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Dear Friends and Supporters of the Culinary Arts, CLEVERLEY STONE HONORED AT 7TH ANNUAL 2010 CHAMPAGNE & CHOCOLAT SCHOLARSHIP GALAThe 2010 Champagne and Chocolat Gala, benefiting the Gaston Le Notre Scholarship non-profit organization, was an overwhelming success. Entitled “An Evening of Romance”, this year’s Gala was perfectly timed for Valentines Day Weekend. Houston Dining “Sweetheart”, Cleverley Stone was the 2010 Honoree and graced the stage with a fabulous live auction item in hand, such as $100 gift cards from 54 restaurants in town--dining for ever week of the year, with 2 extra -- which was sold for $6,000! Cleverley is responsible for making “Houston Restaurant Week” the success it is. In 2009, HRW raised $240,000 for the Houston Food Bank. Philamena Baird and celebrity event planner/Director of Catering at Hilton Americas, Paul-David Van Atta, co-chaired the gala with Charles Carroll (Executive Chef of River Oaks Country Club) as Chef Honoree. Journalist Jennifer Roosth helped with media coverage. Over $125,000 was raised. The black-tie evening mixed the magic of Champagne and Chocolat in a perfect aphrodisiac balance to create the Gaston LeNotre trademark evening: a fantastic gourmet dinner gala featuring a champagne reception with delicious appetizers, a silent and live auction, and musical entertainment. As always, this gala brings together a sophisticated Houston and international crowd with a passion for philanthropy, gourmet dining and wining, and education. Darryl Murchison of Darryl and Co. transformed the Houston Country Club ballroom into a magical stage for a masterful presentation of French delectable treats that would put Julia Childs to shame. Foie Gras Pinwheels, Salmon Tartar, and Marinated Beef in Sake and Yuzu were just a few of the delicacies before a gallery of dessert options. Next, truffles, macaroons and tarts galore!!! In the crowd: Melissa King (Auction Chair) and husband Bill, Lisa Malosky (Mistress of Ceremonies), Marie and Alain LeNotre, Philamena an d Arthur B aird, Brian Teichman, Joanne and Bill Crassas, Lou and Meredith DeLone, Sallymoon Benz and Alan Bentz, Katina and Monty MacDannald, Dennis Steger, Jane-Page and James Crump, Rochelle and Ned Stein, Diane & Jim D'Agostino, Beverle and Marc Ostofsky, and Ernie Manouse. Also present was Sophie Gonet Signolles who flew from Champagne France to be at the dinner, which featured exquisite Champagne Gonet till the end of the evening. This year, Jane-Page Crump (2010 Honorary Chair), James Crump, and Amanda Crump were particularly honored. In 2009, they created a Special Scholarship in the name of their son, Jason Allen Crump. With the Jason Allen Crump Scholarship, deserving students may be additionally helped every year, and this is such a wonderful and meaningful way to preserve Jason’s legacy. The Board of Directors, comprised by Bob Cress, Randy Fournier, Marie LeNotre, Dennis Steger, Joana Tagaropulos, Paula Sutton, and Debbie Woehler, would like to thank all patrons, sponsors, friends and benefactors, whose generosity and support contributed to this year’s spectacular fundraising success. |
Gaston Lenotre Scholarship, Inc |
Phone: 713.358.5051 |