The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes magazine Dec 2009: Socials1 - The Woodlands Galas, Charity Balls, Socials, Parties, and Luncheons in The Woodlands Texas area

Mom (an Italian tradition), listening to holiday melodies from Johnny Mathis (dad ’s favorite) and watching It’s a Wonderful Life over and over again….(it is my favorite Christmas movie). Children are laughing, loved ones gather and nothing tastes better than cocoa on a cool, crisp, Texas winter day. Give thanks for family, blessings, sacrifices and faith as we move from 2009 to 2010. It has been a pleasure writing your social column this year, and I look forward to the new year and the many events that come with the turning of the calendar. Until then, live, laugh, love and be kind. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and have a wonderful and safe New Year!

Attending, sponsoring or organizing an upcoming event? Drop me a line with the details at missyherndon@yahoo.com.

Woodforest Charitable Foundation’s Connoisseurs for Charity

Five of the top chefs in the state and the country joined forces with The Woodforest Charitable Foundation to celebrate its 3rd annual “Connoisseurs for Charity” fundraiser at Amerigo’s Grille. This unique, by-invitation-only dining experience brought together “Star Celebrity Chefs” for a culinary evening of fine wine and five incredible courses. The celebrity chefs included Chef Charles Clark of Ibiza Food and Wine Bar, Chef Kent Rathbun of JASPER ’S, Chef Bryan Caswell of REEF, Chef Mark Cox of MARK’S American Cuisine, and Amerigo’s Grille’s own Chef Arturo Osorio. Celebrity chefs, a generous crowd and The Woodforest Charitable Foundation proved to be a powerful combination to meet the common goal of all involved, helping deserving charitable organizations in Montgomery County.

1. Nancy Kosh of Amerigo’s Restaurant (center) with Odette Dagostino (left) and Helen Del Papa

2. (L-R) Ryan Edone, Brian Petrauskas and George Lindahl

3. (L-R) Kim and Robert Marling, and Nelda and Jim Blair

4. Chef Charles Clark of Ibiza Food and Wine Bar with Amerigo’s Grille’s Chef Arturo Osorio

5. Chef Kent Rathbun and JASPER’s General Manager, Shawn Jones

6. (L-R) Ronnie and Cathy Matthews with Jane Ann and George Arnau, and Becky and Perry Senn

7. Catherine Lindahl with Johnna Edone

8. Sarah Villareal with Celebrity Chef Mark Cox of Mark’s Restaurant

9. Jeanne Gillen and Julie Mayrant