The Annual Event thrown every year by The Social Book team to celebrate the movers and shakers of our city, that through their philanthropy and social contributions to our community are recognized by their peers (other past honorees), media and good friends as this year’s true Treasures of Houston was held at Hilton Americas Hotel on Sunday, December 11, 2022. The theme for this year’s event was appropriately titled, “A Dazzling Downtown Evening” and that it was!
The Social Book in its 28th year of publication and its Houston Treasures award, created by Warner Roberts in 2004, was celebrated this year with its annual dinner that was co-hosted by Scott Evans, Warner Roberts, Jeff Henry, Sami Shbeeb and General Manager, Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel, Jacques D’Rovencourt.
As I have attended many of the Treasures dinners and marvel at all of the accomplishments of our city’s social community, this year was especially fun for me as so many of the honorees were personal friends of mine. and I took great pleasure in celebrating them. This year’s list of 2023 Honorees chosen by the Social Book’s selected committee are: Benjamin Berg, Zane & Brady Carruth, Lesha Elsenbrook, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Brigitte & Basher Kalai, Harriet & Truett Latimer, Tama Lundqust, Youval Meicler, Honorable Susan S. Soussan, Elizabeth & Alan Stein, Nancy Strohmer and Vicki West.
Guests celebrated the evening’s theme, “A Dazzling Downtown Evening” by once again, commemorating the the Downtown skyline and vibrant scene. The entire evening from a culinary perspective was executed superbly by Hilton America’s Director of Catering Matthew Finnan and team. The four-course dinner accompanied by renowned estate wines was divine as always at this event. Attendees brough toys for the children at The Mission of Yahweh, a homeless shelter for women and children. All aspects of the evening from the beautiful Flowers by Nino to the decor created by Kirksey Gregg Productions created a fanciful evening perfect for the season!
Always such a fun-filled evening, packed with beautiful memories of Houston’s finest…….this year was no exception. Evening began with Warner Roberts introduction of The Social Book’s 3rd class of Legendary Houston Treasures for their amazing accomplishments were: Sidney Faust, Cora Sue and the late Harry Mach, Jr.; and Honorable George and Annette Strake.
Being one of Houston’s most popular events and always one to bring to a close the year’s social events, the audience was packed with many of our town’s best and brightest! Sighted in the crowd were: Chris Kase, Karen Henry, Cheryl Byington, Bill Stubbs, Shannon Hall, Vicki Rizzo, Page Parkes, Kim Padgett, Marilu Garza, Sandra Porter, Leila Perrin, Charity Yarborough, Barbara VanPostman plus others that were presenters for the evening or that you will see below……..
Houston Treasures, Part I
Lilly Andrus, Honoree Vicki West
Houston Treasures, Part II
- Honoree Nancy Stromer introduced by former Treasure, Carol Sawyer
Photos courtesy of Daniel Ortiz