Philanthropy went into overdrive on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Post Oak Motor Cars when 300 guests gathered for Today’s Harbor for Children’s “Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance Uncorked, 2018.” Famed businessman, lawyer, public servant, and guest of honor, Bill King, alongside Master of Ceremonies, Sam Malone, joined attendees in raising funds for children and families in crisis. While working together for an important cause, guests enjoyed a variety of classic car- and boat-inspired hors d’oeuvres and exceptional wines.

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Six of Houston’s top restaurants tested their head chefs’ creativity by requesting they create custom dishes and wine pairings to complement a classic vehicle or boat featured in the upcoming Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance May 5 and 6, 2018 at the Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, Texas. 

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Grotto Ristorante surprised guests with spinach-stuffed mushrooms and lollipop lamb chops. The pairings were inspired by a 1973 Ferrari Dino owned by Shawn Speer. A 1924 Bentley Speedster, owned by David Duthu, motivated Mastro's Steakhouse to offer seared New York Strip with peppercorn sauce and colossal shrimp cocktail. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood and Steaks was given a 1959 Porsche 356 Speedster, owned by Jon Hodges, to use as inspiration for its flame-seared Japanese hamachi and smoked-salmon rillettes cones. A 1962 XKE Jaguar Roadster, owned by Peter Harth, inspired The Post Oak Hotel’s Bouchée Patisserie to provide an assortment of desserts, including lemon meringue tart, cookies, madeleines, macarons, and bonbons. Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse created crab cakes with beurre blanc and bacon-wrapped quail, which were inspired by a 2017 Ford GT 40, owned by Tomy Hamon. Last but not least, Willie G’s Seafood & Steaks created wicked tuna poke and a crab and lobster roll to match the look of a Wasserweibchen Century 19’ 1964 Resorter, owned by Dave and Johnnie Person. 

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The participating restaurants, as well as the car and boat owners, were recognized for their tremendous efforts and generous contributions to the event. Malone, sharing the stage with Concours Chairman, Bob Fuller, presented a special gift to King thanking him for his countless community contributions and his tireless work as one of Houston's most dedicated public servants. 

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While guests mingled and sampled the pairings, they were delighted to participate in a Kendra Scott mystery jewelry pull. In addition, Uncorked attendees were given the chance to enter a raffle to win a 2018 Lincoln MKC SUV, generously donated by The Jon & Jacqueline Hodges Charitable Organization and Bayway Lincoln.

Auction participants revved their engines as they contributed to the evening’s success by bidding on a variety of live and silent auction items, including a stay at Deer Lake Lodge Resort and Spa; a Great Outdoors Escape Dream Vacation; a Chopard Boutique ring; a painting by auto artist Scott Figueiredo; and a cruise on Galveston Bay with honoree, Bill King. All proceeds benefited Today’s Harbor for Children.

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Guests: Paul and Amy Dunphey, Duane and Cynthia Guidry, Faron and Karen Daigle, Michael Garfield, Ernie Manouse, Laurette Veres, Valerie Sweeten, Harold Gunn, Sarah Leftwich, Emily Wilkinson, and Peter Remington.

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About Today’s Harbor for Children

Formerly Boys & Girls Harbor, Today’s Harbor for Children, founded in 1947, has long served as a refuge for children ages 5 to 18 in crisis due to neglect, abandonment, abuse, or family hardship. The Harbor welcomes children in need regardless of race, creed, color, or financial status, offering them a safe, caring, loving, family-like environment. Now, the Harbor has opened its doors to nonresident children in order to provide a safe place during after-school hours. Since opening its doors, the Harbor has helped to create hope, love, and positivity in thousands of children, helping them realize their dreams and achieve their full potential.