Houston Symphony Ball Kick-Off

The Houston Symphony geared up for its 2010 “Music Matters” Ball with a kick-off event at Jones Hall. Chairing the ball are Margaret Alkek Williams and Kelli and Martin Fein. Honorees are Fidelity Investments, Aileen B. Gordon and Cora Sue Mach. Sharin Gaille and Nancy Littlejohn.

Kelli and Martin Fein.
Photos by Fulton Davenport

Opportunity Ball

Over 600 guests helped raise $520,000 to provide scholarships for area students during Houston Community College’s Opportunity Ball held at the InterContinental Hotel. HCC is one of the nation’s largest community colleges, providing affordable education to over 65,000 students each semester. HCC Chancellor Dr. Mary Spangler, former Houston Mayor Bill White and wife Andrea, Mark and Shannon Wallace and Massey Villarreal.

Chris Hackem and Holly Montalbano.
Photos by Kim Coffman

Valobra Party for Pin Oak Charity Horse Show

Valobra Jewelry & Antiques hosted a kick-off party celebrating the 65th season of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show and generously donated jewelry valued at $25,000 for the Pin Oak Charity raffle. Lynn Walsh, Franco Valobra and Janine Iannarelli.
Photo by Fulton Davenport

Pastry Chefs Unite for Lucky Dog Rescue

Local pastry chefs created one-of-a-kind gingerbread doghouses for an auction held at Hotel ICON to benefit Lucky Dog Rescue. Supporters donated almost $5,000 to the organization dedicated to providing rescue services, vet care, foster care and adoptive placement for stray and abandoned dogs. Rebecca Masson of Shade and Canopy restaurants won first place, The Houstonian’s pastry team won second place and Angela Krampitz earned third place. Pictured Jodie Eisenhardt.

Kristen Cannon and James Craig.
Photos by Phyllis Hand and Carlos Meltzer

HIGHLAND VILLAGE FERRARI FESTIVAL

More than 1,000 car enthusiasts, including Nancy Valobra, attended the 4th annual Highland Village Ferrari Festival to get a close look at 50 Ferraris, ranging from classics to sleek, new models. Rebecca Spera, host of ABC TV’s “Mirror, Mirror,” and Highland Village salon owner Michael Kemper emceed the event that benefitted Texas Children’s Cancer Center.
Photo by Fulton Davenport

Elaine Turner Benefit for The Women’s Home

The Elaine Turner Boutique hosted a holiday event to benefit The Women’s Home, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter and support for women in crisis. Shoppers who donated gently used handbags and shoes and bought raffle tickets received Elaine Turner discounts and coupons. Turner and Elizabeth Herff.
Photo by the Photo Boutique

Greater Houston Women’s Chamber Hall of Fame

The Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Hall of Fame Gala to recognize outstanding women who have contributed to the advancement of women. More than 500 guests showed their support for the 2009 honorees and contributed funds for scholarships. The honorees were (seated) Linda Lorelle, Ileana Trevino, Margaret Williams, Zarine Boyce and Rose Cullen. (Standing) Diedra Fontaine, Gracie Saenz, Martha Turner, Vu Thanh Thuy, Maxine Williams and Lyda Ann Thomas.
Photo by Phyllis Hand

Society Editor Laura Pennino covers special events related to health, fitness, sports and recreation in the Houston area. Contact her at 281-286-9398, via fax at 281-286-7761 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .