-
Albert Nolen
Over the top
The 20th annual Harvest of Hope fundraiser for Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas was truly a “Top Gun” event with generous honorees Diane and Don Shaver along with “Tom Cruise look-a-like” Bishop David Toups at the helm of the incredible fundraiser last Thursday. Nearly 600 guests were shuttled to the Shaver-Albanese Hangar when they arrived at the Jack Brooks Airport. Emceeing the amazing evening Martin Broussard, who got the crowd revved up for takeoff before the live auction. Event chairs Michele and Mitch Smith as well as Stephanie and Bernie Daleo and with Catholic Charities Executive Director Carol Fernandez did a magnificent job organizing, creating and marketing this sensational soirée. The lively auction was led by auctioneer Vincent Montalbano and Bishop Toups brought out the best bidders including Mike Roebuck and Sam Parigi, who each won the Spring Training Grand Slam at the Floridian, Gerri Giglio won the Girls Getaway to the Hill Country, Rodney Robichau and Gay and Bill Scott were the highest bidders for dinner with the Bishop at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica. Food stations were set up outside the hangar as guest dined on pulled pork sliders from shrimp and grits, chicken and sausage gumbo, chicken kabobs, boudin balls from J Wilson’s, brisket mac and cheese, side salad and muffuletta, sweets and treats, loaded french fries and nachos, street tacos, street corn, ribs and assorted frozen treats, which were all so delish! Thrilled with the evening and music by Tracy Byrd were Lisa Parigi, Joy and Will Crenshaw, Kathryn Grace and Eric Meadows, Patty and Peter Maida, Monica and Jimmy Broussard, Gina and Colby Crenshaw, Karen and Mike Fuljenz, Donna Harris, Melanie Heartfield, Jean Moncla, Jamie Pope, Rhonda Robichau, Chris Roebuck, Laure and Frank Maida, Mandy and Brian Mazzola, Steve LaMendola, Pat Sherlock, Vivian and Jerry Todd, Janiece and Greg Austin, Regina Rogers, Karen and Bob Wortham, Coquese Williams, Michele Byrd, Cindy and Jamie Dishman, Mark Petkovsek, Grace Cordts, Martha Sue Jones, Paige Windham, Cullen Ramsey, and too many more to mention.
For the cure… American Cancer Society hosted their annual Cattle Baron’s Ball last Saturday evening at the Beaumont Civic Center. Welcoming the cowboys and cowgirls with hats were Executive Director Kathy Chessher and her efficient committee. In the mix were Marc McDonald, Vic Reyna, Elaine Browne, Lauren and Ty Hallmark, Katie and Tom Wallis, Cindy and Butch Frasier, Roni Stephenson and Kirk Gillespie, John Arcana, Carla and Barry Behannon, Rhett Browning, Sarah Kaiser, Shelly Yawn, Holly Albers, Gabriel Silva, Shelley and Carl Vitanza, Derek McWilliams and so many others. Lucky lady Stephanie Wright was the winner of $10,000 raffle. Guests had a great time for a terrific cause!
Looking forward… to the holiday recitals from Beaumont Civic Ballet, Lancaster Dance Academy, iRule and others this December!
Shout out to… physical therapist extraordinaire Dr. Dan Burke of Pinnacle Physical Therapy who has been a “miracle worker” for so many of us!
B-day bash… Julie Bertolino with Andrea and Jon Rowell hosted a bountiful brunch for their aunt/stepmom Jo Vance, who is celebrating her 980th trip around the sun. Toasting the youthful bday gal were Susan and Jimmy Simmons, Kathy and Fritz Seewald and daughter Gretchen, Patsy and Hermie Bundick, Gail White, Shirley Laine, Lil Lombardo, Anna Mae Fertitta, Karen Henry, Cat Holtzclaw, Sam and Frank Bertolino, Cile and Chuck Childress, Margi and Rocky Chase, Lou and John Huber, Kit Ohmstede, Sheila Umphrey, Betty Clarke, Pat Klein, Celia Crittenden and Tootsie Crutchfield. Entertainment was provided by Sheila Reese and Paige Windham doing “their thing” by reciting a “Ode to Jo.” Birthday wishes!
News of I do’s… Best wishes to Robin Broussard and Lynn Johnson on their recent marriage merger.
Happy anniversary… to Franny and Kristopher Goodman (8 years). Congrats!
Candles and cakes… belated best to Alan Cramer, Ronnie Moye and Gilbert Adams IV. Bday wishes to Brandon Gouthier, Roger Croley, Paige Andrews, Catherine Matthews, Elizabeth Waddill, Brent Wester, Lois Cooper, Olivia Persia, Brenda Wilson, Jeff Beaver, Cody McFarland, David Mayer, Justin McCullough, Kim Perkins, Jude Tortorice, Rinal Doshi, Chris Toomey, Justin Ahramjian, Traci Gates, Renee Barnes, Ellen Phelan, Scott Watson, Brian Blount, Ross Jones, Chad Illa-Petersen, Caroline Heinz, Thomas Cobb, Carolyn Majdalani, Kathryn Phelan, Meg Nancy Cook, Katie Barrow, James Hayhurst, Gladys Barrileaux, D’Anne McGown, Randy Lombardo, Kevin Chirafis, Cornie Heartfield and Macie Begnaud.
Until the next RSVP!