Out & About with Albert

Many organizations have begun to alter plans on their charity fundraisers due the influx during the pandemic. Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas Foundation has postponed their annual La Soirée Gala “FantaSea” honoring the Port of Beaumont until Jan. 28, 2023. The Beaumont Children’s Museum Annual Casino Night “Circus Circus” was to take place last Saturday evening, but has been moved to Saturday, March 26, at the Civic Center. The Associated General Contractors of Southeast Texas will host their second “Pistols and Purses” fundraiser at Courville’s on Thursday, Jan. 27, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Committee members Jennifer Gordy, Lisa Braneff, Dan Parker, Sara Bergeron, Marissa Crochet, among others, have been busy planning this fantastic event. The Harvest House fifth annual Gala is still scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 25, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the MCM Eleganté with music by former “American Idol” contestant and Southeast Texas native Kate Watson along with both a silent and live auction. Bring your family and friends to support this much-needed fundraiser that helps the fight against child sex trafficking. Tickets start at $125 and can be purchased online at harvesthousebmt.com. See you there!

For the girls… Each year, the Provisional Project of the Junior League of Beaumont works as a collective to make a difference in Southeast Texas through a project. In 2022, the group has chosen to renovate the patio at Girls’ Haven by a “Party on the Patio.” Now through Jan. 21, the JLB is inviting the community to help create a space where the young women of Girls’ Haven can feel at home by way of a renovated patio. Items such as seating and large rugs can be purchased, then donated. Amazon gift cards can be accepted, as well. Girls’ Haven in Beaumont seeks to provide a safe, nurturing environment for girls affected by physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect, exploitation, abandonment or sever family dysfunction. For more information, call (409) 832-0873.

Heading into… February, the Anayat House 2022 Gala themed “Around the World and Back – Take 2” is Friday, Feb. 18, at the downtown Event Centre from 7-11 p.m. Guests should plan to buckle up and come travel with this worthwhile group. Patrons will enjoy a “first class” feast from Bando’s and in-flight libations from Giglio Distributing. TSA approved in-flight dancing will be provided by tunes from DJ London. Passport photos will be taken throughout the flight, err party, too. Gala-goers are encouraged don your out-of-this-world tourist attire for your flight. So, you are welcome to strap on that 1980s fanny pack, put those binoculars around your neck and prepare for fun. The fight crew hosts will be chair Kate Davis, Rachel Grove, Emily Wheeler, Diana Miles, Charissa Lewis, Lauree Thompson and Tressa Clarke. Travel packages begin at $500, single tickets are $150 and can be purchased online at anayathouse.org. Meet you there!

On their toes… Fresh off their 50th anniversary performance of “The Nutcracker,” Beaumont Civic Ballet will present “The Wizard of Oz” under the direction of Megan Forgas Anderson and Avery Jackson will have the dancing role of Dorothy. Come follow the yellow brick road to the Julie Rogers Theatre on Sunday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m. Tickets can be bought at beaumontcivicballet.net. Toto, I’ve got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore!

News of I do’s… Mary Claire Benning and Steven Kimball exchanged wedding vows over the New Year’s weekend in front of her mother Mary Jane Benning and was also escorted down the aisle by her grandfather, Mark Steinhagen. During the reception at the Ritz Carlton in Dallas, she danced the first dance, which was “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” with her grandfather, as well as with her brothers Mark Benning, Will Benning and her brother-in-law Thomas Laughlin. What a wonderful memory of family and love. Congratulations to the newlyweds.

Happy anniversary… to Jessica and Dave Parkus (6 years), Maggie and Burnie Cook (12), Patty and Jim Pittman (13), Molly and Collin Moore (19), Judy and Eddie Manuel (24), Maria and Mike Fazio (32), Annette and Scott Holtmyer (35) and Scarlett and Mike Brekel (37). Felicitations!

Candles and cakes… belated best to Mark Fertitta, Chris Ohmstede, Steve Zummo, Harry Phelan, Dibbin Ohmstede, Sheila Reese and Rosie Babin. B-day greetings to Kerry Moncla, Russell Fontana, Cindy Miles, Frank Williams, Alex Harper, Rachel Coco, Stephanie Orta, Jennifer Lehane, Larae Jones, Laurie Leister, Roy Davis, Kathy Hileman, Brenda Bean, Jennifer Maida, Katie Lowe, Cindi Battaglia, Suggie Daigle, Mark Guzman and Tootsie Crutchfield.

Until the next RSVP!