Thousands of Ballots Chose the “Best of the Best” at The Social Book Inaugural Awards Luncheon
Over 11,200 ballots were cast in The Social Book’s search through its supporters and their friends and families to find out what events and event vendors were their favorites for the past social season (September 2023 through May 2024). Millions of dollars were raised in the past nine months to support the amazing work of our city’s charitable organizations and event partners. The Social Book wanted to take a moment and recognize their efforts.
The Ballroom at Bayou Place (reimagined from its former life as the Albert Thomas Convention Center), along with Ballroom Owner Partners C.C. and Duke Ensell, Kirksey Gregg Productions, Craig Howard and Lisa Scarborough, sponsors All Show Plus, Astoundz, Page Parkes Texas, Saks Fifth Avenue, J & D Entertainment, Johnny “Bravo” Holloway, The PR Boutique and Presenting Sponsor Brigitte and Bashar Kalai/Amerapex hosted 200 excited Houstonians for a few hours of lunchtime “Oscar” fun.
On arrival, guests were welcomed down the red carpet and greeted by Leila Perrin and Jerré Williams who checked them in. Further down the carpet, Matthew Massey and Nick Sanford, said hello at the Champagne Madame Zéro Portrait Wall, where a gloved hand was extended through a framed picture to hand you a flute of chilled “zero sugar” champagne! Matthew’s champagne was also served by the “Champagne Diva” who was fully clad in gold! Also adding to the fun were Marilyn Monroe and Groucho Marx character “look-alikes,” “Living Red Carpet,” “Living Golden Pop Lock Statues,” a “Disco Chic Living Topiary,” and an Academy Photo Booth—all courtesy of J & D Entertainment!
After a short reception, invitees entered the ballroom, which, thanks to Arturo Joseph and his company All Show Plus, the ambiance and staging reminiscent of a state-of-the-art Academy Awards telecast, had people in awe. Kirksey Gregg Productions’ décor choices were a perfect choice for the occasion—centerpiece arrangements of white roses and hydrangeas surrounded film reels and slate boards. Sequined black tablecloths and black chair covers with sequined gold bands completed the table look. Ballroom at Bayou Place Catering created a scrumptious three-course meal featuring a charcuterie display atop a unique wooden cutting board, a trio of Chicken Salad inside a Red Bell Pepper, Pimiento Cheese with toast points, and an Heirloom Caprese Salad. Dessert was a decadent Chocolate Lava Cake drizzled with chocolate ganache sauce.
The presentation format was designed with well-known Houston individuals and couples, introducing each of the 27 category awards—each fundraising event and vendor/partner a part of The Social Book. Taking part in the fun were Alicia Smith, Kirk Kveton & Daniel Irion, Hallie Vanderhider, Cheryl King, Laura Ward, Scott Evans, Carol Sawyer, Elizabeth Stein, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Samantha Kennedy, Saula Valente, Sami Shbeeb, David Chiaro, Heidi Turney, Page Parkes, Brigitte Kalai, Cheryl Byington, Patti Murphy, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Christine & Steve Johnson, Jody Merritt, C.C. & Duke Ensell, Vicki West, Danny Klaes, Ellie Francisco, Leila Perrin, Beth Wolff, Jacquie Baly, Vicki Rizzo and Rose Cullen. Models from Page Parkes Texas, were clothed in fashions from Saks Fifth Avenue and, in a similar fashion to the Oscar telecast, presented the awards to those presenting. Winners in each category of events and vendors were celebrated with applause. The award recipients were:
EVENTS AWARDED
- Special Award of Merit to Gala Over $4 million Raised: Houston Children’s Charity 26th Annual Gala
- Gala Over $1 million Raised: VICTORY Rally Ball
- Gala From $500,000 to Under $1 million Raised: Citizens for Animal Protection 37th Celebrity Paws Gala-“Mission: Pawsible”
- Galas Under $500,000 Raised: Linda Lorelle Scholarship Fund Gala
- Special Award of Merit to Luncheon Over $1 million Raised: Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary “Reflections on Style Fashion Show & Luncheon”
- Luncheon $250,000 and Above Raised: Power of Literacy Luncheon-“The Gift of Reading”
- Luncheons Under $250,000 Raised: Lucky for Literacy “Bubbles and Bingo” Bash
- Receptions: Houston Sweethearts Tea
- Special Event: Nutcracker Market
- Sporting Event: ~ TIE ~ 14th Annual Frank Billingsley Golf Classic and Easter Seals Greater Houston’s “Walk With Me”
EVENT PARTNERS AWARDED
- Auction Services: Johnny “Bravo” Holloway
- Audio Visual and Special Effects: 360AV Design
- Catering: Berg Hospitality
- Entertainment: J & D Entertainment
- Event Décor: Let It Fly Events
- Event Photography: Daniel Ortiz Photography
- Event Production: Francisco + Co
- Fashion or Retail Store: Saks Fifth Avenue
- Florist: Flowers by Nino
- Hotel: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
- Invitation Design: Elsie Smith Design
- Linens: Kirksey Gregg Productions
- Portrait Photography: Gittings
- Public Relations: The PR Boutique
- Venue: The Ballroom at Bayou Place
- Video Production: Firefox Video
Eight times during the award production, gifts for an entire table were gifted by wonderful Social Book company partners and drawn by “Rosie” Holloway, Johnny “Bravo’s” 5-year-old daughter. Each drawing was announced with 20th Century Fox Fanfare music. Companies participating with table gifts were Briargrove Pharmacy, Celebrate by Lisa Lou, Coolin’ Curve, H-E-B, Elizabeth Purpich, More Than You Can Imagine, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tootsies.
In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Linda McReynolds, Susan Boggio, Laura Stein, Karen Henry, Dominic Celliti, Steve Breyfogle, Andy Cordes, Matthew Massey, Nick Sanford, Cindy Bendy, Farida Abjani, Marty Lancton, Tamara Bonar, Bobby Dees, Gayle Eury, Carol Sharpe, Debby Leighton, Lisa Jakel, Karen Payne, Tabitha Garcia, Ellen Ramsey, Tracy Rushton, Nino Shbeeb, Stacey Swift, Angie Lane, Laura Woods, Linda Schmuck, Todd Zucker, Kappy Muenzer, Gloria Meszaros, Jerré Williams, Raquel Lewis, Mary Fusillo, Joni Ballis, Elizabeth Fulghum, Stephanie Morris, Diane Cain, Jessica Younger, Jennifer Friedman, Kathy Bennett, Katherine Pulse, Charity Yarborough, Chris Kase, Diane Gendel, Kim Padgett, Courtney Zavala, Beth Harp, Roz Pactor, Linda Rhodes, Shelley Ludwick, Beth Younger Clark, Laurette Veres, Chree Boydstun, Georgia Graugnard, Melissa Murphy, Trish Morille, Alexis Holloway, Seliece Womble, Brett Forshag, Jenny Todd, Madison Cunningham, Dan D’Armond, Michelle Holland, Denise Middleton and Meredith Turner
