An American Idol
American Idol’s second season contestant Kimberly Caldwell was a special guest at the first
annual holiday party at Mo
’s…A Place for Steaks.
Born in Katy, Caldwell appeared on the TV talent show Star Search, and won the competition five times, the most wins for a junior vocalist on the
original version. A release party for Caldwell
’s debut album Without Regret will be held at Mo’s in April.
1) Johnny “V,” Kimberly Caldwell and Chef Eric Aldis
A Turn of the Tables
Shannon Perry, Nashville recording artist, writer and women’s conference speaker who makes her home in Cypress, found a way to help a family
in need during the holidays.
In the fall of 2008, Shannon’s life was abruptly turned upside down when her husband was diagnosed with
cancer. When David had surgery, Shannon received updates from a nurse who kept
her informed about David
’s prognosis.
Months later, Shannon received a call that would turn the tables. The single
nurse began sharing concerns about tough times her family was experiencing. In
an effort to help the nurse, proceeds from Shannon
’s CD, The Real Thing, during the month of December were donated to the nurse and her two sons.
2) National recording artist, speaker and philanthropist Shannon Perry.
Houston Chevron Marathon
More than 26,000 people participated in the Houston Chevron Marathon, one-half
marathon and 5K races. The 5K race took runners through the downtown area of
Houston, half marathon participants ran the streets of downtown, the Heights
and Allen Parkway, while the full marathon runners covered downtown, West
University, Galleria, Memorial and Allen Parkway. All races finished at the
George R. Brown Convention Center, where runners received their medals,
T-shirts, a variety of snacks and encouragement from family and friends.
Supporters lined the streets cheering as the runners came by. Former President
George H.W. Bush delighted the participants when he was found cheering them on
around mile 19. Numerous volunteers were on hand passing out water, bananas,
Gatorade and orange slices. Music playing from speakers motivated the
participants, while belly dancers, hula hoopers and bag-pipe players
entertained them as they ran by.
Many of the runners were multiple-year veterans of the race, as even more ran
this race for the first time. First to cross the finish line for the full
marathon was Ethiopian Teshome Gelana with a time of 2:07:37.
3) Annette McDermott and Meredith Robertson show off their finisher medals!
4) Brett and Jericia Havekost cross the finish line, hand-in-hand at a final time
of 5:43:34. After months of training and fundraising, they collected more than
$4,500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
5) Jan Stavinoha, Deborah Lindop, Melissa Wolfson, Rene Kariel, Jericia Havekost
and Brett Havekost
6) Northwest Houston runners Cissy Heafner, Brenda Hassebrock, Rick Brooks, Dana
Cirelli, Frank Scanterbury, John Carnicle, Eloise Scanterbury, Amy Parker and
Susan Dool
Santa Maria Hostel
More than 400 guests attended Santa Maria Hostel’s 6th Annual Gala, raising funds to empower women and their children to become
alcohol and drug free.
Philanthropist Ralph Marek and the Marek Family Foundation were the honorees for
the event, chaired by Deborah Duncan and Chrissy Mafrige. Guests including
Aimee and Roy Marsh were welcomed by Kay Austin, CEO of Santa Maria Hostel.
Houston judges Ed Emmett, Leta Parks, Bonnie Hellums, Jerry Sandel and Danny
Pierce showed their support. Also in attendance were Sheriff Adrian Garcia and
councilman Jarvis Johson.
Judge Eric Andell acted as the auctioneer, encouraging the crowd and boosting
the live auction to generous numbers. Hearts melted when one of the live
auction items, a labradoodle puppy, walked amongst the crowd, and was happily
won by the Austin family. An exciting surprise item, two first-class round trip
tickets donated by recently retired Continental Airlines CEO Gordon Bethune,
helped make the event extremely successful, being the largest grossing gala to
date.
Silent Auction chair Carla Kneipp and Jimmy May enjoyed the evening along with
guests Jenni and Robert Shanks, Paula and Jeff Kolb, and Amy and John Aubrey.
Major underwriters included the Marek Family Foundation, Centerpoint Energy, El
Paso Energy, Baker Botts, KPMG, Price Water Coopers and Vinson
& Elkins LLP.
Santa Maria Hostel features two residential facilities, mental health services
and outpatient programming, and relies on the generosity of members of the
Houston community to help women attain long-term sobriety.
7) Emcee Deborah Duncan and Gala chairperson Chrissy Mafrige
8) Honoree Ralph Marek with Santa Maria Hostel Board Chairman Xavier Pena
9) Board member Jontae Chapman enjoys the evening with CFO Barbara Page
10) Kay Austin, Ron Mafrige, Tommy Austin and Councilman Jarvis Johnson
11) Gordon Bethune and Jessica Rossman
12) Aimee and Roy Marshl
