Houston Lifestyles & Homes magazine Feb 2009: Jan Carson Reviews Socials, Galas, and Parties for Houston Lifestyles Magazine

I don’t know about you, but my resolve to cut down on sugar definitely melts in the weeks leading up to Valentine ’s Day. It’s so hard to resist those yummy little heart shaped chocolates! Good thing a little dark chocolate is actually good for our heart. As is dancing, romancing and red wine …so why not combine all of the above and kick up your heels at the Razzle Dazzle Red Heart Ball on Feb. 7? It ’s a great way to celebrate your sweetheart, and support the terrific work of the American Heart Association.

Out and About..

The winter season got off to a fast start with several major events the very first week of the New Year. One of the most anticipated splashes is always the The Social Book launch party, and this year ’s theme Fashionably Social, A Cool Party Celebrating the Hot! certainly fulfilled its promise. Publishers Scott Evans and Jeff Henry lined up an A-list of sponsors, vendors and party planners to wow the wall to wall guests at the Omni Houston Hotel. Of course, The Social Book is the official compendium of our city ’s glittery galas, fun-filled fundraisers and sassy soirées. 2009 Social Treasures, including Diane Gendel, Joanne King Herring, Jodie and Maryann Hoffer, Patty Hubbard, Don Jordan, Vincent, Mary K and Kelli Kickerillo, Melanie Lawson, Ann Sakowitz, Lester and Sue Smith, Dr. James and Nancy Willerson, Fred Zeidman and the late Ron Stone, were recognized for their community contributions, and I was honored to be included among them. Houston Treasures is a concept created by Warner Roberts, who is definitely a Treasure herself!

Event organizers know that pacing is critical to the success of any evening, and Cabaret for the Cure is one night where the entertainment is non-stop! Gala chairs Debra and Mark Grierson and founder Paul-David Van Atta presented a magical evening on three stages, featuring jazz, cabaret, opera, R&B and a whole lot of soul. Guests were mesmerized as Grammy Award -winning vocalist and pianist Diane Schuur captivated the room. Also featured: Kenneth Gayle, Todd Honeycutt, the Richard Brown Orchestra, Bubba McNeely, Shaun Smith and many others. All proceeds benefited the HIV/AIDS programs at Legacy Community Health Services.

The Winter Ball was a jewels-themed extravaganza presenting the 2009 Women of Distinction. Congratulations to the following leaders for their amazing community service: Donatella Benckenstein, Gracie Cavnar, Elizabeth DeLuca, Rosi Hernandez, Evelyn Leightman, Cheryl Moore McNair, Elizabeth Meyer Petersen, Cindi Harwood Rose, Barbara Scott, Phoebe Tudor and Diane Gendel. The accomplishments of these ladies are truly extraordinary, representing countless hours of service to a broad range of social agencies, cultural organizations and other nonprofits.

Speaking of hard working women … Hadassah’s prestigious Women of Courage award will be presented March 8 to Nina Proler Brown and Eve Lapin for their outstanding contributions to health education. For tickets, call 713-661-1022.

Great Line: Instead of advising “No gifts please,” the invitation to a birthday bash for Chris Kase contained an enclosure card that read: “Chris is registered at the nonprofit organization of your choice.” Now that’s a classy way to celebrate someone. Pet Peeve Alert: I’m wondering why so many “Save the Date” cards don’t include a phone number or e-mail address? Make it easy for someone to contact you to buy a ticket or get more information. And it helps to have the contact information large enough to read!