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Fortunate 500
September 6, 2008
Catching up with Nina Seely at Botticelli's
I didn’t really know Nina Seely. She didn’t really know me. Yet Nina illuminated so many social events last season — from small parties to big galas — we chose her, along with husband Frank, to represent the Style category in the 2008 Fortunate 500. The Ralph Lauren retailer — formerly in charge of the personal shopping service at Sak’s — never looked anything less than dazzling, and always stopped by for a short, substantive chat, no matter how busy she must have been. Never snooty. Always fun. Very Austin.
Turns out, Nina and I spent chunks of our youths within bicycling distance of each other, me in Bellaire and West University, she in Ashton Oaks, just across the freeway from the Houston Galleria. She’s considerably younger, but she dated a Jebbie (from my alma mater, Strake Jesuit) while she attended Lee High School, where one of my closest friends, the late Mark Whistler, probably shared classes with her. We talked about the vast numbers of Houstonians and DFWers who have made Austin home because of an affinity to the native culture.
We gossiped a little — mais oui! — but we also talked about some of the causes that she champions. (Today, for instance, she’s backing the the Domain PlayBingo Shopping Extravaganza for Abused Children, which I’m afraid I won’t make.) Nina swears she’s cutting back on events this year, but don’t believe her. She and Frank are fixtures — in the best sense of the term — in the fashion, business and charity scenes. We’ll see them out.
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August 26, 2008
Fortunates at Dem Convention
Got any tips from Austinites at either convention to send our way? We’re ready to report.
Addendum: In the way of all Out & About, the couple that I pictured, John and Julie, ended up not being able to make it.
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August 21, 2008
Watch out for ... Aaron Peirsol, Brendan Hansen and more in Austin
We’ll be watching (very closely) to see if any of the Longhorn-related Olympians make more of a social splash locally. Examples: Aaron Peirsol and Brendan Hansen will appear alongside Lance Armstrong at the Nike+ Human Race event in Austin Aug. 31. On a more serious note, we’re hoping Eric Shanteau will return to Austin after conquering cancer.
Jo Ann Christian and Stephen Skaggs have risen to chairwoman and president of Austin Lyric Opera. Good idea to refresh the top leadership periodically, while encouraging the next generation.
We wonder if presidential nephew and onetime juvenile idol George P. Bush will spend more time in Austin, now that Pennybacker Capital private equity firm is settling in here. After all, Karl Rove is out there somewhere — he recently joined the Headliners Club, we hear.
And oh yes, all of these are on our Fortunate 500 watch. Speaking of which, why aren’t Bettie and Robert Girling on the Heritage list? The philanthropists’ names popped up in a less flattering light recently via the report on Austin Top 10 residential water users.
NBC photo
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2009 Fortunate 500: It's Never Too Early
The 2008 Fortunate 500 is history. Time to start researching the 2009 Fortunate 500. Your help is essential.
As soon as Glossy appeared, readers nominated folks for the 2009 list: Communication by Hand’s Delia Mott Merritt, music agent Danielle Thomas (pictured here with Dan Hardicke, courtesy of Matt Dentler’s blog), KAZI’s Steve Savage, Phenix & Phenix’s Rusty Shelton and Fox 7’s Rob Balon received generous endorsements.
Other correspondents, such as the digitally ubiquitous Phil West, suggested a new category for social media mavens — not a bad idea, but we like meeting people in person, too.
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August 1, 2008
2008 Fortunate 500: The Complete List
Remember, this is our annual list of Austin’s most social citizens. It honors those Central Texans who go Out & About for the good of the greater social fabric.
Almost all our picks were originally nominated by readers, then followed by our social spies during the subsequent year. (I chatted with most of them, too, at the 1,000 or so social events I attended in the past 12 months.) So now is a prime time to alert us to people who contribute above and beyond to the social scene, so they can be eligible for the 2009 list.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Arts, Biz & High Tech, Charity, Faith & Education, Fame, Food, Fortunate 500, Media & Books, Movies, Music, Out, Politics & Law, Sports, Style
2008 Fortunate 500: All Stars
ALL STARS
Top picks Turk and Christy Pipkin: Nobody surprised us more in 2007-2008. Watching them at social functions revealed a relaxed and natural power pair, so thoughtful and hopeful about their Nobelity Project, a film and charity endeavor that has grown into global proportions. (They also contribute to the Miracle Foundation and A Glimmer of Hope Foundation.) In January, they threw a Nobelity Project gala at the Four Seasons that gathered a sterling collection of locally linked celebrities, not only greeting every reveler in the hotel’s overflowing dining areas, but treating them as intimates of long standing.
Carol and Chris Adams. Zach Theatre, Austin Film Society, Austin Music Foundation, Animal Trustees of Austin, AIDS Services of Austin
Lance Armstrong. Lance Armstrong Foundation, Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, Austin Film Society
Linda Ball and Forrest Preece. Ballet Austin, Badgerdog Literary Publishing, Austin Cabaret Theatre, Austin Film Festival
Melanie and Ben Barnes. Ben Barnes Group, Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center, National Charity League, St. Francis School
Sally and Mack Brown. University of Texas Longhorns, Helping Hand Society, the Rise School of Austin
Tana and Joe Christie. AIDS Services of Austin, Austin Lyric Opera, Armstrong Community Music School, Out Youth, Ransom Center
Linda and Bob Cole. KVET, Boy Scouts, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Frisco Shop, the Tavern, Hill’s Cafe
Eloise and John Paul DeJoria. Paul Mitchell, Patrón Tequila, Palmer Drug Abuse Center, Peace Love and Happiness Ride
Quincy Adams Erickson and Stephen Nagle. Fete Accompli Inc., Stephen Nagle & Associates, Wine & Food Foundation of Texas, Texas Culinary Academy, Annie’s List
Mary Margaret and Ray Farabee. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, People’s Community Clinic, Southwestern Writers Collection, Molly National Journalism Prize
Maria Luisa ‘Lulu’ Flores and Scott Hendler. National Women’s Political Caucus, Hendler Law, Mexic-Arte Museum, Save Town Lake Association, Hispanic Bar Association of Austin, CreateAustin Leadership Council
Karen Frost and Charles Levy. Frost Media Relations, Nobelity, Texas Cultural Trust, Leadership Austin, I Live Here I Give Here, Impact Austin
Bijoy Goswami. Bootstrap Austin, ‘The Human Fabric’
Patti and James Huffines. University of Texas System, TXU Energy, Plains Bank, Austin Community Foundation
Teresa and Joe Long. Long Center for the Performing Arts, University of Texas, Austin Museum of Art, Austin Symphony Orchestra
Carla and Jack McDonald. Perficient, Dynabrand PR, American Youthworks, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Austech Alliance, PeopleFund, People’s Community Clinic
Lynn and Tom Meredith. MFI Foundation, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin Children’s Museum
Stephen Moser. Austin Chronicle, Made in Heaven
Bettie Naylor and Libby Sykora. Bettie Naylor & Associates, Travis County, Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas, First Amendment Coalition Of Texas
Willie Nelson. ‘Two Men with the Blues,’ Club Luck, Farm Aid, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, Nobelity Project, Carl’s Corner
Deborah and Larry Peel. KLRU, Larry Peel Co., Wine & Food Foundation of Texas, Thoughtful House Center for Autism, Electronic Privacy Information Center
Anita and Rick Perry. Governor of Texas, Texas Conference for Women, National Governors Association, March of Dimes, Main Street Program
Sara and Dick Rathgeber. Rathgeber Village, Austin Children’s Shelter, People’s Community Clinic, Salvation Army
Eugene Sepulveda and Steven Tomlinson. Acton MBA in Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurs Foundation, Obama ’08 campaign, Austin Community Foundation, PeopleFund
Nancy Scanlan and John Watson. St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Save Our Springs Alliance, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Molly National Journalism Prize
Julia and Evan Smith. Texas Monthly, Blanton Museum of Art, Trinity Episcopal School, Austin Film Society
Bobbi and Mort Topfer. Topfer Family Foundation, Castletop Capital, the Seton Fund, Long Center for the Performing Arts, March of Dimes
Michelle Valles and Ray Benson. KXAN, Asleep at the Wheel, Bismeaux Studio, Muscular Dystrophy Association, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, Aguila Awards
Liz McDaniel Watson and Kirk Watson. Texas Senate, Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Lance Armstrong Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Alexa and Blaine Wesner. Austin Ventures, Blue Texas, Austin Film Society
Suzanne and Marc Winkelman. Calendar Club, Jewish Community Association of Austin, Democratic Party, Long Center for the Performing Arts
Anne Elizabeth Wynn. Atticus Circle, Austin Poetry Slam, Arthouse, Austin Public Library Foundation, CASA
Will Wynn. Mayor of Austin, Civitas Investments
For a complete, updated list of Austin’s most social citizens, follow the brightly colored Fortunate 500 link below this post.
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July 31, 2008
2008 Fortunate 500: Arts
ARTS
Top Pick Arturo Palacios: If the East Austin art revolution recognized a guerrilla leader, it would be this quietly relentless — and sweet-natured — gallery owner with an eye for the next thing. The former gallery director for the City of Austin’s Dougherty Arts Center, Palacios helped jumpstart DYI arts through Art Palace, placing works by young artists with the Austin Museum of Art, Blanton Museum of Art and Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts. He throws a mean party, too.
James Armstrong and Larry Connelly. Austin Museum of Art, Austin Lyric Opera, Long Center for the Performing Arts
Amy Barbee. Texas Cultural Trust
Ron Berry. Refraction Arts, Fuse Box Festival
Mary Ellen and Roger Borgelt. Austin Lyric Opera, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Austin, Potts & Reilly, LLP
Robert Brown and Dennis Karbach. Long Center for the Performing Arts, Austin Museum of Art, Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival, State and Paramount Theatres
Sarah and Ernest Butler. Butler School of Music, Blanton Museum of Art, Austin Museum of Art, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Austin, Austin Lyric Opera
Lisa Byrd and Ana Ixchel Rosal. ProArts Collective, University of Texas
Annette Carlozzi and Dan Bullock. Blanton Museum of Art, Leadership Austin, Trail Ridge Communications
Jo Anne Christian. Austin Lyric Opera, Ransom Center, Long Center for the Performing Arts
Joyce Christian and Rudy Green. Austin Museum of Art, ProArts Collective
Barbara Chisholm and Robert Faires. Zach Theatre, Austin Chronicle
Ann Ciccolella and Tara Smith. Austin Shakespeare Festival, University of Texas
Katie Hernandez Cowles. Women & Their Work, Austin Museum of Art, Mexic-Arte Museum
Mela Dailey and Peter Bay. Austin Symphony Orchestra
Melissa Eddy. Classical Music Consortium of Austin, Long Center for the Performing Arts
Carrie Fountain and Kirk Lynn. Rude Mechanicals, University of Texas
Dana Friis-Hansen and Mark Holzbach. Austin Museum of Art, Zebra Imaging, Rude Mechanicals
Sue Graze. Arthouse
Deborah Green. Austin Film Society, Austin Museum of Art
Joan Plaster Haas and Stan Haas. Nelsen Architects, Long Center for the Performing Arts
Mary Ann and Andrew Heller. Heller Records, Austin Lyric Opera, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Long Center for the Performing Arts
Jessie Otto and Gerron Hite. Blanton Museum of Art (retired), Texas Historical Commission
Brent Hasty and Stephen Mills. Ballet Austin, University of Texas
Jeanne and Michael Klein. Blanton Museum of Art, Austin Museum of Art, Arthouse
Gail and Jeff Kodosky. National Instruments Corp., Ballet Austin, Austin Museum of Art, Long Center for the Performing Arts, Austin Chamber Music Center
Rachel Koper. Gallery Lombardi, Austin Chronicle, Austin Museum of Art
Craig Hella Johnson and Philip Overbaugh. Conspirare, Philip Overbaugh, Architect
Charles Leslie. UT Performing Arts Center
Robin Lewis and Todd Dellinger. TexArts
Sherry Matthews and Dick Clark. Sherry Matthews Advocacy Marketing, Dick Clark Architecture
Chris Mattsson and John McHale. Austin Museum of Art, Arthouse
Stuart Moulton. Austin Cabaret Theatre
Bettye and Bill Nowlin. University of Texas, Austin Museum of Art, Austin Theatre Alliance, Austin Community Development Corp., Long Center for the Performing Arts
David Ohlerking. Austin Figurative Gallery
Sylvia Orozco. Mexic-Arte Museum
Paula and Damian Priour. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, Austin Museum of Art
Cliff Redd. Long Center for the Performing Arts
Rosa Rivera and Juan Miro. Miro Rivera Architects, Ballet Austin, Arthouse, Ransom Center, KLRU, Kindergarten Intervention Program, the Town Lake Trail Foundation
Cookie and Paul Ruiz. Ballet Austin, Junior League of Austin, Capital Area Food Bank of Texas
Michelle Schumann and Matt Orem. Austin Chamber Music Center, Mary Hardin-Baylor University.
Shannon Sedwick and Michael Shelton. Esther’s Follies, Patsy’s Cowgirl Cafe, People’s Community Clinic
Jane Sibley. Austin Symphony Orchestra, Long Center for the Performing Arts
Dave Steakley and Tony Johnson. Zach Theatre
Ken Stein and Ken Lambrecht. Austin Theatre Alliance, Planned Parenthood of Texas
Latifah Taormina. Austin Circle of Theaters
Julie and John Thornton. Austin Ventures, Ballet Austin, Blanton Museum of Art
Judy Willcott and Laurence Miller. Texas French Bread, Fluent~Collaborative, Arthouse, Blanton Museum of Art
David Wyatt. Wyatt Brand
While I’m hiking in Montana, we’ll reveal a different Fortunate 500 list each day at noon. For a complete updated list, follow the brightly colored Fortunate 500 link below this post.
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July 30, 2008
2008 Fortunate 500: Business & High Tech
BUSINESS AND HIGH TECH
Top picks Amy and Kirk Rudy: Where weren’t this pair? If the event included the words Endeavor Real Estate Group, Ballet Austin, AIDS Services of Austin, Anti-Defamation League, Equality Texas or St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, they were there. Along with others in their social circle, they have devoted enormous energies to the Barack Obama campaign this year.
Molly Alexander. Downtown Austin Alliance
Taylor Andrews. 360 Condos, Ballet Austin, Austin Music Hall, Austin Museum of Art
Sandra and Joe Aragona. Austin Ventures, Lance Armstrong Foundation, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Entrepreneur’s Foundation
Charles Barnett. Seton Family of Hospitals
Suzanna Caballero. Wachovia Bank, Leadership Austin
Marjon King Christopher. King-Tears Mortuary
Susan and Michael Dell. Dell Inc., Dell Family Foundation, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Long Center for the Performing Arts, Austin Children’s Shelter
Fidel Estrada. Estrada Cleaners, United Negro College Fund
Gay Gaddis. T3
Regan and Billy Gammon. William Gammon Insurance Agency Inc., Texas Book Festival
Richard Garriott. NCSoft Corp. Austin, Austin Shakespeare Festival, Space Adventures
Jeff Garvey. Austin Ventures, Lance Armstrong Foundation
Juan Garza.Pedernales Electric Cooperative
N. Rudy Garza. G-51 Capital LLC, Dell Children’s Medical Center
Rodney Gibbs. Amaze Entertainment, Digital Media Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters
Chris Greta. Ad Ranch Inc., Herobracelets.org, Austin Lyric Opera
Jeff Hahn. TateAustinHahn, Austin Marathon Foundation, United Way
Karen Fabbio and Rick Hawkins. LabNow
Mary Herr and Rusty Tally. Morgan Stanley, Long Center for the Performing Arts, Center For Child Protection
Joe and Sandra Holt. Austin Chamber of Commerce, Austin Symphony Orchestra, JPMorgan Chase
Brett Hurt. Bazaarvoice, Shop.org, Web Analytics Association
Robena Jackson. RJW Operations Inc., Dispute Resolution Center, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
Cindy and Greg Kozmetsky. United Way, RGK Foundation, PeopleFund
Donaji Lira. El Rey Executive Club, Texas Food & Wine Foundation, Austin Museum of Art
Sheridan and Perry Lorenz. Constructive Ventures Inc.
Jimmy Mansour. Telephone Management, Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, Bible Study Fellowship
Bertha Means. Austin Cab Co., Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce, St. James Episcopal Church, Democratic Party
Rosie Mendoza. R. Mendoza & Co., SafePlace, Travis County Hospital District, Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Terry Mitchell. Momark Development, Austin Works Housing, Real Estate Council of Austin
Mary Pat Mueller. Door Number 3 Inc., Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, New Milestones Foundation, People’s Community Clinic, Impact Austin
Deep Nasta. Deep in the Heart of Texas Realty, Young Men’s Business League, Symphony BATS
Alisha Ring. Austin Technology Council
Hector Ruiz. Advanced Micro Devices Inc.
Eddie Safady. Prosperity Bank, Long Center for the Performing Arts, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Film Society
Rossanna Salazar. Ross Communications Inc.
Laura and Jeff Sandefer. Acton MBA in Entrepreneurship, Paramount and State Theatres
Nav Sooch. Sooch Foundation, Silicon Laboratories Inc.
Bertrand Sosa. NetSpend Corp., MPower Venture, Relationship and Information Series for Entrepreneurs
Roy Sosa. NetSpend Corp., MPower Venture, Relationship and Information Series for Entrepreneurs
Carol Thompson. Thompson Group
Gary Valdez. Focus Strategies LLC, Leadership Austin, PeopleFund, Robert Mueller Development Foundation
Jim Walker. Central Texas Sustainability Indicators, Mueller Neighborhood Coalition, Austin Under 40
Diana Zuniga. Investors Alliance Inc.
While I’m hiking in Montana, we’ll reveal a different Fortunate 500 list each day at noon. For a complete updated list, follow the brightly colored Fortunate 500 link below this post.
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July 29, 2008
2008 Fortunate 500: Charity, Faith & Education
CHARITY, FAITH & EDUCATION
Top Pick Becky Beaver: This stylish lawyer knows how to choose causes. The top tier of her social involvements includes Austin Children’s Museum, Planned Parenthood of the Texas Capital Region, Ballet Austin, People’s Community Clinic, Austin Museum of Art, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Molly National Journalism Prize, KUT, KLRU, University of Texas and the Austin Community Foundation. When you dip into the second tier, your eyes bulge with admiration.
Sandy Alcala. Junior League of Austin, UTLatinos, Texas Exes
Lew Aldridge. Octopus Club, Caritas of Austin, Equality Texas, Habitat for Humanity, Community Foundations
Ada Anderson. Leadership Enrichment for the Arts Program, Carver Museum
Donna and Philip Berber. A Glimmer of Hope Foundation
Penny and Thomas Cedel. Concordia University Texas
Roxann Thomas Chargois. The Links Inc., St. Edward’s University
Jennifer and Ashton Cumberbatch. Council for Community Reconciliation, Seton Healthcare Network, Agape Christian Ministries, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
Isabella and Bill Cunningham. University of Texas
Wilhelmina and Xavier Delco. North Austin Medical Center, Huston-Tillotson University, Greater Austin Crime Commission
Diana and Casey Dobson. Scott, Douglass & McConnico, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Hill Country Conservancy
Lisa Doggett. Austin Physicians for Social Responsibility
Franchelle Stewart Dorn and Edwin Dorn. University of Texas
Larry Earvin. Austin Area Urban League, Huston-Tillotson University, Leadership Austin
Susan and Bobby Epstein. Long Center for the Performing Arts, Jewish Community Association of Austin, Austin Film Society, Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas
Mark Erwin and Stephen Rice. Octopus Club, Lone Star Legal Copy & Imaging, The Boon Group
David Evans. Austin Travis County MHMR
Rob Faubion and JoeLane Schumann. Shout, AIDS Services of Austin, Wright House Wellness Center
Kaye and Pat Forgione. Austin Independent School District, Austin Community Foundation
Jesus Garza. Seton Family of Hospitals
Maria and Eric Groten. Austin Film Society, Zach Theatre, Austin Bar Association
Janet Harman. KDK-Harman Foundaiton, St. Stephen’s School, Southwest Council of Foundations
Greg Hartman. Seton Family of Hospitals
Kim Heilbrun and William Powers. University of Texas, Austin Triathlon, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
Kate and Robert Hersch. Heritage Society of Austin, Austin Film Society, Ballet Austin
Nancy and Bobby Inman. University of Texas , Paramount and State Theatres , Texas Natural Science Center
Brenda Kennedy. Jack & Jill of America, 403rd Judicial Criminal District Court of Travis
Karen Landa. Hospice Austin, Austin Museum of Art, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Wachovia Securities
Sterling Lands II. Greater Calvary Bible Church, Eastside Social Action Coalition
Lowell Lebermann Jr. Centex Beverage, University of Texas, Lady Bird Johnson National Wildflower Center, the Seton Fund
Susan and Craig Lubin. Austin Gastroenterology, Ballet Austin, Jewish Community Association of Austin
George E. Martin. St. Edward’s University
Sandra Martin. Center for Child Protection
Myra and Ruben McDaniel. St. James Episcopal Church
Susan McDowell. LifeWorks
Earl Maxwell. St. David’s Community Health Foundation
Dick Moeller. St. David’s Community Health Foundation
Melanie Moore. Badgerdog Literary Publishing
Nona Niland. Annie’s List, People’s Community Clinic, Niland Foundation
Denise and Randy Phillips. Promiseland West
MariBen Ramsey and Karen Kahn. Association of Junior Leagues International, Austin Community Foundation, Seton Fund
Lily and Yigal Saad. Anti-Defamation League, Austin Lyric Opera, Jewish Community Center Associaton
Randa Safady. University of Texas System
Jane Woodman Schrum and Jake Schrum. Southwestern University
Tom Spencer and Victor Martinez. Austin Area Interreligious Ministries
Margot and Grant Thomas. People’s Community Clinic, Youth Launch Prize
Kelly and Richard Topfer. Topfer Family Foundation, Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central
Denise M. Trauth and John Huffman. Texas State University-San Marcos
Doug Ulman. Lance Armstrong Foundation
Barbara Vackar. Austin Women’s Network, National Women’s History Museum, Leadership Austin
Louise and Steven Weinberg. University of Texas, the Nobelity Project
Isabel and Dave Welland. A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas
Amy and Al Wong Mok. Asian American Cultural Center
Mary and Howard Yancy. University of Texas, People’s Community Clinic, Texas Book Festival
While I’m hiking in Montana, we’ll reveal one Fortunate 500 category each day at noon. For the full updated list, follow the brightly colored Fortunate 500 link below this post.
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July 28, 2008
2008 Fortunate 500: Food
FOOD
Top Pick Sharon Watkins: The twinkle-eyed owner of Chez Zee has been bringing people together over food for quite a while now. Among the beneficiaries of her social largesse are the University of Texas Performing Arts Center, Austin Public Library Foundation, KLRU, Leadership Austin, Women Vote Friendship Lunch and Zach Theatre. We chatted with her at so many parties over the years it’s like we’re family.
Alma Alcocer-Thomas. Jeffrey’s
Susan and Ed Auler. Fall Creek Vineyards
Eddie Bernal. 34th Street Cafe, Santa Rita Cantina, Blue Star Cafeteria
Paula Biehler. Biehler & Associates, Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival
Jeff Blank. Hudson’s on the Bend
Kevin Blessing. Central Market, Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival
Tyson Cole. ‘Iron Chef America,’ Uchi
Lisa and Emmett Fox. Asti, Fino
Chuck Huffaker. Grape Vine Market
David Jabour. Twin Liquors
Howard Kells. Doña Emilia’s South American Bar & Grill, One Management Inc.
Jane King. Central Market
Liz Lambert. Hotel San Jose, Jo’s Hot Coffee, El Cosmico, Bunkhouse
Lou Lambert. Lamberts Downtown Barbecue, Jo’s
Trina and Damian Mandola. Mandola’s Italian Market, Mandola’s Estate Winery, Austin Children’s Shelter, Marywood Foundation, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
Charles Mayes. Cafe Josie
Aimee Olson. Texas Culinary Academy, Les Dames D’Escoffier
Mark Paul. Wink, Zoot
Elmar Prambs. Trio, Caritas
Robert Rhoades. Hudson’s on the Bend
Rebecca Robinson. Wine & Food Foundation of Texas
John Roenigk. Austin Wine Merchant
Bud Royer. Royer’s Round Top Cafe, Meals on Wheels, American Youthworks
Suzanne Santos. Austin Farmers’ Market
Carol Ann Sayle and Larry Butler. Boggy Creek Farms, Green Corn Project
Amy Simmons. Amy’s Ice Cream, Phil’s Ice House
Scott Simons. Whole Foods
Chuck SmithMoonshine
Karen Odom Spezia and Roy Spezia. Tribeza, Clark, Thomas, Winters
Lisa and Mark Spedale. Primizie
Foo Swasdee. Satay, Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce
Michael Terrazas. Starlite, the Woodland
Michael Vilim. Mirabelle, Wine & Food Foundation of Texas
Peggy and Ron Weiss. Shoreline Grill, Jeffrey’s
Kevin Williamson. Ranch 616
While I’m hiking in Montana, we’ll reveal a different Fortunate 500 list each day at noon. For a complete updated list, follow the brightly colored Fortunate 500 link below this post.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Food, Fortunate 500
July 27, 2008
2008 Fortunate 500: Heritage
HERITAGE
Top Pick Quality Quinn: A teacher who won top awards in Michigan and California, she went on to found Quality Quinn Inc., which provides educational consulting services from its Austin base. Quinn, when she is not soaking up the quiet among Austin ex-pats in Marfa, is shaking the bushes for the Austin Public Library Foundation and the Austin Project, among other causes. While not Old Austin by birth, she burnishes the scene by her mere presence. (Shown here with Brent Hasty and Amy Barbee)
M. Ann and George Attal. Austin Galleries, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
Judy and John Avery. Ronald McDonald House, Austin Community College, Texas State University
Jannis and Robert Baldwin. The Longhorn Foundation, SafePlace
Debby and John Burns. Austin Preservation Club, Settlement Home
Ann and Roy Butler. Capitol Beverage Co., Austin Community Foundation, Austin Police Department
Nicole Nugent Covert. University of Texas, Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Joanne and Jack Crosby. The Rust Group, University of Texas
Carol and Tim Crowley. Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Ronald McDonald House, Junior League
Charmaine and Frank Denius. University of Texas, the Seton Fund
Beth and Tom Granger. The Seton Fund, Austin Community Foundation, Hospice Austin
Luci Baines Johnson and Ian Turpin. LBJ Holding Co., Friends of the LBJ Library, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Melissa Jones. Houston Endowment, Annie’s List, Molly National Journalism Prize
Sue McBee. Austin History Center Association, Austin Community Foundation
Charmaine and Gordon McGill. Sydcor, University of Texas
Libby and Bruce Malone. Professional Management Group, Austin Parks Foundation
Julie and Pat Oles. Barshop & Oles Co., Clayton Dabney Foundation, Bullock Texas State History Museum
Catherine Robb. Sedgwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold LLP, LBJ Library Future Forum, Austin Music Foundation
Robin and Bud Shivers. Shivers Group Home, Shivers Cancer Center, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, Headliners Foundation
Joan and Greg Talley. The Seton Fund, Junior League of Austin
Daphne and Ben Vaughn. St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, the Seton Fund
Pam and Boots Willeford. U.S. ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (former)
While I’m hiking in Montana, we’ll reveal one Fortunate 500 list each day at noon. For a complete, updated list, follow the brightly colored Fortunate 500 link below this post.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Fortunate 500
July 26, 2008
2008 Fortunate 500: Media & Books
MEDIA & BOOKS
Olga Campos and Kevin Benz: Local media has produced few power couples like this pair, who represent KVUE and News 8 Austin professionally. Down-to-earth and likable, they also can be seen emceeing events and supporting multiple causes — including CASA, Con Mi Madre, Hope Alliance Emergency Shelter for Women, Lutheran Social Services, Make a Difference Banquet, Greenlights for Nonprofit Success and the Carole Kneeland Project for Excellence in Journalism — plus appearing at first nights and openings.
John Aielli. KUT
Sarah Bird. Texas Monthly, ‘How Perfect Is That’
Bobby Bones. KISS-FM
Jeff and Lyn Brady. Austin Monthly
Fred Cantu. KEYE
Don E. Carleton. UT Center for American History
Gary Cartwright. Texas Monthly
Elizabeth Christian and Bruce Todd. Elizabeth Christian Associates, Bruce Todd Public Affairs
Mary Anne Connolly. Austin Woman, Reel Women, Conspirare
Kevin and Melissa Connor. Music & Entertainment Television
Monica Davis. The Davis Group, Austin Chamber of Commerce, Travis County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services
Jody Denberg. KGSR
Dale Dudley. KLBJ
Betty Sue Flowers. LBJ Library and Museum
Bob Fonseca. KLBJ
Elaine Garza. Giant Noise
Bucky Godbolt. KVET
Robert Hadlock. KXAN, CASA, Easter Seals
Donna Stockton Hicks and Steve Hicks. Stockton Hicks Laffey, Capstar Partners
Jim Hightower. Texas Observer, Austin Chronicle
Mike Levy. Texas Monthly, Austin Travis County EMS, Children’s Defense Fund of Texas
Judy Maggio and Thad Rosenfeld. KEYE-TV, Blue Santa, Dell Children’s Medical Center
Jill McGuckin. McGuckin Entertainment PR
Robert Nash and Paul Simmons. Backstage Marketing Consultants
Patricia Paredes. First Night Austin, Texas Campus Compact
Jeff Salzgeber and Stuart Hysom. Radiant Media Group
Josh ShepherdMusic + Entertainment Television
Clay Smith. Texas Book Festival
Heidi Marquez Smith. Texas Book Festival
Kevin Smothers and Michael PungelloElizabeth Christian Associates, DMX
Jim Spencer. KXAN, Jerry Lewis Telethon (MDA)
Muffy and Tom Staley. Ransom Center
Bart Stephens. West Austin News
Bill Stotesbery. KLRU, Hart InterCivic
Maury Sullivan. KLRU
Kerry Tate and Susan Rieff. TateAustinHahn, Civic Interest, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Brenda Thompson. Brenda Thompson Communications, Paramount and State Theatres, Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Zach Theatre
Sally and Bill Wittliff. Southwestern Writers Collection and Wittliff Gallery of Southwestern and Mexican Photography at Texas State University
Lawrence Wright. The New Yorker, ‘The Looming Tower,’ Capital Area Statues
While I’m hiking in Montana, we’ll reveal one Fortunate 500 list each day at noon. For a complete updated list, follow the brightly colored Fortunate 500 link below this post.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Books, Fortunate 500, TV
July 25, 2008
2008 Fortunate 500: Movies
MOVIES
Top Pick Jacqueline Rush Rivera: A native of Puerto Rico, she trained in visual arts and discovered Austin while working at the immigrant center Casa Marianella. With Eugenio del Bosque, Rush Rivera has helped internationalize Cine las Americas, fast growing into an essential Austin social event. She’s also out supporting causes such as the Austin Asian Film Festival, Austin Film Society and the city’s other movie fandangos.
Paul Alvarado-Dykstra. Fantastic Fest, Villa Muse Studios
Elizabeth Avellan. ‘Shorts,’ Troublemaker Studios
Angela Bettis and Kevin Ford. ‘Inheridance,’ ‘When Is Tomorrow,’ ‘Scar’
Louis Black. Austin Chronicle, South by Southwest
Gary Bond. Austin Film Office, Austin Film Commission
Rebecca Campbell. Austin Film Society, Austin Studios
Kat Candler. Storie Productions, Austin Film School
Heather Courtney. ‘Critical Condition,’ ‘Trinidad’
Cole Dabney. Austin Film Critics, Coleandbobby.com
Eugenio del Bosque. Cine las Americas
Laura Dunn. ‘The Unforeseen’
Marc English. Austin Film Society, Marc English Design
Hector Galan. ‘The War,’ ‘Bronx Burning ’
Katy Hackerman and Robert Walker. Austin Film Society, Matinee Media, Marfa Public Radio
Tamara and Bob Hudgins. Texas Film Commission, Chisholm Trail Community Foundation
Lisa Kaselak. Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival.
Harry Knowles. Ain’t It Cool News, Fantastic Fest, Butt-numb-a-thon
Tim and Karrie League. Alamo Drafthouse, Fantastic Fest, Rolling Roadshow
Richard Linklater. Austin Film Society, ‘Inning by Inning,’ ‘Me and Orson Welles,’ ‘Boyhood’
Suzanne and Tim McCanlies. ‘The Two Bobs’
David Modigliani. ‘Crawford’
Barbara Morgan. Austin Film Festival
Chale Nafus. Austin Film Society
Masashi Niwano. Austin Asian American Film Festival
Spencer Parsons. ‘I’ll Come Running,’ University of Texas, Austin Chronicle
Janet and John Pierson. University of Texas, Austin Film Society, South by Southwest Film Festival
PJ Raval. ‘Trouble the Water,’ ‘Trinidad,’ ‘The Two Bobs’
Bob Ray. ‘Hell on Wheels’
Robert Rodriguez. ‘Shorts,’ Austin Film Society, Troublemaker Studios
Ame Shillington. Austin Star Map
Tom Schatz. UT Film Institute
Alex Smith. UT Film Institute, ‘The Slaughter Rule’
Paul Stekler. Austin Film Society, University of Texas
Anne Walker-McBay. ‘The Two Bobs,’ ‘Boyhood’
Alisa Weldon and Lynn Yeldell. L Style G Style, Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival
While I’m in hiking in Montana, we’ll reveal one Fortunate 500 list each day at noon. For a complete updated list, follow the brightly colored Fortunate 500 link below this post.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Fortunate 500, Movies
July 24, 2008
2008 Fortunate 500: Music
MUSIC
Top Pick Paul Oveisi: The owner of Momo’s is doing everything he can to balance the west end of Sixth Street with the finest local music. He’s served on the Austin Music Commission and Live Music Task Force, formerly managed the breakthrough Band of Heathens and now concentrates on pushing the career of soul singer Dan Dyer. Busy man with a family and among the first to move into the groundbreaking Monarch Tower. (Shown here with Jessie Corrine.)
Susan Antone. Antone’s, Help Clifford Help Kids, American Youthworks
Ed Bailey. KLRU, ‘Austin City Limits,’ Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival
Marcia Ball. ‘Live! Down the Road,’ Charity Partners of Austin
Bavu Blakes. Music Entertainment Television, World Trade
John Bernadoni. The John Bernadoni Production Group
Jim Butler. City of Austin
Amy Corbin and Charles Attal. C3, Stubb’s BBQ
David Cotton... Saxon Pub
Max Dropout. Beerland, Ground Zero Texas
Cash Edwards. National American Folk Alliance, Cash Edwards Music Services
Angela Gillen. Flamingo Cantina
Timmy Hefner. Chaos in Tejas
Theresa Jenkins. Recording Academy
Charlie Jones. C3
Marty and Mark Kamburis. Flipnotics Coffeespace, Satellite Cafe
John Kunz. Waterloo Records
Terry Lickona.‘Austin City Limits’
Harold McMillan.. DiverseArts
Casey Monahan. Texas Music Office
James Moody. Transmission Entertainment, Fun Fun Fun Fest, Mohawk, Club DeVille, Red 7, Lambert’s
Tim Neece. UT Performing Arts Center
Tim O’Connor. Direct Events, Austin Music Hall, the Backyard, La Zona Roza
Don Pitts. Gibson Guitars, Guitar Town
Dan Plunkett and Blake Carlisle. End of an Ear Records
Rapid Ric. The Mixtape Mechanic, Whut It Dew Family
Shawn Sides and Graham Reynolds. Golden Arm Trio, Rude Mechanicals
Iluminada and Hartt Stearns. One World Theatre
Craig Stewart. South by Southwest, Emperor Jones Records
Donya and Randall Stockton.. Beerland, Rio Rita
Roland Swenson. South by Southwest
Bernard Vasek. Musicmania
Phil Waldorf. Dead Oceans Records
Steve Wertheimer. Continental Club
Annetta and James White. Broken Spoke
Graham Williams. Transmission Entertainment, Fun Fun Fun Fest, Mohawk, Club DeVille, Red 7, Lambert’s
Eddie Wilson. Threadgill’s
Wendy WWAD. Black 13 Booking
While I’m away in Montana, we’ll release a different Fortunate 500 list every day at noon. For a complete updated list, follow the brightly colored Fortunate 500 link below this post.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Fortunate 500, Music
July 23, 2008
2008 Fortunate 500: Nightlife
NIGHTLIFE
Top picks Jen Shoemaker and Sid ‘DJ Kurupt’ Sharda: West Fifth Street is the primary drag for nightlifers who’ve outgrown East Sixth Street, fled the music of Red River Street and perhaps aren’t quite ready for the price points of Warehouse District ultra-lounges. Running the nightly events at the well-dubbed Gruv is firecracker Jen Shoemaker. Her boyfriend, Sid ‘DJ Kurupt’ Sharda, keeps things spinning at nearby clubs, including a regular Sunday gig at Red Fez that attracts an A-List crowd.
Paula Angerstein. Texacello Distillery, Paula’s Texas Orange and Lemon liquors
Chad Auler. Savvy Vodka
Daniel Barnes. Treaty Oak Rum
Conrad Bejarano. Spiderhouse, United States Art Authority, Ecoclean, I Luv Videos
Tito Beveridge. Fifth Generation Inc., Tito’s Handmade Vodka
C.K. Chin. Imperia
Margie Coyle. Cap City Comedy Club
DJ Chicken George. djchickengeorge.com, Move Something
Manuel ‘DJ Manny’ Muniz. DJ Dojo, RockIt
DJ Mel. Swoll, Rock the Casbah
Tre Dotson. Tre Dotson Productions & Talent
Michael Girard. Speakeasy, Cuba Libre, Imperia
Thomas Gohring. Kick Butt Coffee
Gary Kelleher. Dripping Springs Vodka, San Luis Spirits
Gary Manley. Iron Cactus
Jette Momant. Manna Lifestyle Marketing, De’cor Jette’ Event Design
Brad Womack. Thirsty Nickel, The Marq, Chuggin’ Monkey, Dizzy Rooster
Chad Womack. Thirsty Nickel, The Marq, Chuggin’ Monkey, Dizzy Rooster
Matt Luckie. The Belmont, Lucky Lounge, Lavaca Street Bar, Betsy’s Bar
Jette Momant. Manna Lifestyle Marketing, Soigne Siren Boutique
David Pantano. Rain, AIDS Services of Austin
Steven Seymour. Pangaea
Denise Silverman. Soiree
DJ Mike Swing. Six, Union Park
Mike Yassine. Vicci, Qua, Treasure Island, Pure
While I’m away in Montana, we’ll reveal a different Fortunate 500 list every day at noon. To see the complete updated list, follow the brightly colored Fortunate 500 link below this post.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment Categories: Fortunate 500, Out
July 22, 2008
2008 Fortunate 500: Politics & Law
POLITICS & LAW
Top Picks Crystal Cotti and Mark Strama: It comes as no surprise that a Fox News reporter and a legislator representing the Austin area in the Texas House of Representatives would make a few public appearances. Yet Cotti and Strama, trading off child duties, show up at countless social gatherings for good causes, too. Meanwhile, they continue to Rock the Vote (a Strama project going back to 1995).
Tanya and Art Acevedo. City of Austin Police Department
Kathy and Gaylord Armstrong. McGinnis, Lochridge & Kilgore, University of Texas, SafePlace
Sam Biscoe. Travis County Commissioners Court, Capitol Metro
Valinda Bolton and Anthony Hathcock. Texas House of Representatives, Woman, Inc., Texas Council on Family Violence
Cathy Bonner. The Women’s Museum, Leadership America
Bree Buchanan. Annie’s List
Bill Bunch. Save Our Springs Alliance
Julie Byers and Lee Leffingwell. Austin City Council, Water Conser