On Saturday, January 06, 2018, Donae Cangelosi Chramosta, also known as the Vintage Contessa, and co-owner of The Vintage Contessa & Times Past, hosted a fashionable fete to celebrate her 50th birthday and to benefit KNOWAutism. Over 200 of Houston’s finest joined her at the smart River Oaks District to help her celebrate and to support the worthy nonprofit.

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The evening began with a fabulous cocktail hour inside the exclusive premises of Dolce & Gabbana. Guests, dressed to impress in black and gold apparel, mingled while enjoying their lavish surroundings. After cocktails, party-goers continued to the lively Toulouse Café and Bar for dinner and dancing. Here they enjoyed mouth-watering offerings such as crispy tuna tartare tacos, butter-poached lobster shooters, and salmon cannelloni on the open patio. As the champagne flowed, Italian dancers performed in the courtyard, the DJ played classic Italian music to set the Spicy Sicilian theme, and Hahn Tran created art representative of The Vintage Contessa.

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Following dinner, Chramosta was presented with an ornate birthday cake while her husband, Rob, toasted her and led the crowd in song. In lieu of gifts, guests were encouraged to donate to KNOWAutism.

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Bentley Houston and Toulouse Café and Bar were the event underwriters. Both will also donate silent auction items to the upcoming KNOWAutism Gala in February 2018. The birthday party raised over $23,000 for the nonprofit.  

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About The Vintage Contessa & Times Past

The Vintage Contessa & Times Past, an internationally recognized showroom based in Houston, is a one-stop shop for high-end vintage and estate pieces. Owned by dynamic husband and wife duo Rob Chramosta and Donae Cangelosi Chramosta, the venerated establishment sources estate jewelry, fine watches, designer handbags and accessories, GIA certified diamonds, rare coins, and antiquities. Its customers include collectors from across the globe. With coveted pieces from the likes of Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Hermes, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, and a reputation built on buying expertise, value, honesty, and integrity, The Vintage Contessa & Times Past is the destination for curated collections of authentic and timeless luxury pieces.

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About KNOWAutism

KNOWAutism supports the families of children with autism. It strives to help reduce the burden of an autism diagnosis by providing financial assistance and raising community awareness. Through education, KNOWAutism teaches families how to detect the early signs of the condition and the importance of intervention. At the same time, the organization provides access to resources and services to help improve the long-term outcomes for children with autism.

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About Toulouse Café and Bar

Toulouse Café and Bar recalls a fin de siècle Parisian Café bustling with activity. Its cozy French atmosphere welcomes patrons to enjoy mouth-watering specialties, delicious desserts made on the premises, and superb wines from its extensive wine list. Located in River Oaks District, the eatery serves the tastes of France with exciting, yet comforting, dishes.

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About Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana is an Italian luxury fashion house with a style that expresses new forms of elegance and modern classicism based on superior sartorial content and creativity. The strong identity of the Dolce & Gabbana brand has evolved over the years, but its roots have never been forgotten. The Houston store is located in River Oaks District.