giancarlo Ferrara. 6100 Westheimer Rd., 713.532.2201

BACKSTREET CAFÉ american Housed in a two-story 1930s home, Hugo Ortega’s Backstreet Café became a

River Oaks staple 30 years ago. Expect a menu boasting an imaginative take on seasonal fare along with hefty vegetarian selections. 1103 S. Shepherd Dr., 713.521.2239

BCN spanish

Named after Barcelona’s airport code, BCN offers authentic Spanish cuisine in a white-tablecloth setting. The specialty gin and tonics are a must-have, as is the Spanish Iberico ham. 4210 Roseland St., 832.834.3411

BLUDORN american

Aaron Bludorn and his wife

Victoria Bludorn (née Pappas, of that Pappas family) deliver

to

diverse city in

CITYBOOK DINING DISTRICTS

1 Memorial, Galleria Area, River Oaks, Upper Kirby and Montrose

2 Garden Oaks, the Heights, Washington Corridor

3 Midtown, Downtown, EaDo, Third Ward, Fifth Ward

4 Bellaire, West University, Museum District, Med Center

in a big way with platters like the ancho-glazed grilled quail with cheese enchiladas and spicy shrimp chalupas. 322 Westheimer Rd, 713.807.8101

multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

HUGO’S mexican Chef Hugo Ortega’s namesake restaurant is a Houston staple, serving up authentic Mexican cuisine with margaritas to match. Guests love the festive weekend brunch buffet where indulging in seconds is a must. 1600 Westheimer Rd., 713.524.7744

to four people and must be ordered in advance — are authentic and full-flavored. 4444 Westheimer Rd., 713.629.4444

LIBERTY KITCHEN american A fab brunch destination with locations in River Oaks and Memorial City, Liberty Kitchen touts over-the-top, seafood-savvy comfort food. 4224 San Felipe St., libertykitchen oysterette.com multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

MAD spanish

a Gulf-tinged New American menu and low-key fine-dining to Montrose. 807 Taft St., 713.999.0146

BRENNER’S ON THE BAYOU steakhouse

Enjoy dinner with a view at this steakhouse nestled on the lush banks of Buffalo Bayou. Steaks, sides and decadent desserts are all good bets, and the restaurant’s hip Blue Bar offers a less formal — yet still sophisticated — vibe with craft cocktails. One Birdsall St., 713.868.4444

CARACOL mexican/seafood

Hugo Ortega’s seafood-savvy concept boasts Mexican coastal cuisine in a swanky, mod space on Post Oak. 2200 Post Oak Blvd., 713.622.9996

UPDATE! COMMON BOND bakery

Don’t miss the buttery croissants as big as your face at this Montrose bakery and cafe. Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and post up with a lavender latte on the dog-friendly patio. Now with a sit-down restaurant in Downtown! 1706 Westheimer Rd., 713.529.3535

DA MARCO italian

High-end Da Marco puts a luxurious spin on Tuscan cuisine with dishes like spaghetti-and-sea-urchin and sweet-corn ravioli with lobster. The elegant space is one often considered for special occasions. 1520 Westheimer Rd.

NEW! DAILY GATHER american

This CityCentre patio spot is the latest under the Five 12 Restaurant Concepts brand, which also has Dish Society. Shareable starters and well rounded entrees make up the hefty lunch and dinner menus; weekend brunch is fun! In CityCentre, dailygather.com

DORIS METROPOLITAN steakhouse

This glam steakhouse is inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. Hot tip: The breadbasket alone may be worth the trip, with rolls flavored with caramelized onions and presented with crushed-tomato spreads and herb butters. 2815 S. Shepherd Dr.

EL TIEMPO tex-mex El Tiempo delivers Tex-Mex

KATA ROBATA japanese

Discreetly situated in a retail center, this top-notch sushi bar serves up fresh, innovative Japanese dishes daily under the direction of executive chef Manabu Horiuchi. 3600 Kirby Dr., 713.526.8858

KILLEN’S southern Expect mouthwatering comfort-food fare like fried chicken and fried green tomatoes with buttermilk sauce, and an evercomforting chicken-anddumplings dish. 101 Heights Blvd., 713.637.4664

LA GRIGLIA italian From caprese salad to wild mushroom lasagna, the menu at La Griglia is simple, but elegant. When Houston weather permits, enjoy the patio, complete with fire pits and scenic River Oaks views. 2002 W. Gray St., 713.526.4700

LE COLONIAL french/ vietnamese

French-Vietnamese cuisine is presented in a posh space in River Oaks District. Dishes like the crispy whole duck — which serves up

Everything at this BCN sister concept — from the mirrorlined hall to the bathroom and the cartoon-like, cheesestuffed shiny red MAD Tomato — is photo-worthy. Reservations recommended. 4444 Westheimer Rd., 281.888.2770

MALA SICHUAN chinese

This longtime Chinatown favorite is equally popular inside the Loop. Mala’s menu packs a punch with dishes like the dry-pot chicken and three-pepper duck. 1201 Westheimer Rd., 832.767.0911 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

MARCH mediterranean

An exclusive and pricey tasting-menu-only affair, March lives up to the hype. Posh snacks in the lounge include bite-size vehicles for caviar and foie gras; the main event is six or nine courses of highly refined, Mediterranean-inspired dishes by chef-owner Felipe Riccio. 1624 Westheimer Rd., marchrestaurant.com

MASTRO’S steakhouse

At more-is-more Mastro’s, Vegas comes to Houston, with everything but showgirls and roulette wheels.

CityBook Partner

Try something out of the steakhouse box, like the Wagyu hamburger helper. 1650 W. Loop S., 713.993.2500

NOBU sushi

At socialite-savvy Nobu, hyperinformed waiters float around, delivering bite-sized delicacies on geometric white plates to tables. Unique takes on sushi include ones with pickled cucumbers, Shiso leaf and Japanese mackerel. In the Galleria, 832.987.2599

OSTIA mediterranean

Ostia is an indoor-outdoor oasis for farm-to-table Italian and Mediterranean eats. The terracotta-and-stucco patio feels worlds away from Houston, and is a nice place to post up and enjoy a cocktail. 2050 Dunlavy St., ostiahou. com

PAPPAS BROS.

STEAKHOUSE steakhouse

Given its expansive wine list and in-house dry-aging process, diners can expect nothing short of perfection when dining at family-owned Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. 5839 Westheimer Rd., 713.780.7352

RAGIN’ CAJUN cajun

Crawfish season is here! There’s no better spot to get the fixins for a backyard boil than the original Ragin’ Cajun on Richmond. 4302 Richmond Ave., 713.623.6321

RELISH american

Quick counter service is offered for lunch and brunch at this café run by a husband and wife team, while evenings are reserved for a full-service dining experience. 2810 Westheimer Rd., 713.599.1960

RIEL american

Riel offers an American menu inspired by local color and chef Ryan Lachaine’s Ukrainian heritage; the Montreal smoked meat is splashed with French’s

mustard. 1927 Fairview St., 832.831.9109

STATE OF GRACE southern

Grab a seat at the oyster bar during happy hour for $1 oysters at chef Ford Fry’s River Oaks restaurant. The new weekend brunch touts mouthwatering cinnamon rolls and batch cocktails — even to-go! 3258 Westheimer Rd., 832.942.5080

STEAK 48 steakhouse

A steakhouse standout delivers in its rich side dishes — the Hasselback potatoes are excellent — and desserts.

Crowds of pretty people pour in early and stay late, so reservations are recommended. In River Oaks District, 713.322.7448

TONIGHT & TOMORROW european

In the storied La Colombe d’Or, expect eclectic but sophisticated European dishes with Southern touches. A new cocktail list touts ones named after works in the hotel’s sculpture garden! 3410 Montrose Blvd., 713.517.1001

TONY’S italian

A cherished part of the Houston dining scene, Tony Vallone’s namesake restaurant is an exquisite treat from start to finish. 3755 Richmond Ave., 713.622.67788

TRIBUTE southern

At this restaurant in the Houstonian hotel, savor unique fare that blends the flavors of Texas, Louisiana and Mexico. Book the private wine room for a special occasion and pick your own playlist! 111 N. Post Oak Ln., 713.680.2626

UCHI japanese

It’s hard to beat Uchi for fresh, interesting sushi and sashimi — and the Brussels sprouts are can’t-miss. 904 Westheimer Rd., 713.522.4808

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

next special event or private occasion at Amalfi!

the magic of the Amalfi Coast with our world-class full catering service!

DINING DISTRICT 2

GARDEN OAKS, THE HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON CORRIDOR

BB’S CAFE southern

Get your Cajun-food fix at BB’s: From Maw Maw’s gumbo to a platter of fried catfish, find New Orleansstyle cooking with a Texas twist. 2701 White Oak Dr., 713.868.8000

multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

B&B BUTCHERS steakhouse

Venture in for the deep-fried A5 Wagyu katsu sando, or similarly stacked deli sandwich in the adjoining butcher shop, at this boutique steakhouse. A rooftop terrace makes B&B a premiere Sunday brunch destination. 1814 Washington Ave., 713.862.18144

B.B. LEMON american

Ben Berg has combined the best of his two favorite cities, Houston and New York, at his concept located across from his flagship B&B Butchers. Expect flavorful plates like blue-crab beignets, craft cocktails and retro-inspired desserts. 1809 Washington Ave., 713.554.1809

COLTIVARE italian

With its “no-reservation” policy, the restaurant’s onsite garden — where many of the herbs and produce for the Italian dishes are grown — doubles as a charming waiting

area. 3320 White Oak Dr., 713.637.4095

NEW! LORO fusion

In a former church, Loro melds the flavors of Southeast Asian and Texas-barbecue cuisines, courtesy of Austinbased Tyson Cole (of Uchi fame) and pitmaster Aaron Franklin. Expect an elevatedcountry-dancehall vibe courtesy of architect-designer Michael Hsu. 1001 W. 11th St., loroeats.com

MAX’S WINE DIVE southern

Here, keeping it classy means pairing fried chicken with a glass of Champagne. Max’s is hardly a dive, with a serious wine list and hearty Southern plates. 4720 Washington Ave., 713.880.8737; maxswinedive.com

NOPO CAFE american

An all-day café from Ben Berg, NoPo offers a menu of classics like a piled-high club sandwich, pizzas and more. In the front, find unique local provisions, premade meals and freshly baked pastries to-go. New happy-hour specials and cocktail list! 1244 N. Post Oak Rd., nopocafe. com

POSTINO italian

Rosé — and everything else — all day! This patio spot in Heights Mercantile is always packed, especially during the bottle-and-board special, available after 8pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Now open in Uptown Park! 642 Yale St., 346.223.1111 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

RAINBOW LODGE steakhouse

True to its name, Rainbow Lodge provides steakhouse and wild game fare in a rustic lodge setting. Outdoor seating on the newly expanded wine

deck is coveted. 2011 Ella Blvd., 713.861.8666

TRATTORIA SOFIA italian

A new Italian-American spot from Berg Hospitality looks like a trattoria you might stumble upon in rural Italy, with enchanting and spacious indoor and outdoor garden seating. 911 W. 11th St., trattoriasofia.com

find not only superb seafood, but lots of plates with influence from Mexico and ones utilizing local beef and pork. Now serving brunch! 1201 St. Emanuel St., 832.582.7202

NINFA’S ON NAVIGATION

tex mex

The origin of Tex-Mex as we know it, Ninfa’s is always packed no matter when you dine. Guests love the sizzling fajitas and loaded quesadillas. For something different, try the grilled octopus. 2704 Navigation Blvd., 713.228.1175

DINING DISTRICT 3 MIDTOWN, DOWNTOWN, EADO, THIRD WARD, FIFTH WARD

THE BREAKFAST KLUB southern

Enjoy a feast of homestyle classics — wings and waffles, catfish and grits at this no-frills Midtown diner. The line starts forming bright and early, but being part of the “klub” is worth the wait. 3711 Travis St., 713.528.8561

BRENNAN’S OF HOUSTON southern

Count on this decadesold Houston staple for an exquisite dining experience full of Southern-Creole flavors. Seating spans two levels and guests love Sunday brunch in the courtyard. The turtle soup with sherry is famous, as are the pralines. 3300 Smith St., 713.522.9711

INDIANOLA american

On the Gulf-centric menu,

THE PALM steakhouse Houston’s 43-year-old location of The Palm steakhouse has relocated from the Galleria to Downtown’s mixed-use GreenStreet development. 1201 Fannin St., thepalm.com

POTENTE italian

Top-tier chef Danny Trace and Astros-owner-turnedrestaurateur Jim Crane hit a haute homerun at this elegant eatery by the ballpark. Opt for tableside truffle service on handmade spaghetti al tartufo, and save room for intricate desserts. 1515 Texas Ave., 713.237.1515

STREET TO KITCHEN thai Chef-owner Benchawan Painter finally has a permanent home for her Street to Kitchen pop-up concept. The East End restaurant spotlights elevated Thai street foods. 6501 Harrisburg Blvd., 713.428.1975

TOUT SUITE bakery/coffee Stop by this all-day-bakery for a macaron or cupcake, or post up for a while at

a community table and enjoy bites like avocado toast and fresh-squeezed juice. There are also CBD-infused pastries, chocolates and more! 2001 Commerce St., 713.227.8688

Rice Village winner. The walk-up pizza window is a hit in the largely pedestrian-friendly area. 5210 Morningside Dr., 713.522.3535

GRATIFY american

Grant Cooper’s Gratify is a see-and-be scene, with a creatively curated and highly shareable menu. The most memorable and delicious dish might be the charred octopus with sweet potato. 5212 Morningside Dr., gratifhouston.com

LE JARDINIER fine dining

DINING DISTRICT 4 BELLAIRE, WEST UNIVERSITY, MUSEUM DISTRICT, MED CENTER

UPDATE! BADOLINA bakery

From the owners of Doris Metropolitan, this unique bakery offers the classics and standbys, plus unique and artful desserts. Tip: Get there early, as items often sell-out before noon! Next door, the sitdown Hamsa just opened. 5555 Morningside Dr., badolina bakery.com

CARRABBA’S italian

One of two locations which are still familyowned by Houston’s famed Carrabba family, the original Carrabba’s on Kirby serves madefrom-scratch Italian fare from pizzas fresh out of the wood-fired oven to housemade cheeses and pastas. 3115 Kirby Dr., 713.522.3131

COPPA OSTERIA italian

All of the Neapolitan-style pizzas and handmade pastas are popular at this

The fine-dining French resto inside the MFAH’s new Kinder Building is, itself, a work of art — both in its decor and its food presentation. 5500 Main St.

LOCAL FOODS american

This fast-casual diner has a guilt-free menu of sandwiches, salads, soups and sides, all made fresh using locally sourced ingredients. The Rice Village location has an attached wine bar. 2424 Dunstan Rd., 713.521.7800

multiple locations visit restaurant website

TINY BOXWOOD’S american

Expect a line at this popular garden-set getaway, where the chocolate-chip cookies have earned as much of a reputation as the restaurant itself. Snag some, along with housemade ice cream, at the next-door Milk & Cookies. 3636 Rice Blvd., tinyboxwoods.com

multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

ELECTRICITY IN ITS MOST POWERFUL FORM.

The new standard of excellence. High-tech innovation. First-class luxury. The fully-electric BMW i7 offers a driving experience unlike any other.

State-of-the-art features, stunning design from inside out and an abundance of elegance come together to make the i7 a masterpiece in every sense.

The dual electric motors deliver 536 hp and an estimated range of up to 300 miles. High-end. Unforgettable. Everything you’d expect and more.

This is the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine. ®

20822 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77449 832.772.9000

vendorsandgardensforourCultivatedCocktailsevents.

fishermenandchefscollaboratetocreateextraordinary mealsatoursignaturedinners—SundaySupperandSecret SupperClubs.Bartenderssourceingredientsfromour

Oureventsembodyourprogramsandmissioninunique, educational,diningexperiences.Localfarmers,ranchers,

GatheringTogether

DoubleUpHouston.OurnewMobileMarketoffersover 70varietiesoflocalfoodstaplesandsellsroughly16,000 poundsofhigh-qualityfruitsandveggiesatcosteachyear.

UrbanHarvest’sSaturdayFarmersMarkethasgrownfrom justsevenvendorstooneofthelargestdirect-producer marketsintheGulfCoastregionwith100smallbusinesses. Theselocalfarms,ranches,gardeners,andfoodartisans provideaffordableandconvenienthealthyfoodchoicesto low-incomefamiliesthroughourSNAPincentiveprogram,

BeyondtheFarmersMarket

gardeningclasses,andservicestoprovideparents,teachers, andadministratorswithinformationtobuildandmaintain asuccessfulandsustainableschoolgardenprogramin Houston.

Eachyear,ourYouthEducationprogramteacheshandsongardeningtoover5,000Houston-areastudents,and, throughourEdibleAcademyteachertrainingprogram, thatnumber—andimpact—doubles.Weofferadvice,

ItallstartedwithourCommunityGardensProgramwhich hasgrownintooneofthelargestnetworksofedible gardensinthecountry.UrbanHarvestnowsupportsmore than170gardenswithresourcesandeducation.

ASustainableImpact

CommunityisourMission UrbanHarvestcultivatesthrivingcommunitiesthrough gardeningandaccesstohealthy,localfood.Ourvision isofahealthiercitywhereeveryonehasaccesstofresh, nutritiousfoodharvestedfromsustainablecommunity gardensandfarms.

visionforthecity,revealingthatsustainablefruitsand vegetablescanflourishinHouston’suniqueclimate,and locally-grown,healthyfoodcanrevitalizeandempowerour region.

UrbanHarvestwasfoundedin1994byindividualswiththe beliefpeoplecouldfeedthemselvesandrevitalizetheir communitiesbygrowinghealthyfood.Thiscorebeliefled tothecreationofcommunitygardenstoaddressvitalissues suchashunger,nutrition,communitydevelopment,and ecologicallandmanagement.Weintroducedanalternate

URBANHARVEST.ORG

URBANHARVEST

FALLPHILANTHROPYREPORT PROMOTED Womenfarmersengageinaone-dayeducationalevent atourWomeninAgricultureConference.Individualsfrom diversebackgroundsbecomeathrivingcommunitywhen theylearn,growanddinetogether.Visitwww.urbanharvest. eventstolearnmore.

Whatareyourmajorchallenges?Gettingthewordoutto morefamiliesthroughmassmediaandsocialmedia.

Howmanyemployeesandvolunteersworkwithyour organization?4.5employeesandhundredsofvolunteers eachyear

Tellusaboutyourbigevent.OurSpringGalacalledthe Angelawards,raising$625,000plusperyear.

What’sbeenyourimpactinthecommunity?BeAnAngel hasprovidedadaptiveequipmentandselectservicestoover 7,500specialneedschildrenfrombirthtoage22,peryear forthelast12years.Thesechildrengenerallycomefrom limitedtolow-incomefamilies.

andhundredsofvolunteers.Additionally,BeAnAngelisnow availableinDallasandFortWorth.

Allwithanadministrativestaffoffourdedicatedemployees

Whatareyoumostproudof?Thespeedwithwhichwe areabletogetachildapprovedforthebenefits,versusthe 3-to-4-yearwaitingtimeperiodbygovernmentalagencies.

Whydidyoulaunchtheorganization?Webelievethat childrenaretheheartandsoulofhumanity,thatthey representallthatisgoodwithinus,andthatwecanhelp childrenwithspecialneedsexperiencelifeattheirfullest potential.

Whatisyourmission?Itisourmissiontoimprovethequality oflifeforchildrenwithmultipledisabilitiesorprofound deafnessbyprovidingneededadaptiveequipmentand selectservices.

Whatyearwasyourorganizationlaunched?1986byTina Coleco.

ANANGEL BEANANGEL.ORG

“WEBELIEVETHATCHILDRENARETHEHEARTANDSOULOFHUMANITY,THATTHEY REPRESENTALLTHATISGOODWITHINUS,ANDTHATWECANHELPCHILDRENWITH SPECIALNEEDSEXPERIENCELIFEATTHEIRFULLESTPOTENTIAL.”

Boldnessthroughuniqueandfunprogramming.Arecent

linkingtocuratedplaylists,ROCOontheGolaunched in2020,meetingaudienceswheretheyarebybringing recordingsfromROCO’spast17yearsofperformances directlytoovertwo-dozenpartnerorganizationsthat serveavarietyofdemographicswithinourcommunity.

WeavingmusicthroughHoustonviaQRcodetechnology

Accessmakestheheartgrowfonder.ROCOembraces thepoweroftechnologyforthepurposeofconnection withfreeworldwideconcertlivestreams.Since2013, ithasbeenaprioritytopresentconcertsonmultiple digitalplatforms,believingthatgreateraccessiscrucial tomakingclassicalmusicrelevantandapproachable.

ROCOiscommittedtoachievingimpactfulandinviting relationshipswiththecommunitythroughaninclusive andwelcomingengagementphilosophy.ROCOfans lovewhat’scalled“TakeFive”duringconcertswhen themusiciansleavetheirchairsandcomeoutinto theaudiencetomingle,bringingawholenewlevelof connectionbetweentheaudienceandtheartist.

Connectiontoartists,audiences,andthecommunity.

livingcomposers,ROCOhaspremiered127newpieces andisthethird-highestcommissioningorchestrainthe UnitedStates.

FALLPHILANTHROPYREPORT PROMOTED ExperienceROCO!Listen,learn,andexplore performancesatROCO.org.

Nowinits18thseason,ROCOisestablishedasa dynamicandinnovativeprofessionalmusicensemble thatflexesfrom1to40playersfromallovertheU.S.and Canada,withguestconductorsfromaroundtheworld. Performingintimateconcertsindozensofvenues,ROCO’s musiciansdonotjustgiveconcerts—theychallenge preconceptions,createextraordinaryexperiences,and fosternewrelationshipswithaudiencesthroughthe languageofmusic.

Sinceitsinception,ROCOhasraisedover$14millionin supportofitsmission.

WhenROCOlaunchedin2005,FounderandArtistic DirectorAleciaLawyersawaneedforpersonal connectionthroughmusic.Buildingaudiencesthrough ahuman-firstapproach,ROCO’smissionistoshapeand revolutionizethefutureofclassicalmusicbyenergizing, modernizing,andpersonalizingtheconcertexperience.

studyfromtheInstituteforComposerDiversityfound thatROCOwasthenumberoneensembleintheU.S. forperformingtheworksofwomenandnumbertwofor composersofcolor.ROCOiscommittedtoadventurous andboldprogrammingthatsparkscuriosity,creativity, andinnovation.Asaleaderincommissioningworksby

ROCO ROCO.ORG

Wereceivefundsfromindividualsconcernedaboutclean air,aswellasfoundationswhowanttomakeimprovements onkeyissuessuchasindustrypollution,transportation,and climate.

Whosupportsyou?Oursupportershavebeenextremely generous,whichhasallowedustogrowourteamandreach.

Tellusaboutthepeopleinyourorganization.Wehave 13full-timestaff,withthreeopenpositionsandover1,000 subscriberstoournewsletter.

bikesthroughtheircommunitylearningaboutairpollution sources.Weprovideairmonitorsandourexpertisetogive communitiesreal-timedataaboutthequalityoftheirair.

pandemic,wecreated#SamplingTheCity,anairquality monitoringbikeride!Wepartnerwithresidentsastheyride

What’syourbigevent?In2020duringtheCOVID-19

advanceenvironmentaljustice,andpromotethehealth ofHoustonians.Weworkwithcommunitiestocreate transparencyandunderstandingaroundenvironmental decision-making,especiallyairqualityissuesand governmentalprocesses.

Whatareyourmajorchallenges?Bandwidth,especially inourindustrialoppositionworkduetothenumberof pollutersinourregionandtosustaintheadvocacyefforts necessaryforlong-termchange.Forexample,wecannot respondtoeverylocal“badactor”whopollutestheair simplyduetolackofstaffing,communityadvocates, andtime. CommunityAir

25years,AAHhasworkedtoimproveairquality,

Howhaveyouimpactedthecommunity?Forover

Whatareyoumostproudof?Ourcommunityengagement andleadership.Wehaveralliedwithandledpartnersand communitymemberstospeakinfrontofstateregulators andlegislators.ThisincludestheTexasCommissionon EnvironmentalQuality,theTexasTransportationCommission, andothersduringthegenerallegislativesessions.

Whydidyoulaunchtheorganization?GHASPformedas concernedresidentsjoinedforcestopreventandeliminate smogintheHoustonregionwhileMfCAcametogetherwith thepurposeofprovidingcommunity-basedoutreachand advocacy.Today,AAHsitsattheintersectionofresearch, education,andadvocacytodoboth:reduceairpollutionand empowercommunitymembers.Wearealsonowconnecting thedotsbetweenairpollution,publichealth,andthe conditionscausingclimatechange.

Whatisyourmission?Toreducethepublichealthimpacts fromairpollutionthroughappliedresearch,education,and advocacy.Becauseairpollutiondoesnotoccurequitably inallneighborhoods,wealsotakeastrongstandagainst environmentalinjustice,advocatingforcommunitiesthatare historicallyoverburdenedbypollution.

January2010,theyrebrandedasAirAllianceHouston(AAH).

Whatyearwasyourorganizationlaunched?In2008, Galveston-HoustonAssociationforSmogPrevention(1988) andMothersforCleanAir(1996)becameGHASP/MfCA.In

AIRALLIANCEHOUSTON.ORG

MonitoringProgram

ManagerJuanFlores givesatourofthe HoustonShipChannel toPublicHealthWatch Documentarians.

IrecommendBayouCity EventCentertoeveryone!We keepcomingbackbecause thereisnothingthatwedo notlove.Thespaceisflexible andversatile.Thestaffare greatandfastontheirfeet.It isalwayssoeasy!

-Maggie

“THEPINKBOWSFOUNDATIONISN’TJUSTABOUTLOSINGONE AMAZINGYOUNGWOMAN,BUTWHATSHEREPRESENTS.”

differenceinhowpeoplewillenjoyattendingeventsand gohomesafelyattheendofthenight.

nonprofitorganization,electedaboardofdirectors,and raisedmoneytohelpsupportthemission,butwehave garneredtremendoussupportfromthecommunity whichwillhelpbringthisnecessaryconversationto thefrontoftheline.PinkBowsFoundationisn’tjust aboutlosingoneamazingyoungwoman,butwhatshe represents.PinkBowsFoundationwillmakeasignificant

mostproudofthequickactionbycommunitymembers toforma501c3toformalizetheactionneededtocreate measuressothatnofamilywouldhavetodealwiththe painoflosingachildinsuchasenselessmanner.Within averyshortperiod,wehavenotonlyformedanofficial

Whatareyoumostproudof?PinkBowsFoundationis

Tellusaboutyourbiggive.PinkBowsFoundation’s biggiveistofundmultiplemechanismsthatsupport training,designandfacilitatesafetyprotocols,and createspecializedsafetyplansviataskforcesspecific tooutdoormusicfestivalstohelpmitigatefuture tragediesandkeeppatronssafe.Wewillrelyheavily onthesupportofgroupsworkingwithlocalandstate agenciestoimplementan“AmberAlert”or“Crime Stoppers”typeofinitiative,whichwouldallowathirdparty,independentdecision-makertostopanevent whenmandatoryregulationsandsafetyprotocolshave beenbreached,toensuresafetyatconcerts,festivals, andotherlargegatherings.

Consideralso,thephysicalandemotionalharmto countlessothersandthelifetimeofemotionalpainand agonyforthefamiliesandfriendswholostalovedone. PinkBowsFoundationisdeterminedtoleadtheefforts toimprovesafetyprotocolsatconcerts,festivals,and eventstoensurethatmorelivesarenotneedlesslylost.

Whydidyoulaunchtheorganization?Tenpeople werekilledwhencertaincompaniesandpeople prioritizedprofitsandnotorietyoversafety.The familiesofthe10individualswillneverbethesame.

Whatisyourmission?PinkBowsFoundation promotesstrongersafetyprotocolstobeconsistently implementedatentertainmentvenueswhile encouragingsafespacesandprotectingattendeesto preventavoidableinjuriesordeath.

Whatyearwasyourorganizationlaunched?Pink BowsFoundationwasfoundedinMayof2022 followingthetragiclossofMadisonAlexisDubiski,who lostherlifewhileattendingTravisScott’sAstroworld MusicFestivalattheageof23,onNovember5,2021in Houston,Texas.

PINKBOWSFOUNDATION.ORG

PINKBOWS FOUNDATION

Wishesarebold.By2025,Make-A-Wishwilldouble thenumberofwishesgrantedannually,bringingtolife morethan1,000wisheseachyear—nearlythreeper day!Thisvisionisnotonlyaboutgrantingmorewishes, butalsogivingeachchildamagicalwishexperience thatchangestheirlifeforever.

battlingacriticalillness,wishesofferhope,strength, andjoyduringthemostdifficulttimeoftheirlife.

Weallhavewishes.Wewishtobe,togo,tohave… andthesewishesmotivateuseveryday.Forachild

Chris’journeybecamewhatisnowtheMake-A-Wish Foundation,turningonewishintoaninternational movementthathastransformedmillionsoflives.

uniform,TrooperGreiciusrodeinapolicehelicopter, patrolledhisneighborhood,andevendroveapolice motorcycle.Shortlyafter,Chrispassedaway.Hewas sevenyearsold.

OnApril29,1980,havingbeentoldthatChris wasneartheendofhisjourney,Tommyandhis colleaguesbroughthiswishtolife,ashebecamethe first—andonly—honoraryTrooperinthehistory oftheArizonaStatePolice.WearinghisofficialASP

SincetheinceptionofMake-A-WishTexasGulfCoast andLouisiana,wehavegrantednearly10,000wishesto localchildren,and,thisyear,wegranted572wishes— themostinourhistory!

Wishesarelocal.Weareacommunity-based organization,servingfamiliesin47countiesinTexas andtheentirestateofLouisiana.Yourfriendsand colleaguesvolunteeranddonatetoMake-A-Wish;you talktowishkidsatthestoreandwavetotheminyour neighborhood.

AtMake-A-Wish,wegrantlife-changingwishesfor localkids.Acommonmisconceptionisthatweonly grant“lastwishes”forterminallyillchildren.However, aidedbytheexperienceofhavingtheirwishgranted, morethan70percentofwishkidsliveintoadulthood, mostbeatingtheirillnesscompletely.

FALLPHILANTHROPYREPORT PROMOTED Wishesareproven.In2022,Make-A-Wishconducted ascientificstudyofmorethan3,400wishkids,their families,andtheirmedicalproviders,findingthe following:100percentofmedicalproviderssaidthe wishexperienceimprovesachild’semotionalwellbeing.98percentofmedicalproviderssaidthewish experienceimprovesachild’sphysicalwell-being.92 percentofwishkidssaidtheirwishbroughttheirfamily closertogether.91percentofwishparentssaidthe wishexperiencegavetheirchildabetterchanceof survivingtheircriticalillness.

AsafriendoftheGreiciusfamily,TommyAustin,a U.S.CustomsSpecialAgent,knewwellthedetails ofChris’journey.Withhiscounterpartsinlocaland stateagenciesaroundPhoenix,whereChrislived, TommycreatedaplantograntChris’wish.

Wishesarepowerful.ChristopherGreiciuswas onlyfiveyearsoldwhenhewasdiagnosedwith Stage4leukemia.Despitethechallengescaused bytheillness,Chrisdevotedhistimetopursuing hisnumberonewish:tobecomeapoliceofficer.

WISH.ORG/TEXGULF

MAKE-A-WISH

TheJetSettersBallwillbenefitthemuseum’sSTEM educationprograms,aircraftcollection,andthesupportthe preservationofTexasaviationhistory.

Thecreativeblack-tieeventthatwillfeaturefabulous experiencesincluding,aseateddinnerprovidedbyCity Kitchen,dessertstationsthroughoutthemuseumand specialtythemedcocktails.Excitingtravelandentertainment packagesviabigboardandliveauction,winepullandan eclecticmusicalmixof’60shitsandcurrentdancetuneswill makeforanamazingevent.Underwritingopportunitiesand tableandticketsalescanbefoundonthemuseumwebsite.

TobeheldonSaturday,November12,Co-ChairsMaryand DavidNovelliandKimandBrettWilliamswillwelcome gueststothismod-inspiredcelebrationwithintheimpressive hangarsandexhibitsattheLoneStarFlightMuseum.

Tocontinuetheseprogramsandevents,TheLoneStar FlightMuseum,withsupportfromHouston’sphilanthropic communityledbytheJamesC.andTeresaK.Day Foundation,willcelebratethegoldenageoftraveland thejet-setterheydayofthe1960s,atthemuseum’sannual fundraisinggala,TheJetsettersBall.

theLoneStarFlightMuseumhasestablisheditselfasa well-respectedandvaluedcontributortotheHouston-area community,preservingaviationhistoryandinspiringfuture generationsofscientists,aviators,andlife-longlearners.

Withrenownedfacilitiesandengagingpublicprogramming,

Fame,theFlightAcademy,andourpopularflightsimulators, allcuratedtointerestHouston-areaaviationenthusiasts, historyconnoisseurs,andlife-longlearnersofallages.The museum’scalendarfeaturesspecialeventsthroughout theyearthatenhancevisitor’slearningandexperience throughhands-onactivities,in-depthdiscussiononaviation andhistoricalevents,andflightexperiences,amongmany others.Youth-orientedspecialevents,artsandcrafts,and educationalopportunitieskeepmulti-generationalfamilies engaged.Themuseum’seducationserviceshaveexperienced unprecedentedgrowthduringthe2021-2022schoolyear, engagingthousandsofstudentsthroughfieldtrips,scout programming,andstudentvolunteerism.

TheLoneStarFlightMuseummembersandvisitorswill encounterrichcontentandintriguingdisplaysfeaturing aviationhistoryandthescienceofflight.TheHeritageand WaltripHangarshousemorethantwodozenhistoric,military andcommercialaircraft.Museumprogrammingincludes TheTexasAviationHeritageGallery,TexasAviationHallof

TheLoneStarFlightMuseumisa501c3aviationmuseum withamissiontocelebrateflightandachievementsin Texasaviationaswellaseducateandengageouryouth throughscience,technology,engineeringandmath (STEM).InadditiontotheTexasAviationHallofFame,the 130,000-square-footmuseumishometoaflyingcollection ofrareandhistoriccommercial,generalaviationandmilitary aircraft.Maintainingtherichhistoryofthemuseumwhenit beganinGalvestonin1991,themuseumwasreimaginedinto astate-of-the-artentertainmentandeducationdestination whenitopenedin2017atEllingtonAirport.

LONESTARFLIGHT.ORG

LONESTARFLIGHTMUSEUM

childrenundersixfacingfoodinsecurityinHouston,Kids’ Mealsprimarygoalistoserveatleasthalfofthemby2031 andtocontinuebuildingtheinfrastructuretokeepgrowing. Toaccomplishthisgoal,weneedHoustonianstopartner withusasvolunteersanddonorstobuildabettercityfor ourchildrenandfamilies.

What’sbeenyourimpactinthecommunity?Kids’Meals isafirstrespondertoimpoverishedchildren.Inaddition tonutritiousdailymeals,wedeliverweeklygrocery bagsoffreshproduceandnon-perishablestaples.We leverageourdailyaccesstoconnectfamilieswithvital

reportedthatHarrisCountyhadthehighestpercentageof

Whatareyourmajorchallenges?In2018,FeedingAmerica

becauseKids’Mealsprovidessomuchmorethanjusta meal;weprovidehopeonadailybasis.

Kids’Mealsemployeesarecommittedandpassionateabout theirwork.Infact,ourdriversareour“HopeProviders”

Howmanyemployeesandvolunteersworkwithyour organization?FortyemployeesworkatKids’Meals,with moststaffdeliveringdirectprogramservicestochildren.

interestedindeliveringhopetothefutureofourgreatcity byinvestinginthenextgeneration.Ourluncheonoffers aVIPexperience,Mimosas&Market,acuratedgroupof incrediblevendorsofferingacollectionofuniqueitems tokickoffyourholidayshopping,andaspectacularsilent auctioncrownedbyanoutstandingprogram.Sponsorships andticketsareourwebsite.

Tellusaboutyourbigevent.OnFriday,Nov.11,2022at TheMarriottMarquisHouston,the14thAnnualKids’Meals AnnualHarvestLuncheonwillbringtogetherover1,400 attendeesfromcorporations,foundationsandHoustonians

education,adultandchildliteracy,medical/dentalcare, ESLclasses,financialplanning,mentalhealthandjobskills training.Ouraverageall-incostpermealdeliveredisonly $2perchild.

wrap-aroundserviceinformationsuchasearlychildhood

FALLPHILANTHROPYREPORT PROMOTED childrenlivingwithfoodinsecurityamonghighlypopulated countiesnationwide.MorerecentstudiesfromChildrenat RiskandNorthwesternUniversityindicatethepandemic createdalong-termeconomicimpactthatwillaffect low-incomefamiliesforyears.Withanestimated50,000

HarrisCountyandMontgomeryCounty.Whatstartedas asmallgrassrootsorganization,deliveringafewhundred mealsperday,nowdeliversanannualdailyaverageof morethan6,000meals.Byensuringchildrenhavebasic dailynutrition,wearechangingnotonlytheirmealtimes, buttheirentirelifetimes.

Whatareyoumostproudof?Sinceinception,Kids’ Mealshaspreparedanddeliveredmorethan10.5million freemealstofoodinsecurechildrenin46zipcodesin

desertsandlivingfood-insecure.Childrenwhoareages 5andundersuffermostfromlackofnutritionbecause theirbrainsandbodiesareinthemostformativeyears andarenotyetoldenoughtoreceivefreemealsthrough theschoolsystem.Inresponse,theKids’Mealsprogram launchedtohelpendchildhoodhungerinourcity.

childreninourcityaregoingtobedhungry,livinginfood

Whydidyoulaunchtheorganization?Morethan50,000

deliveringfreehealthymealsyear-roundtothedoorsteps ofHouston’shungriestpreschool-agedchildrenand throughcollaborationprovidetheirfamilieswith resourcestoendthecycleofpoverty.

Whatisyourmission?Launchedin2006,Kids’Meals’ missionistoendchildhoodhungerinHoustonby

KIDSMEALSINC.ORG

KIDSMEALS

“BYENSURINGCHILDREN HAVEBASICDAILY NUTRITION,WEARE CHANGINGNOTONLY THEIRMEALTIMES,BUT THEIRENTIRELIFETIMES.”

HoustonBalletNutcrackerMarketreturnsonceagainthis Nov.10-13.CelebrateasoneofHouston’sfavoritetraditions transformsNRGCenterintoashopper’sparadise. Thisyear’sbelovedfour-dayeventwillhostmorethan270

carpetandlarger-than-lifeNutcrackerssettingthescene,

Tellusaboutthisyear’sMarket.Withitssignaturerubyred

Howmanyemployeesandvolunteersworkwithyour organization?NutcrackerMarketemploysthreefull-timeand onepart-timestaffandhasover1,000incrediblevolunteers.

MarketSPRING,whichlaunchedin2019,havegrossedover $100millionandcontributedover$80milliontoHouston BalletFoundation.Ourmerchantsgeneratedover$189 millioninsalesfromovertwomillionenthusiasticshoppers.

inceptionin1981,NutcrackerMarket,alongwithNutcracker

Howmuchhaveyouraisedsinceyoulaunched?Sinceour

totheholidayseasoninHouston.Ourthoughtfullycurated merchantlistblendslong-runningfanfavoritesalongside excitingnewshopsforanexperiencewhichisbothfamiliar andfun!

thismagicalandiconictraditionandaretheofficialkickoff

NutcrackerMarkethashelpedsupportandbuildawareness oftheamazingperformingartsinourcommunity,specifically, HoustonBallet.Wehavecreatedaneventthathasallowed thousandsofuniquesmallbusinessestofindanaudience, grow,andthrive.Webringgenerationstogethertocelebrate

Whatareyoumostproudof?Formorethanfourdecades,

EuropeanorLatinAmericanstreetmarkets.Fromitshumble beginningsinachurch-bazaarsettingtothefour-dayshopping extravaganzawhichnowfillsNRGCenter,NutcrackerMarket hassecureditsroleasamuch-anticipatedtradition.

suggestion,aholidaymarket,wasinspiredbythetraditionof

Whydidyoulaunchtheorganization?In1981,Frazier approachedtheGuildBoardwithanideaforanewwaytoraise neededscholarshipfundsfortheHoustonBalletAcademy.His

salesstayrighthereinHoustonsupportingHoustonBallet Foundation,itsAcademyandscholarshipprograms.

Whatisyourmission?NutcrackerMarketisafundraiserthat allowsshopperstogivebacktotheircommunity.Proceeds fromadmissionticketsplus11percentofmerchandise

bylong-timeHoustonBalletsupporterPrestonFrazier.The two-daysaleraisedabout$28,000.

Localmerchantssetupshopinboothsbuiltanddecorated

Whatyearwasyourorganizationlaunched?In1981,thefirst Marketchairmen,MinethEllisandBarbaraPatton,tested thescenewithalow-budget,two-daysaleatSt.Philip’s PresbyterianChurch.FirstLadyBarbaraBushcuttheribbon atthePreviewParty,thencamebacktoshoponSaturday.

NUTCRACKERMARKET.COM|HOUSTONBALLET.ORG

NUTCRACKERMARKET

FALLPHILANTHROPYREPORT merchantsfromacrossthecountry,includingmorethan40 newmerchants,showcasingacuratedcollectionofunique holidayitems,gourmetfood,apparel,jewelry,accessories, homedécor,gifts,toys,andmore.Somesay“It’sthegreatest showonearth.It’snotjustshopping.It’sanexperience.”We say,“Texas.It’sawholeothercountry.TheNutcrackerMarket. It’sawholeotherworld!”

“WEAREPROUDOFELEVATINGLITERACYASAKEYPRIORITYFOROURCITY... ANDMOBILIZINGTHECOMMUNITYASVOLUNTEERS.”

Whatareyourmajorchallenges?Lowliteracyrates amongchildrenandadultsareextremelypervasive inHouston.Thevastnumberofpeopleaffected makesprovidingsolutionsatsuchalargescalea majorchallenge.Tocompoundthis,ourcitylacksa comprehensivesystemofservicesandsupportsfor familiesandasystemofhigh-qualityearlyeducation programstoensurethatmorechildrenarereading-ready bykindergarten.Likewise,Houstonlacksanadequate systemtoeducateandtrainthetensofthousandsof adultswhoarefunctionallyilliterate.Wemustuniteto addressthesemajorchallengesinassuringfortheoverall healthandvitalityofHoustonandthequalityoflifefor everyonewhocallsHouston“home.”

Morethan$30millionhasbeenraisedtofundliteracy programsacrossHarrisCounty.

Howmuchhaveyouraisedsinceyoulaunched?

auxiliarygroups,LadiesforLiteracyGuildandYoung ProfessionalsGroup,aswellasourcorporatepartners.

Howmanyemployeesandvolunteersworkwithyour organization?Weemploy12full-timestaffandhave mobilizeddozensofactivevolunteersthroughourtwo

anticipate1,300guestswillbeinattendanceandourgoal istoraise$2million.

Tellusaboutyourbigevent.Oursignaturefundraiser,hosted bytheBushfamily,isACelebrationof.ReadingTheevent willbeheldonThursday,April20,2023,attheHobbyCenter forPerformingArts,andentailauniqueprogramfeaturing bestsellingauthorsandentertainmentfollowedbydinner.We

Howhaveyouimpactedthecommunity?Wehaveraised awarenessofthepervasiveproblemoflow-literacyratesand itslinktoindividual,family,andcommunityoutcomes,aswell asinvestedmillionsofdollarsinhigh-qualityliteracyprograms andresourcesinourcity’smostchallengedschoolsand withincommunity-basednonprofitsandlibrariesinhigh-need neighborhoods.

Whatareyoumostproudof?Wearemostproudofelevating literacyasakeypriorityforourcity,harnessingresources toinvestinhigh-qualityliteracyprograms,andmobilizing thecommunityasvolunteers.Weareparticularlyproudof commissioningthedevelopmentofourcity’sfirststrategicplan toimproveliteracyrates,calledHouston’sLiteracyCrisis:A BlueprintforCommunityAction,andafirst-of-its-kind,dedicated citywideplan,calledHouston’sAdultLiteracyBlueprintaimedat addressingthesystemicproblemoflowadultliteracyrates.

legacyandmakeHoustonamodelcityforothersbyincreasing literacyratesandbreakingtheintergenerationalcycleoflow literacy.

Whydidyoustarttheorganization?TheBushfamilyformedthe FoundationtoadvanceformerFirstLadyBarbaraBush’sliteracy

Whatyearwasyourorganizationlaunched,andwhatisyour mission?Welaunchedin2013,andourmissionistohelpmore childrenandadultslearnhowtoread.

BUSHHOUSTONLITERACY.ORG

BARBARA BUSHHOUSTON LITERACY FOUNDATION

TexasAve.).Theluncheongoes11:30am-1pm,withVIP receptionfrom1:30pm-3pm.

YearsofServingtheCommunity,takesplaceonFriday, December2,2022,andtheBallroomatBayouPlace(500

WorldAIDSDayHoustonLuncheon2022,Celebrating40

Yourbigeventiscomingupsoon.Giveusthedetails.The

prisons,supportivehousing,foodassistance,asummercamp forchildren,andsupportiveservicestoallpersonsaffected byoratriskforHIV.Wearesoexcitedtobecelebrating40 yearsorservicetothegreaterHoustoncommunity.For moreinformation,pleasevisitwww.AFHouston.org

education,PrEPCare,nPEP,HIVTestingandRapidStart Treatment,STITestingandTreatment,outreachinTexas

Whatservicesdoyouoffer?AFHservicesincludeprevention

WiththegoalofcreatingacommunitywhereHIVisstigmafreeandrare,andpeoplehaveequitableaccesstocare,AFH workstowardthemissionofendingtheHIVepidemicinthe Houstonarea.

TexasandremainsanationalleaderinHIV/STDprogramming.

Whathasbeenyourimpactinthecommunity?AIDS FoundationHouston,Inc.(AFH),isa501(c)(3)nonprofit corporationthatwasthefirstAIDSServiceOrganizationin

Whatyearwasyourorganizationlaunched,andwhatis yourcoremission?AIDSFoundationHouston,Inc.launched in1982withamissiontoendtheHIVepidemicintheGreater Houstonarea.

AIDSFOUNDATION HOUSTON,INC. AFHOUSTON.ORG

Whatareyourmajorchallenges?Meetingthetremendous healthcareneedsofourpatientsandfindingtheresources tomeetthoseneeds.Weexistoffprivatedonationsfrom ourdedicatedsponsorsandsupporters.

allowustotreatpeoplewithintheireconomicmeans bysubsidizingthecostofcare.Itgivespeoplethe opportunitytopaywhattheycanafford,whilestillgetting thehealthcaretheyneed.Sinceitsinception,millionsof dollarshavebeenraisedbytheFoundation,buteveryyear, theneedsaregreaterthantheavailablefunds.

Howmuchhaveyouraisedsinceyoulaunched?Donations

Howmanyemployeesandvolunteersworkwithyour organization?Wehaveatotalof80full-timeandcontract employees.TheFoundationisgovernedby43dedicated boardmembers,anditreliesonabaseof83volunteers.In ourfiscalyear2022,thosevolunteersgave12,875hoursof servicetoourclients.

guestsfeelinginspired.OurnextSpringLuncheonwillbe heldTuesday,March28,2023.

awarenessaboutourorganization,butalsoleaveour

offersanintimategatheringwithawell-knownguest speaker.Previousyears’speakershaveincludedChris Gardner,ElizabethSmart,BobNewhart,MarkKelly& GabbyGiffords,andmore.Ourgoalistonotonlybring

FoundationforHealthCare’shealthcareandsocialservice programs.HeldatRiverOaksCountryClub,theevent

Tellusaboutyourbigevent.OurSpringLuncheon honorscommunityleadersandraisesfundsforCHRISTUS

Inaddition,ourhealthcareprogramsalsoreducethe burdenonareaERsforsickandgeneralcare.

Ourpatientsareanimportantpartoftheproductivityof thecity,withmanyworkinginconstruction,restaurants andmore.KeepingthemhealthykeepsHoustonstronger.

theyworkhardandjustwantsomethingtheycanafford.

What’sbeenyourimpactinthecommunity?Ourpurpose istomeetunmetneeds.Weservetheunderservedinways otherorganizationsdon’t.Mostpeopletrulywanttotake careofthemselves.Theydon’twantsomethingforfree;

Whatyearwasyourorganizationlaunched?Our foundationstartedin1966asSt.Joseph’sHospital Foundation,raisingfundsforSt.Joseph’sHospital.In2005, uponthesaleofthehospitalsystem,St.Joseph’sHospital FoundationbecameCHRISTUSFoundationforHealthCare, withafocusoncaringforthosemostin-needofthe Foundation’sservices.Formorethan50years,CHRISTUS FoundationforHealthCarehasremainedtruetoits mission.Wehavehadtoadaptourapproachtomeetother needs,suchasmentalhealth,andcontinuetofocuson meetingthehealthneedsofourregion’smostvulnerable, withquality,dignityandrespectforourpatients.

underservedanduninsuredcommunitiesofallfaiths,ages andculturesintheGreaterHoustonandGalvestonareas. Oursevenprogramsincludestationaryclinics,mobile clinics,andschoolclinics,inadditiontoourGalveston homelessoutreach.

Houston’sfirstgeneralhospital,thatlaterbecameSt. Joseph’sHospital.Whilethefocushasshiftedfromhospital caretoprimaryhealthcarethroughcommunityclinicsand relatedservices,CHRISTUSFoundationforHealthCare continuestheoriginalmissionbyservingtheneedsof

Whywastheorganizationlaunched?In1866,theSisters ofCharityoftheIncarnateWordcametoGalvestonwith amissiontoheal“thesickandinfirmofallkinds.”In1887, theyexpandedtheirreachwithSt.Joseph’sInfirmary,

promotionofhealthandwelfaretopeopleinneed.

Whatisyourmission?CHRISTUSFoundationfor HealthCareisdedicatedtoextendingthehealingministry ofJesusChrist,continuingthelegacyoftheCongregation oftheSistersofCharityoftheIncarnateWordthroughthe

CHRISTUSFOUNDATION.ORG

CHRISTUSFOUNDATIONFORHEALTHCARE

“WEPROVIDEPRIMARYMEDICAL,BEHAVIORALHEALTHAND DENTALCARE,HOSPICECARE,SUBSTANCEUSERECOVERY SUPPORTSERVICES,ANDSUPPORTIVEHOUSINGPROGRAMS.”

Witharenewedfocusonwomen’shealthandourHIV treatments,werecruited20newproviders.Thanksto ourdonors,OmegaHousereceivedanewexteriorpaint

recovery,dayactivitiesservices,andwalk-upHIVtesting allunderoneroof.

HIVservices,dental,behavioralhealth,substanceuse

awardeda$5milliongrantfromtheSubstanceAbuse andMentalHealthServicesAdministration(SAMHSA), transformingtheapproachtoSubstanceUseScreening andRecoveryServicesbyfullyintegratingRecovery SupportintoPrimaryCare.Avenue360openeda premierfacilityinMidtownthatoffersprimarycare,

Our2021achievementsinclude:Avenue360was

BehavioralHealthandHomeHealthandiscertifiedby theJointCommissionasaPrimaryCareMedicalHome.

FALLPHILANTHROPYREPORT job,roof,remodeledlivingroom,andupdatedACunits tocelebrateits35thanniversary.Tobettermeetthe growingneedintheaftermathofCOVID,socialwork serviceswereexpandedtoalleightclinicsitesresultingin a30percentincreasefrom2020.

Today,Avenue360isapatient-centeredmedicalhome witheightlocationsofferingservicestoapproximately 11,000patients.Avenue360isuniqueamongFQHCsin theextentofsocialsupportitoffers,whichincludesa ClassAPharmacyandadultsubstanceabuseservices, aswellaspermanentsupportivehousing.Inrecognition ofthequalityofitsservices,Avenue360isaccredited bytheJointCommissionforAmbulatoryCare,

Avenue360HealthandWellnesswasfoundedin 1998asHoustonAreaCommunityServices(HACS), a501(c)3toprovideaffordableandhigh-qualityand comprehensivecaretopatientslivingwithHIVand AIDS.In2016,theorganizationrebrandedasAvenue 360Health+WellnessaftermergingwithBering OmegaCommunityServices(BOCS).TheOmega HouseAIDSHospicehasbeenastapleintheMontrose communityforover35years—servingpeopleintheir lastdayslivingwithHIV/AIDSandprovidingrespitecare tothoseinneedfreeofcharge.

Ourvisionistobetheproviderofchoiceby providinghigh-quality,coordinated,patient-centered, community-basedcareandservicesaddressingthe socialdeterminantsofhealth.Weprovideprimary medical,behavioralhealthanddentalcare,hospice care,substanceuserecoverysupportservices,and supportivehousingprograms.

Avenue360Health+WellnessisaFederallyQualified HealthCenter(FQHC),withamissiontoprovidehigh qualityandcaringservicestopromotehealthypeople andcommunities.

AVENUE360.ORG

AVENUE360 HEALTH+ WELLNESS

Wepartnerwithnext-gendonorsprimarilythroughourCenter forFamilyPhilanthropy,NextGenDonorInstitute,andYouth Leadershipteams.Infact,wejustcommissionedthird-party academicevaluationofour10+yearsofengagingthenext generation.Outofthatevaluation,theresearcherspublished anationalcasestudyavailabletoorganizations,foundations, andinstitutionsacrossthecountrytolearnbestpractices fordesigningNextGenLearning.WehavealsolaunchedThe

BabyBoomergeneration,partofourroleistocontinue engagingnext-gendonors.

Howareyouworkingwiththenextgenerationsof philanthropists?Asweseethewealthtransitionfromthe

givingvehicles,suchasscholarships,supportingorganizations, endowedfundsandemployeedisasterrelieffunds.Wealso providephilanthropicservicessuchasstrategicplanning, privatefoundationservices,legacyplanning,corporategiving programdesignandimplementationandmore.

Inadditiontohandlingtheadministrativemanagementof philanthropyfordonors,weofferaccesstovariouscharitable

regularlyconvenedonorsandleadersaroundtheissues thatmattermost.Eventhoughourdonorscananddo givetocausesacrosstheglobe,theirlocalconnections andcommitmenttolearningtogetherandimproving ourcommunitymakeusagreatpartnertoanyonedoing philanthropyinHouston.

providers?Ourrobustknowledgeofthelocallandscape allowsustoprovideapersonalizedlevelofservice.We

Whatdifferentiatesyoufromotherphilanthropicservices

groundingphilanthropicgivingandcross-sectorcollaboration indataiscritical.

TellusaboutyourcollaborationwithTheKinderInstitute forUrbanResearch.UnderstandingHouston,ourregional indicatorsprojectwiththeInstitute,provideskeydatafor philanthropists,businesses,andnonprofitleaderstodrive decision-makinginimportantareasofinvestmentinHouston, includingdisasterrelief,economicopportunity,housingand education.Overtime,wecantrackourregion’sprogressand disturbingtrendsbasedontheseindicators.Webelievethat

Waytoimplementanddistributerelieffundsinresponse todisasterslikeHurricaneHarvey.Youalsobelieveindata.

Youbelieveinpartneringwithpublicsectorofficials, corporations,foundationsandorganizationslikeUnited

walksinwithapassion,andmanypossessacertainlevel ofknowledgeonthetopic.Butwehelpthemunderstand thebroaderlandscapeandconnectthemwiththeright organizationsinthatspacetomakepowerfulinvestments.

clients’philanthropicimpact?Wedesigncustomized solutionstohelpdonorsachievetheirphilanthropicgoalsand driveimpact.Whetherweareconnectingdonorstocauses theycareaboutoridentifyingoptimalgivingplatformstofit theirassets,ourworkenablesclientstofocusonidentifying communityneedsandamplifyingchange.Everydonor

HowdoesGreaterHoustonCommunityFoundationamplify

helpedHoustonthrivebyhelpingindividuals,businesses, andfoundationsmakethemostoftheirgenerosity.Greater HoustonCommunityFoundationhasdistributedover$2billion ingrantsatthedirectionofitsdonors.Theyreceivecharitable donations;managephilanthropicassets;providedonors withprogramming,advisingandeducationalopportunities; andmakegrantsthroughvariousdiverseplatforms, includingdonor-advisedfunds.Inadditiontograntmaking, theFoundationprovidesleadershipinaddressingcritical communityneedslikeurgentdisasterreliefandrecovery efforts.PresidentandCEOStephenD.Maislinfurtherexplains:

Since1995,GreaterHoustonCommunityFoundationhas

GHCF.ORG

GREATERHOUSTONCOMMUNITYFOUNDATION

PROMOTED FALLPHILANTHROPYREPORT LegacySociety,workingwithdonorswhohaveincludedthe Foundationintheirestateplanningtocreatelegacyplansand ensuretheirphilanthropicvaluesarecarriedoninthefuture.

Sponsors,BobbieNauandHallieVanderhider.Manybrave Houstonfirefightersalsoattendthegala,makingitoneof themostmemorable,movingandfunballsoftheyear!

Chairman.ReturningthisyearareourdevotedPresenting

Tellusaboutyourmainevent.TheRedHotGala2022, benefitingtheHoustonProfessionalFireFighters AssociationCharitableFoundation,takesplaceSaturday, Oct.29attheRoyalSonestaHouston.ElizabethandAlan SteinaretheChairmen,withCarolandBillLawlerserving asCo-Chairs.HallieVanderhideris2022HonoraryCo-

foundationsoftheInternationalAssociationofFire Fighters(IAFF)andtheTexasStateAssociationofFire Fighters(TSAFF).

GolfTournament;andcooperationwiththecharitable

localchildrenthroughOperationWarm;collegescholarship fundsforlocalhighschoolstudentsthroughthe9/11Memorial

AssistanceProgramsforourHoustonfirefighters;essential trainingandcontinuingeducationclasses;winterjacketsfor

Inrecentyears,thefoundationhasprovided:Firefightingand/ orEMSequipmentnotprovidedbythecityduetobudgetcuts; financialassistanceforfamiliesoffallenfirefighters;twoK9ArsonVehicles;financialreliefforfirefightersfacingextraordinary medicalexpenses;financialreliefforfirefighterswithresidential damageorlossesduetonaturaldisasters;MentalHealth

Whatareyoumostproudof?Sincetheinceptionofthe“Red HotGala,”wehaveraisedover$2.4million,thisisduetothe dedicationandsupportofourdonors,ourHoustonfirefighters andasmall,determinedgroupofvolunteers.Wearegrowingin therightdirection.

Whydidyoulaunchtheorganization?ToSupportandprotect thehealth,safety,andwelfareofHoustonfirefightersandtheir families,andthecommunitiestheyserve.Houstonfirefighters deliverexcellentservice,aregoodstewardsofcityresources,and givebacktothecommunity.Butfirefightersandtheirfamilies sometimesneedahelpinghandtoo.Ourmaingoalandfocus atthistimeistomakesureallHoustonfirefightershavethe necessaryresourcestheyneedinordertodotheirjobtothebest oftheirability.

mandatethatdirectorsoftheHoustonProfessionalFireFighters Association—activeFireFighters—alwaysconstitutethe majorityofthefoundationboardofdirectors.TheFoundation alsoreliesonanadvisoryboardthatincludeslocalbusiness andcommunityleaders,eachofwhichhasprovidedimportant supporttotheFoundation.

Whatyearwasyourorganizationlaunched?Foundedin2013, aftertheSouthwestInnfire,whichtooklivesoffiveHouston firefighters.OurFoundationismanagedbyaboardofdirectors thatincludesHoustonfirefightersandcivilians.Ourbylaws

HOUSTONSBRAVEST.ORG

CHARITABLEFOUNDATION

REDHOTGALA BENEFITINGHOUSTON PROFESSIONALFIRE FIGHTERSASSOCIATION

“OURGOALISTOMAKESUREALLHOUSTONFIREFIGHTERS HAVETHENECESSARYRESOURCESTHEYNEEDTODOTHEIRJOB.”

empowerchildrenontheirhealingjourneyassurvivorsof sexualabuse.PleasejoinusatourGalaandbepartofthe solutiontoendchildsexualabuseinourcommunity.

solution.Weinviteyoutomakethiscommitmenttohelpus

Asindividuals,organizations,andacommunity,wemust cometogethertoprotectchildren,andbecomepartofthe

awarenessandadvocacyarethefoundationforkeeping childrensafe.Asadults,itisourresponsibilitytokeep childrensafe.Wecannotdothisaloneandneedyourhelp.

What’syourgreatestneed?AtTheCAC,webelieve

Tellusaboutyourbigevent.TheCACisexcitedtohost theSpiritofSpringGalaonApril29,2023,attheMarriott Marquis,chairedbyConsueloMacpherson,MarianaPope, andSaraDowney.OurGalahastakena20+yearhiatus, andnowwewelcomealloursupporterstoourreimagined cornerstoneevent!

teamhastheimportantroleofbeingabletowalkalongside ourclientsandlighttheirpathtowardshealingandhope.

pandemictimesandexpectanotherincreasenextyear.Our

Lastyear,weserved8.2percentmorechildrenthaninpre-

recoveringfromchildsexualabuseandsextrafficking.

Whatareyoumostproudof?Weareincrediblyproudof ourabilitytocreateasafehavenforchildrenandfamilies

What’sbeenyourimpactinthecommunity?TheCACis theonlyadvocacycenterinHarrisCountyandthelargest inthenation.Weprovidehealingservicestoover5,000 childsexualabusevictimsandtheirfamilieseachyear.The CACprovidesforensicinterviewing,familyadvocacy,mental healthservices,andmedicalserviceatnocosttochildren andfamilies.Wealsofacilitatecommunityoutreachand preventiontrainingtoraiseawarenessaboutchildabusein ourcommunityandhowtokeepchildrensafe.Wehopeour processwillgivechildrenandfamiliesthetoolsnecessaryto empowerthemontheirhealingjourney.Weexisttohelpour communitybecomeabetter,saferplaceforeachchildof HarrisCounty.

Whatisyourmission?ThemissionofTheCACistoprovide aprofessional,compassionateandcoordinatedapproachto thetreatmentofsexuallyabusedchildrenandtheirfamilies andtoserveasanadvocateforallchildreninourcommunity. Simplyput,weexisttoprotectchildren,healfamilies,and preventchildsexualabuseandchildsextraffickinginour community.

Foundationwascreatedin1995toprovideadditionalfunding forincreasedaccesstoourwell-roundedcare.

toHarrisCountychildrenandfamiliesin1991,andour

Whatyearwasyourorganizationlaunched?TheChildren’s AssessmentCenter(TheCAC)beganprovidingservices

THECHILDREN’S ASSESSMENTCENTER CACHOUSTON.ORG

TEXAS’PREMIEREVENTVENUE

muchmorethancoveroverheadexpensesforourorganization.Itmultiplies theresourcesavailabletoourcommunitytopreventandendhomelessness forpeopleandfamilies.ItallowstheCoalitiontocontinueleadingthe homelessresponsesystemthatcitiesacrossthecountryandtheworldlookto asamodelofprogress,anditallowstheCoalitiontocontinuechanginglives forthenext40yearstocome.

Howcanreadershelp?AnygiftmadeinsupportoftheCoalitiondoesso

Since2012,thepartnersofTheWayHome—ourlocalhomelessresponse system,ofwhichtheCoalitionistheLeadAgency—havemovedmorethan 25,000peopleintohousingwitha90percentsuccessrateoverthelongterm. Thesuccessofourcommunity’spermanenthousingprogramshastranslated toa63percentreductioninoverallhomelessnesssince2011.

Tellusaboutyourimpact.TheCoalitionfortheHomelessgeneratesincredible impactfortheHoustonregion.Weincreasethecapacityofoursystemand ourindividualpartnerstobeabletogetpeopleexperiencinghomelessness offthestreets,outofshelters,andintopermanenthousing.

TheCoalitionfortheHomelessisliketheairport.Werunthebehind-thescenesprocessesthathelpdirectserviceprogramsmovepeoplefrom homelessnesstohousing!

Nowapplytheanalogytohomelessness.Ifsomeoneismakingthe“journey” fromhomelessnesstohousing,thedirectserviceprovidersarelikethe “airlines”whointeractwiththemthemostcloselyandhelpthemalongthe way.Agenciesthatyoumighthaveheardoforvolunteeredwith.

thebehind-the-scenesoperationsoftheairportitself—everythingthathelps theprocessrunsmoothly,thatcustomersmightnotthinkasmuchabout,but areequallyasimportanttogetpassengerssafelytotheirdestination.

Therearetheairlinesthatprovideservicestotheircustomers.Thenthereare

Canyougiveusananalogytodescribeyouruniquerole?Imagineanairport.

Wearealittledifferentfromdirectserviceprovidersreadersmaybefamiliar with.Ourstrategiesfocusonwhatsolvinghomelessnessrequiresonabigpicturescale.Wemaintainahigh-levelviewofpartners,resources,and communityneeds,andweplayauniqueandessentialrole:leadingourlocal homelessresponsesystemwithevidence-anddata-basedstrategies.

What’syourmission?TheCoalitionfortheHomelessactsasacatalyst,uniting partnersandmaximizingresourcestomovepeopleexperiencinghomelessness intopermanenthousingwithsupportiveservices.Wehavespentfourdecades buildingandstrengtheningrelationshipswithnonprofits,localgovernments, housingauthoritiesandotherstakeholderswiththeguidingbeliefthatwego furtherandaremoreeffectivewhenweworktogether.

HOMELESSHOUSTON.ORG

COALITIONFORTHE HOMELESSOFHOUSTON/ HARRISCOUNTY

PhotobyAllisonZapata,Coalition fortheHomeless

Dr.SusanBlaney,HCCfounding boardmemberGrantGuthrie, LauraWard,HCCboardmember EdnaMeyer-Nelson,devotedfriend CarolSawyer,andHCCboard membersMariaMoncadaAlaoui andJohnJohnson,presidentof SilverEagleDistributors

“We’rejustachildren’scharity,”shesayswitha wrysmile,“thatputsononehellofaparty.”

NextupforthebusyLauraisHoustonChildren’s Charity’s25thannualgalaOct.14atthePostOak Hotel,whichcomesafter26yearsduetoaCovid hiatus.Nearly60tableshavebeensoldforthe event,featuringaperformancebyPatBenatarand NeilGiraldomostofthemthankstoLauraherself pickingupthephoneandaskingforhelpforkids —justasshedidwiththosespaghettidinnersall thoseyearsago.She’sproudofhowsuccessful andpopularthegala,whichinrecentyearshas featuredCyndiLauperandPitbull,hasbecome, consideringit’snotoneofthelong-legacyannual eventslikethosefortheoperaorballet.

Despiteitall,she’shumbleabouther accomplishments,sharingcreditwithherHCC

Journal,honoredattheEasterSealsGreater Houston’s“HatsOfftoMothers”luncheonand awarded“TheNikkiRichnowFreedomtoFlyAward” byArrow’sFreedomPlace.Shewasalsoanhonoree attheTickledPinkLuncheonthisyear.

“MostAdmiredCEO”bytheHoustonBusiness

WomanMagazine,listedasaCrohn’sandColitis FoundationWomanofDistinction,designateda

GreaterHoustonWomen’sHallofFame,namedone ofthecity’s50mostinfluentialwomenbyHouston

DaveWardBuildingatCrimeStoppersofHouston, forwhich$10millionwasraised,andshehaschaired theHoustonPoliceFoundation’sgalamanytimes, raisingover$9milliontosupportHouston’sofficers. Forhermanyefforts,shehasbeeninductedintothe

FurnitureBank.Sheledthecapitalcampaignforthe

board,andgushingnotaboutherselfbuther“most incredible”husband.“Talkaboutsupport,”shesays ofDave.“Heemceedourgalafor22years.The manhasjustgivenhislifetothiscity.Ifeelblessed everydaythatIsharealifewithsucharemarkable man.Nobodyreallyknowsthedepthofhisheart forthiscity.”

-MariaMoncadaAlaoui,BMWofWestHouston

Lauraunderstandsthatcollaborationistheenginethat drivessuccess,andsheinspireseveryoneinvolvedwith HoustonChildren’sCharitytoutilizeouruniquegifts,to serveourcommunity,andtodomore—andtheresults arealwaysbigandworthwhile.Herpassionforhelping childrenandthoseinneedispalpable,andshedelivers thatdevotionineveryaspectofherwork.

“ Lauraand longtime friendGary Becker,Vice Chairofthe HCCboard

-JohnJohnson, SilverEagle Distributors

Lauraisarelentless fundraiser,and childrenarealwaystop ofmind.WithLaura astheiradvocate, underservedchildren inourcommunity comefirstatHouston Children’sCharity.

Aninspiringleader,Laurahascontributedher timeandexpertisetonumerousothercharitiesover theyears,suchastheArborSchoolandtheHouston

shouldbestuckathomealldaybecausethey’veturned 17andgottenbigandtheirmamacan’tgetthemoutof theirwheelchair.Nochildshouldlivethatway.”

HoustonChildren’sCharityalsogiveshandicappedaccessiblevanstofamilieswithchildrenwhoare wheelchair-bound.“Wewanttofeedachild,”says Ward.“Wewantachildtohaveabed.Andnokid

“Lastmonthwegaveaway200,becausetheHouston Rocketsgaveus$60,000,andwewereabletodo more.”Eachbedsetupincludesanewmattress,box spring,bedframe,bedsheetsandpillow.

Theorganization’smanyprogramsinclude providingbedsforkidswhodon’thaveone;Laura saysit’s“staggering”howmanyHoustonchildren don’t.“Wegiveout100bedsamonth,”shenotes.

Foritspart,HCCstrivestoservethebasic,critical needsofchildrenthatarenotbeingmetbyother organizations,explainsLaura,whopersonally engageswithunderservedkidsandtheirfamilies, assessinghardshipsfirsthand.“Welookforthe childrenwhoarefallingthroughthecracksofthe system,andthoseareourclients.”

OakHotelownerTilmanFertittaandentertainment mogulGaryBecker,bothofwhomremainin leadershiprolesatHCCtoday.She’spersonallyraised morethan$100millionforunderservedkidsand ranksamongthecity’stopfundraisingexecutives.

Laura,whostudiedatLSUandwasaKappaDelta sororitysisterwithreveredHoustonsocietyscribe ShelbyHodge,wouldeventuallyjointheboardsof manychildren’scharitiesand,in1996,becomea foundingmemberandleaderofHoustonChildren’s Charity,partneringwiththelikesofRocketsandPost

askingpeopletopay$5toeatspaghettitobenefit thekids,”sheremembers.“I’mnotgoodatmuch.But IfoundsomethingIcanreallydo.Igotthebug,andI neverstopped.”

“Andnomatterhowmanybedswegiveaway—and wehavegivenawaythousandssince’97—wealways haveawaitlistofoverathousandchildren.”Texas

-GaryBecker

ImetLauraover30years ago.Averyunlikely meetinghasturned intooneofmybest friendships.Herhonesty, loyaltyandloveforthe childrenweservehas surpassedallofmy expectations.Atrue leaderandloverofdoing thingsright.

“

MattressMakersisapartnerintheenterprise.

” Laurawith herhusband, legendary newsanchor DaveWard

Clockwisefromtopleft:LaurawithPitbullanddaughters

CoreyRoweFloresandRachelleRowe;TexasChildren’s HospitalCEOMarkWallacewithLauraandhusbandDave Ward;LauraontherunwayatCKWLuxegala;Lauraand MariaMoncadaAlaoui,GMofBMWofWestHoustonand longtimetitlesponsorofHoustonChildren’sCharityGala; TilmanJ.Fertitta,HoustonChildren’sCharityfounding memberandChairmanoftheBoard,andLauragiving handicap-accessiblevanstodisabledchildren;Laurawith herchildrenandtheirspouses—CoreyRoweFlores,Remigio Flores,RachelleRowe,JohnRoweandNozomiMatsumoto

“IrealizedIdidn’tmindpickingupthephoneand

Lateron,asayoungmomtryingtohelpraisecash forherchildren’sschool,shediscoveredshehadagift.

agoldnecklaceoffherneckandgaveittoahotel cleaningladywhoadmiredit.“That’sjusttheway Motherrolled.”

Asyoungasageseven,shehelpeddeliverfoodto thefoodinsecureinhercommunity,andlearned aboutthejoyofgivingfromhermom,whooncetook

iconicHoustonTVnewsanchorDaveWard,“isyou’re supposedtowakeupeverydayanddosomething kindforsomebody.It’sjustapartoftheday,like drinkingwater.”

decadesofhelpingkids—amissionthatstartedwhen shewasachildherself,growingupasoneofnine siblingsinthesmallCajuntownofCrowley,La.“One thingMomandDadinstilledinus,”recallsWard, nowamomofthree,grandmotherofthreeandwifeof

Andwhatacareerit’sbeen,withmorethanthree

“Myfirstimpressionwas,‘Isthisajoke?’”recalls

heHoustonChildren’sCharity’s25thanniversaryluncheonlastNovember endedwithashockforLauraWard, theco-founderandpresidentand CEOofthenonprofitthathasassisted kidsinhardtimessince1996.That’s whenthesurpriseannouncementthat Ward,aself-described“controlfreak”whothought theprogramshehadarrangedfortheeventhad justended,hadbeenhonoredbyTexasChildren’s Hospital;ithadnameditsChildLifeRoomintheMed Centerafterher.

Ward,abeautiful,alwaysthoughtfullycomposed womanwhodoesn’ttakepraiseeasily.“Eventually, Irealizeditwasreal,butIcouldnotspeak.Ijust couldn’tbelieveit.Iwouldtrytoclosemymouth,butI wouldlookagainatthephotoonthebigscreenofthe signageforthenewroom,andmymouthwouldfall backopen. “Icouldn’tbemoreproudofanything,”shesays.“I don’tknowifthere’severgoingtobeanythingtotop thatinmycareer.”

Children’sCharityleaderLauraWardhasspentdecadesidentifying uniqueneedsandraisingcriticalfundsforunderservedkids.

OneofthefirstladiesofphilanthropyinHouston,Houston

HEARTA FOR CHILDREN

cover photo by ashkan roayaee