On Sunday, December 3, 2017, The Social Book, Houston's premier calendar of charitable events, resource guide, and go-to compendium of all things social, awarded its 2018 Houston Treasures honorees at its annual dinner. The invitation only event took place in the Picasso ballroom at the JW Marriott Houston Downtown. The Social Book publisher and editor respectively, Scott Evans and Jeff Henry; Sami Shbeeb; Houston Treasures creator, Warner Roberts; and JW Marriott Houston Downtown’s General Manager, Archit Sanghvi welcomed guests to the induction of the fifteenth class of honorees.

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The over 270 participants enjoyed a La Gioiosa Valdobbiadene Prosecco reception in the historic Carter Room before sitting down to a four-course dinner created by the executive chef, Jelle Vandenbroucke. Wines by Clos Du Val Estate accompanied the delectable meal. JW Marriott Houston Downtown director of catering and director of sales respectively, Gary Baumann and Cahal Mowery, along with their team, flawlessly executed the entire evening.

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Treasured Art, the evening’s theme, was chosen to reflect the exquisite art displayed in the hotel and to mirror the legacy of past and present honorees. A variety of professionals brought the theme to life with creative designs throughout the venue: The Perfect Touch leant an air of the Art Deco and Empire eras with its choice of table linens, chair sashes, centerpieces, and staging; Florals by Nino created a variety of exquisite florals whose hues adapted to the chair sashes and graced the tables and stage; JW Marriott Houston Downtown’s in-house audiovisual team bathed the ballroom in amber light and dazzled guests with scrolling portraits of all prior honorees projected onto screens; Richard Brown Music enhanced the mood by playing holiday favorites, standards, and art-themed tunes; Cakes by Gina tantalized guests with a display of cakes fashioned into various art-themed designs; Elsie Smith Design created the exquisite Treasured Art invitation guests received in the mail and the evening’s printed programs.

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The event was all about the honorees who were celebrated in video tributes produced by Chris Swanson and Firefox Video. Each honoree was also introduced to attendees by former Houston Treasures recipients. The Houston Treasures award honors individuals and couples involved in philanthropy, volunteerism, medicine, the arts, business, sports, politics, and the media. Chosen by a select committee of The Social Book, the 2018 honorees are: David Adickes, Frank Billingsley, Marie Bosarge, Gayla Gardner, Butch and Carmen Mach, Dr. David Poplack, Rachel Regan, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Susan Sarofim, Virginia Steppe, Marcy Taub Wessel and Kitch Taub, and Leticia and Steve Trauber. Neiman Marcus presented honorees with The Social Book’s signature Orrefors crystal Houston Treasures award. Richard Brown received the fifth annual Social Book Salute.

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Former recipients in attendance included: The Honorable Joanne King Herring, Ernie Manouse, Helen Shaffer, Merele Yarborough, Scotty and Jana Arnoldy, Nancy Gordon, Ellie Francisco, Trini Mendenhall, Maureen and Jim Hackett, Rose Cullen, Linda McReynolds, Harry and Cora Sue Mach, Sidney Faust, Paul and Kristina Somerville, Joan Lyons, George and Annette Strake, Diane and Harry Gendel, Mady and Ken Kades, Nino Shbeeb, Yvonne and Rufus Cormier, Helen Shaffer, Philamena Baird, Nancy Dinerstein, Linda Lyons, Andy Delery, Mary Ann and David McKeithan, Fran Peterson, Joann and Bill Crassas, Bill King, Vanessa and Perry Sendukas, Linda Lorelle, Franelle Rogers, Sybil Roos, Evin Thayer, Kappy Muenzer, Sharon Michael Owens, and Nancy Levicki.

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Guests: Nancy and Jose Almodovar, Kim Wilson, Maggi Jones,  Michael McClure, Tom Regan, Monica Hartland, Roz and Alan Pactor, Denman and Marijo Moody, Linda Wiley, Ed McMahon, Diane and Brian Kingshill, Angie and Cliff Roberts, Vik and Angie Chadha, Walter Aymen, Mary Grace Gray, Mark and Paige Evans, Charity Yarborough, David and Tara Wuthrich, Ron Corcoran, Cody Soutar, Sherri Zucker, Vicki Rizzo, Roseann Rogers, Elsie and Les Eckert, Chris Swanson, Andrea and Paul Stewart, David and Cassie Chiaro, and Marguerite Swartz.

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About The Social Book

 Since its inception in 1996, The Social Book has supported the charitable and nonprofit community by publishing THE comprehensive calendar of Houston’s fundraising events and being the guide of the best companies, especially vendors, that produce events from luncheons to galas. It is an invaluable resource for the generous individuals and companies who give of their time and resources to address countless needs. A $320 annual subscription to The Social Book includes its red leather binder containing the calendar, which is updated through the year; a license for full access to the calendar on its website; and magazine quality advertising. Nonprofit subscribers receive additional benefits and opportunities.