Every New Year I make just one resolution…something I actually enjoy doing, which stands a better chance of “sticking” than all those other promises we usually make to ourselves, like exercising
more, eating healthier, spending less, etc. So, in 2009, my one new goal is to
create more of those slick professional-looking photo albums that are so easy
to do online
—and so addictive. The few photo books I’ve made in the past turned out a lot better than I expected. In fact, it’s been so much fun I just may convert all those family pictures that are stashed
away in closets, drawers and under the bed into a series of deluxe memory
books. So if I don
’t answer my phone, it just may be that I’m too busy scanning those old prints into my computer. Ah, the wonders of the
digital age!
The Scoop...
Speaking of flashbulbs, our town’s busy social photographers Pete Baatz, Kim Coffman, Fulton Davenport, Alexander Rogers, Evin Thayer, Phyllis Hand, etc. etc. are the unsung heroes of any gala season, snapping thousands of
candid and not so candid party pics, many of which appear in this column
throughout the year. These pros really know how to capture the red carpet
moments, making the social stars look glam and the corporate types look
distinguished.
A group of media stars who have spent their professional lives in front of the
camera gathered to pay tribute to late colleague
Ron Stone in a moving evening filled with fond remembrances. Ron
died of cancer in May. Nancy Ames and Danny Ward produced “Good Night Neighbors, Giving Thanks for the Life of Ron Stone” featuring accolades from “tributeers” including Channel 2 alums Doug Johnson, Ron Franklin, Linda Lorelle and myself, along with anchors Bill Balleza, Dave Ward and Jerome Gray. Retired TV columnist Ann Hodges and former TV host Joanne King Herring also added their warm and often humorous anecdotes, interspersed with video
clips from Ron
’s Eyes of Texas shows. Other VIPS included Gov. Rick Perry, former Gov. Mark White, Shake Russell and Clint Black. More than $350,000 was raised to benefit the Ron Stone Foundation.
After the holiday break, the gala season ramps up quickly, starting with the
Jan. 10 Winter Ball, benefiting CCFA. For the second year in a row, the dynamic
trio of
Philamena Baird, Julie Brown and Ellie Francisco are co-chairing the “Jewels” themed gala, which honors the 2009 Women of Distinction... Jyl and Keith Calcote are heading up the Jan. 22 Tourette Syndrome Association of Texas Gala “Unmasking the Face of Tourette’s,” which honors Andrea White and Dr. Joseph Jankovic… and everything will be “Coming Up Roses” at the Jan. 30 Women’s Home Gala, which honors Danielle Ellis. The 2009 Profiled Women are Elizabeth Abraham, Theresa Chang, Laurann Claridge, Beth Madison, Fran Fawcett Peterson and Jennifer Wheeler, M.D.
Houston probably has more galas than any city other than New York, and the
majority of these mega events are held at the Hilton-Americas Hotel. Catering
Director
Paul-David Van Atta earns the respect and affection of ball chairs by helping make sure each event
has the
“Wow” factor. And last year when PD founded his own fundraiser, Cabaret for a Cure,
his friends turned out in force to help raise money for HIV/AIDS programs. On
Friday, Jan. 9,
Mark and Debra Grierson are co-chairing the second annual Cabaret for a Cure, featuring two-time Grammy
Award winner
Diane Schuur. If you’d like to be part of this magical musical evening, call 713-574-9713.
