With Dominique Sachse at the mic, the Trailblazer Committee salutes the ladies who make a Rodeo difference

Not too much suede and leather at this Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo gathering at the InterContinental Houston Hotel. You see, the annual Shimmering Spurs Trailblazer Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show is more about volunteerism and leadership than about the fanciest western threads in the room.

The 13th annual awards luncheon recognized five women who have made their mark on various rodeo committees by lending their time (and there is plenty of that required), talent and generosity toward making the rodeo a philanthropic success. And these five are the designated western-wear fashion figures on this day, one of the few rodeo events for which lunching lady attire is prescribed.

More than 750 women and a sprinkling of men turned out to salute the honorees — Debbie Adams, Laura Kent, Pat Mann Phillips, Sharleen Walkoviak and Paula Robinson, who received special recognition with the Pearl Award. Paula just completed her three-year role as First Lady of the Rodeo as wife of HLS&R chairman Butch Robinson, whose tenure expired at the end of last season.

Current chairman Steve Stevens, who usually makes every single rodeo-related event, was unable to attend the luncheon but the current First Lady of the rodeo, Kay Stevens, was in the audience.

Steve Roe, vice president in charge of the Trailblazer Committee, was joined by KPRC Channel 2 news anchor Dominique Sachse as emcee of the luncheon that included a spring fashion parade by Saks Fifth Avenue. Heading up the luncheon organization were Trailblazer Committee chair Michelle Wasaff and luncheon chair Katherine Denison.

Among the dedicated HLS&R supporters were Sherry Roe, Jonnie Steffek, Kay Bart, Jenn Marie Rau, Janis Morton, Mary Ellen Verbois, Anne Richardson, Don Jordan, Clara Lambert, Gigi Wark and Joey Pedigo.