Party People

Sarah and Ernest Butler had just made the largest ever single gift to the company: $22 million! ... The 2023 Houston Ballet Ball, chaired by Allison and Troy Thacker, homaged the Mississippi marshlands as depicted in Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke, which inspired a world-premiere production by the Ballet. ... The culture and traditions of Japan were celebrated in grand style at the Asia Society Texas’ Tiger Ball. This year’s tented dinner, with décor featuring live cherry blossom trees, raised more than $1.5 million. The American Heart Association’s annual gala included fun plays on the word “beat,” like hip-hop violinist Demola, who played the cocktail hour. The total till topped $1.2 million. ... Cotton Holdings and CEO Pete Bell opened Rodeo season strong with a 10,000-squarefoot chandelier-and-red-roses-bedecked tent dubbed the Cotton ’Q Club, hosting hundreds of guests at Rodeo Cook-off.

The 12th Annual Houston Sweetheart Tea at Saks Fifth Avenue celebrated seven “sweethearts” for their contributions to the community. ... Design lovers turned up at BeDesign in the Upper Kirby/Montrose area to toast the ongoing expansion of the high-end showroom and, especially, the opening of the first Flexform flagship showroom in Texas. The annual Truffle Masters competition, hosted by DR Delicacy, featured dozens of chefs crafting their most delicious dishes using black truffle. First place went to Nobu chef Joe Murphy! 