For children's scholarships

More than 600 people gathered at the Royal Sonesta Houston for the 27th Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball, themed “Spirit of the J.” The black-tie gala raised more than $450,000 for the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center. The evening opened with HEB’S Scott McClelland announcing that guests would get the opportunity to get the first look at his newest commercial, which ended up being a HEB-style “commercial” filmed at the Café at the J, presenting all the honorees of the ball. There was a fun, energizing vibe during the evening, and a J staff member dressed as a “referee” and blew the whistle every time a guest would get “too rowdy.” Pictured (seated, from left) are Erika Kaufman, 2017 ball chair; Lisa Helfman, honorary chair; Lauren Blachman, 2017 honoree; Abby Ackerman, 2017 ball chair; (standing, from left) Joel Dinkin, JCC executive vice president; Debbie Kaplan, president JCC board of directors; Soraya and Scott McClelland of HEB, 2017 honorees; Jeremy Blachman, 2017 honoree; and Eve and Bobby Lapin, honorary chairs.

Editor’s note: The Buzz congratulates Buzz About Town columnist Annie Blaylock McQueen on the arrival of her beautiful baby Georgia. Annie took a short break to spend time with Georgia and twin toddlers Cash and Lila and will return to the Buzz About Town column in May. In the meantime, associate editor Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld handled this column. As usual, please send your high-res photos and community news to [email protected] or 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Items are published on a space-available basis.