Houston Chronicle Sunday

Realtor rookie polo champ emerges in recent U.S. Open competitio­n

- Judi Griggs is a writer who lives in Houston in the winter and Buffalo in the summer — because the reverse would be ridiculous. Contact her at realnewsho­uston@gmail.com or through judigriggs.com.

Earlier this month the Houston Polo Club presented the 2015 United States Polo Associatio­n PA U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championsh­ip. Recognized as one of the most prestigiou­s competitio­ns in the sport, it attracts the best women polo players internatio­nally. This year’s event included 75 players competing at four levels of polo.

Among those playing was Heritage Texas Properties’ Brandey Heckeroth, in her first year to play in this tournament. She played for Crave Cupcakes Team, sponsored by Peter Cooper, co-owner and founder of Crave Cupcakes, and the competitio­n soon learned the team had little in common with their light, confection­ary sponsor. Heckeroth and fellow team members Grace Burgert, Danika Rice and Heather Lee were selected to play in the 2015 Farish Cup Invitation­al.

They competed against four other teams and were delighted to win their final match in a 5 to 4 shootout to capture the cup.

“It was an amazing weekend full of exceptiona­l social events and exciting polo, all enjoyed in beautiful weather,” said Heckeroth. “It was a lot of fun and a great way to end the season.”

••• Congratula­tions to Phyllis Childress on her almost-retirement. As Heritage’s well-respected creative services director for many years, the staff there is breathing easier to know that she will continue to consult and support the company – she’s only stepping away from the “9-to-5 grind.” Considerin­g this is residentia­l real estate, perhaps it would be more appropriat­e to call it a “24/7 cycle of opportunit­y.”

••• It’s a sure sign the holidays are here when John Daugherty, Realtors once again raises record funds for the Houston Ballet by sponsoring the Nutcracker Market raffle at the annual Nutcracker Market.

Lead by team leaders Lynn Zeid and Sally Tomlinson, this year’s effort included more than 50 volunteers — both sales associates and staff. Dur- ing the four-day shopping extravagan­za, volunteers manned the booth and sold tickets while mixing and mingling with hundreds of shoppers.

Prizes included a $1,000 Macy’s gift certificat­e, a $3,000 Dine Around Houston package and a $4,200 Crystal Chandelier by Events in River Oaks. Shifts lasted from two to four hours and volunteers stayed busy. Their efforts generated close to $13,000 for Houston Ballet.

••• Beth Wolff Realtors Real Living attended Texas Children’s Hospital’s 20th Annual “What’s Up, Doc?” dinner. Ed and Katy Wolff hosted a table for dinner and conversati­on at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women.

The event format gave attendees the chance to learn about the latest in medical advancemen­t at TCH from those on the front lines. The group thoroughly enjoyed listening to speakers Dr. Dean Andropoulo­s, anesthesio­logist-in-chief, and Dr. Paul Chiacchia, medical director of the Cardiovasc­ular ICU.

••• John Daugherty, Realtors’ Jack Swonson, a retired United States Air Force lieutenant colonel, was honored to represent the USAF at the St. Martin’s Episcopal Church annual Veterans Service. Swonson read the “Air Force Prayer.”

“It was a very special service with many distinguis­hed guests and presenters,” Swonson said. President George H. and Barbara Bush were both in attendance, along with former Secretary of State Jim Baker III, along his wife Susan, who also did readings during the special service.

 ??  ?? Three Beth Wolff associates enjoyed the recent Texas Children’s Hospital “What’s Up Doc?” dinner (from left to right) Ashley and Dominic Mandola, Lauren and Grant Walker, and Cathi Lamberth and Jesus Hernandez.
Three Beth Wolff associates enjoyed the recent Texas Children’s Hospital “What’s Up Doc?” dinner (from left to right) Ashley and Dominic Mandola, Lauren and Grant Walker, and Cathi Lamberth and Jesus Hernandez.
 ??  ?? JDR’s Jack Swonson participat­ed in the Veterans Service at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.
JDR’s Jack Swonson participat­ed in the Veterans Service at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.
 ??  ?? Heritage’s Brandey Heckeroth (far right) with her polo team (L-R) Grace Burgert, Danika Rice, team sponsor Peter Cooper and Heather Lee.
Heritage’s Brandey Heckeroth (far right) with her polo team (L-R) Grace Burgert, Danika Rice, team sponsor Peter Cooper and Heather Lee.
 ??  ?? JDR’s Cindy Caryl, Charlie Neath, Andrew McCain and Lynn Zeid share a moment at the annual Nutcracker Market.
JDR’s Cindy Caryl, Charlie Neath, Andrew McCain and Lynn Zeid share a moment at the annual Nutcracker Market.
 ??  ?? JUDI GRIGGS
JUDI GRIGGS

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