Sips and Sparkles Power a Vital Hostel: Bellaire’s Jewel of a Retreat is Now an Art Haven

What: “Sips and Sparkles” benefit for Santa Maria Hostel

Where: IW Marks Jewelers

PC Moment: IW Marks Jewelers proprietors Joanna and Brad Marks teamed up with Alor Jewelry  and Great Day Houston host Deborah Duncan for an evening benefiting Duncan’s favorite charity — Santa Maria Hostel. Alor co-president Tal Zemer jetted in from home base in San Diego to assist with presentation of the new fall collection of 18-karat diamond and cable jewelry.

(Interesting aside: IW Marks sells more of Alor’s Blueberry cable 18k rose gold cuff than any other retailer in the country. Marks’ and Zemer’s fathers began doing business together in the late ’80s making both men proud second generation jewelers.)

A special treat for those who haven’t visited the Bellaire boutique in awhile was the spiffy remodel of the store that opened decades ago. Lining the walls are paintings by Charles Weiss. The artist donated 20 percent of proceeds from paintings sold at the event to Santa Maria Hostel.

Who: Laura Hatfield, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Nicole Katz, Russell Weil, Amanda Weeks, Kristin Weiss, Adele Hartland, Kelli Fondren, Mayda Salgado, Laura Stein, Carmen Maria Montiel, Robin Davis, Jason Hebert, Sylvia Barnes, Alexandra Ochoa and Cynthia Turner.