What mixed reviews Joan Rivers' jaw-dropping, side-splitting, blush-inducing monologue evoked at the Houston Area Women's Center gala dinner at the Westin Houston, Memorial City.
No one was safe from the comedian's signature four-letter wrath and scorched earth tirade. Some in the crowd of 520 loved it. Others were not so amused.
But in the end, it was applause for everyone who contributed to the record-breaking evening that brought in $756,000 for the non-profit that works to eliminate sexual and domestic violence. That mission was brought home by the tear-inducing testimonial of an HAWC client who thanked the center for helping her and her sons move from being victims of domestic violence to survivors.
Overseeing the "Glamour, Glitz and Grins: Joan Rivers on the Red Carpet" evening were chairs Arvia and Jason Few and Carrin Patman and Jim Derrick. They joined other guests in strolling the red carpet, complete with a pack of paparazzi, into the new hotel's ballroom.
Taking bows in the spotlight were community honorees Linda and Howard McCollum and corporate honoree El Paso Corp., represented by Sue Ortenstone, executive vice president and chief administrative officer.
Key players in the program were Women's Center board chair Shawn Raymond and Women's Center president, CEO Rebecca White and the evening's emcees Melinda Spaulding of Fox News and Ayana Mack of Mix 96.5 radio.
Joining the party were Nancy and Bob Peiser, Diana Hudson and Lee Kaplan, Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin, Terry Wayne Jones, Nancy McGregor Manne and Beverly and Jim Postl.
