A Night to Remember…..The Social Book 2024 Treasures Awards Gala “An Emerald Evening”

Always one of the most anticipated evenings of the year is the Annual “Houston Treasures” Gala Dinner hosted by The Social Book at the most beautiful time of the year’s end…..during the holidays! This year was extra special as it celebrated the 20th Anniversary class of honorees and did it in green splendor as the night’s “Emerald Evening” was celebrated at the beautiful Omni Hotel, this year’s opulent host!

The Social Book’s Scott Evans (publisher), Jeff Henry (editor) and Sami Shbeeb, along with “Houston Treasures” creator Warner Roberts welcomed guests to this twentieth class of honorees.

The Social Book “Houston Treasures” awards, created by Warner Roberts in 2004 honors individuals and couples in the fields of philanthropy, volunteerism, medicine, arts, business, sports, politics and media. Honoree photos and biographies grace the calendar tab pages of January through December in The Social Book. Warner Roberts, in her opening speech of the evening, recounted the awards’ history and continuing legacy of commemorating those whose contributions to the Houston community have been extraordinary…..earning them this distinct honor.

This year’s 2024 Honorees include: J.P. Bryan (founder of Bryan Museum in Galveston), Cheryl Byington (volunteer & philanthropist), Cissy Segal Davis (recently retired CEO of Miller Outdoor Theater), Gaynell Drexler (volunteer & philanthropist), “C.C.” and “Duke” Ensell (philanthropists), David Leebron and Y.Ping Sung (former head of Rice University), Kelley and Steve Lubanko (volunteers & philanthropists), Kara and Lance McCullers, Jr. (Houston Astros pitcher and philanthropists for many animal causes through their foundation), Dr. Laura Murillo (head of Hispanic Chamber of Commerce), Melissa Williams Murphy (founder of iWrite.org), Susan and Michael Plank (she: founder of Dec My Room; he: businessman; owner of the Plank Companies and Speedshore; philanthropists) and Leigh and Reggie Smith (volunteers & philanthropists). Honorees were commemorated in video tributes by previous “Houston Treasures” award recipients, generously filmed and produced by Chris Swanson and Firefox Video.

As usual, it was quite a night. 260 guests were treated to a Champagne Madame Zero reception, followed by a four-course seated dinner created by Omni Houston Hotel’s Executive Chef Blak Scott with renowned estate wines by Jordan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Jordan Chadonnay.

The evening was celebrated through this evening’s theme “An Emerald Evening”.…….the precious jewel was celebrated all evening in the decor and by the many attendees clad in the many shades of that jeweled shade of green. All were asked to bring toys for the children of The Mission of Yahweh, a homeless shelter for women and children. The evening’s decor was enhanced to perfection through the support of 360AV Design, Flowers by Nino, Kirksey Gregg Productions and EB, Inc.

Below, please join me in recognizing many of the honorees of this spectacular evening of celebration……