The fall temperatures weren’t the only things in the “change mode” on Thursday, November 3, While the Flora Award Gala black-tie set were celebrating adorably cute couple Myrna and Bob Schlegel at Texas Discovery Gardens, the short-skirted, stiletto types were grazing over at the Hilton Anatole for the March of Dimes’ Signature Chefs Dinner.
Despite years past of partying at the Omni, the 500+ crowd owned the Chantilly Ballroom with Lady Lucy Wrubel at the musical helm. And it truly was the type of music to diner with and bid on.
Lucy Wrubel
Alina and Ruben Esquivel
Fraser and Rhonda Marcus
Andrea Weber
As Diane and Hal Brierley, Laura Moon, Andrea Weber and Rhonda and Fraser Marcus sampled around the room that was lined with chefs like Jim Severson, Gilbert Garza, David Hoblen, Janice Provost, John Tesar, Chad Houser, Nicolas Blouin and Elvis cooking up a storm, Chief Chef Kent Rathbun had his arm around longtime cooking pal Aaron Staudenmaier. While Kent was pulled away to talk with another pod of pals, Aaron remembered how sad Kent had been when the kerfuffle with his business partner had taken place. But Aaron quickly added, “But Kent is strong.”
Hal Brierley, John Tesar and Diane Brierley
David Holben
JIm Severson
Elvis
Gilbert Garza
Aaron Staudenmaier and Kent Rathbun
Little did Aaron or Kent know that just 48 hours later, Kent’s strength would be put to the test following a devastating ATV accident in Marfa that resulted in his being air-lifted to Odessa and then Parkland with punctured kidney, fracture vertebrae and 27 ribs.
We are pleased to report that thanks to outstanding medical care, wife Tracy Rathbun’s constant presence and the support of family and friends, Kent made it home in time for Thanksgiving.
