Hurricane Harvey Wrecked Hotel Reopens With One of Houston’s Best Parties: It’s a Social Book of Movers and Shakers

More than a year after Hurricane Harvey wrecked the Omni Hotel Houston, the premier property reopened somewhat under the radar —that is until the Social Book held its annual Treasures Awards Gala filling the hotel ballroom with nearly 300 of the city’s leading movers and shakers.

It was that time of year when Scott Evans, Jeff Henry, and Sami Shbeeb celebrate the upcoming year with a fête that spotlights the Social Book‘s “Treasures” and marks the release of their tome.

The headliners that are featured in the 2019 monthly entries into the annual catalogue of events are Anne Carl, Gwen and Ed Emmett, Carolyn Faulk, Tena and Tyson Faust, Zina Garrison, Gina Gaston Ellie, Susan Hansen, Alan Helfman, DeeDee and Wallis Marsh, Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, Ed McMahon and Dr. Stuart Yudofsky.

Each was introduced to the cocktail-attired gathering by previous “Treasures,” the accolade created by Warner Roberts in 2004. The Social Book was founded as a compendium of Houston events two dozen years ago.

The group was fêted with a reception featuring Gloria Ferrer Sparkling Wine, a four-course dinner by Omni executive chef Stephen Strickland and sous chef Michael Olson, served with Acumen cabernet sauvignon and Cuvaison chardonnay. Host of the evening was Omni GM Allan Codore with an able assist from director of special events Georgia Graugnard.

With the hotel’s iconic swans returned to the neighboring lake, the party followed a “Swan Lake” theme. Contributing to the scene were The Perfect Touch decor team and Flowers by Nino, delivering the firm’s signature magnificent floral displays.

Heavy-hitters: Maureen and Jim Hackett, Joyce and Author Schechter, Bill King, Scott McClelland, Barbara and Don Jordan, Deborah Duncan, Rachel and Dr. Bud Frazier, Martha Turner, Nino Shbeeb, Alicia Smith, Bill Baldwin and Fady Armanious, Lily and Charles Foster, Lilly Andress, Jana and Scotty Arnoldy, Laura Ward, Paul Somerville, Annette and George Strake and Julia Frankel.