Mark Lanier
If any Houstonians missed out on Miley Cyrus' record breaking show at the Livestock Show and Rodeo in March, they just might have another opportunity to see the tween queen perform this holiday season.
That is, if they are among about 8,000 movers and shakers to receive an invite to attorney Mark Lanier's annual Christmas party.
Lanier has hired the young singer to perform at his firm's "Christmas Cheer and Charity" event, which is billed as a family-oriented bash that will also serve as a fundraiser for schools in Guatemala.
Scheduled to be held at the ranch house of Lanier and his wife Becky near Houston, the party will include barbecue, fajitas and amusements. The colorful invitation features a pop-up stage where Cyrus is joined by Santa and singing elves.
The coveted invite asks partygoers to bring school supplies or donate to Guatemalan schools.
"We do have limited room. We'd love to be able to invite the world, but we can't," Lanier told the Houston Chronicle. "We're excited."
The event benefits Guatemala SANA, an organization started by Guatemalan vice-president Rafael Espada, a former doctor at the Methodist DeBakey Heart Center and a longtime Lanier family friend.
The organization works to improve education and reduce poverty in Guatemala. According to reports, the Laniers have visited the country dozens of times on charity missions.
"We're trying to get them clean water. We're trying to get them good schools. And we're trying to give them the supplies they need to get an education," Lanier told the Chronicle.
Lanier is keeping quiet about how much he paid the singer and "Hannah Montana" star to perform at the bash, but Cyrus received between $200,00 and $500,000 per show during her recent Best of Both Worlds Tour.
In March, Cyrus broke an attendance record at the Houston Rodeo, where more than 73,450 fans attended. To ward off party crashers, Lanier's guests will be required to wear personalized wrist bands and have an ID.
Performers at past Lanier Firm holiday parties include Brooks & Dunn, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Diana Ross, Johnny Cash and the Dixie Chicks.