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    It's Party Time

    Leather and Laces, Part II: Fierce models, reality TV billionaire and UH football coach celebrate

    Jayme Lamm
    Jayme lamm
    Feb 6, 2017 | 6:00 am

    Emily Ratajkowski knows how to work a red carpet. At the Saturday night edition of Leather and Laces at Hughes Manor, the model/actress and party co-host donned a bright mini sequined dress that looked as if it was made for her and posed for photos with complete and utter fierceness, though notably skipping every interview.

     

    After appearing topless in the infamous Robin Thicke "Blurred Lines" video (which sort of jump started her fame), a red carpet is clearly a piece of cake for Ratajkowski, all in a day's work.

     

    At least she showed up. By 12:30, there had been no sight of co-host Sara Sampaio, so the model either took fashionably late to a whole new level, or she chose another event Saturday night. Or maybe that Washington Ave. traffic got the best of her.

     

    Seen walking the red carpet were model Alessandra Ambrosio, Houston billionaire and reality TV star Tilman Fertitta, University of Houston head football coach Major Applewhite, and players Christian Covington (Houston Texans), Paul Francisco (New England Patriots), Vonta Leach (Texans), Jason Horton (Green Bay Packers), and Remy Adoyle (New Orleans Saints), as well as NFL alums Ryan Neufeld and Randal Williams.

     

    As guests finally migrated away from the red carpet and into the party areas, the club was soon packed with mingling, drinking and dancing until the closing hours. Not much talk about football, just good times and embracing the Houston party life.

     

    The popular party celebrated its 14th anniversary, having been founded in Houston back in 2004, leading up to Super Bowl XXXVIII.

     

    Guests lingered throughout the club, enjoying drinks, good music and a diverse crowd to people watch. Cirque USA was onsite, doing mini performances, even swinging and performing over top of the crowd, taking social media posts to new heights.

     

    Another highlight was the massive and well-maintained silent auction, spread out throughout the Manor. Among the items were a signed JJ Watt jersey (valued at $2,800), a signed Matt Ryan jersey (this year’s new MVP, valued at $2,950) and a signed Tom Brady jersey (valued at $4,500).

    Jessica Bell and Ellis Wyndham.

    Leather and Laces Saturday night
      
    Photo by F. Carter Smith
    Jessica Bell and Ellis Wyndham.
    celebritiessuper-bowl
    news/society

    Advocacy In Style

    Houston nonprofit's stylish event celebrates 45 years of healing and hope

    Joel Luks
    Jul 7, 2025 | 4:15 pm
    AVDA New Beginnings Luncheon 2025
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis, Erika Frankfort, and Chita Craft.

    Pink pianos, powerful stories, and a sea of spring pastels set the scene for one heartfelt afternoon. AVDA's third annual New Beginnings Luncheon morphed The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa into a sanctuary of strength, resilience, and community.

    AVDA New Beginnings Luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Daniel Ortiz

    Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis, Erika Frankfort, and Chita Craft.

    Chaired by dedicated supporters Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis and Erika Frankfort, the event struck a balance between elegance and earnestness. Guests were greeted by soft spring palettes and gentle ambiance, including a pink Steinway and Sons Spirio Baby Grand player piano playing mood-setting melodies. Photo ops came courtesy of a glow booth trimmed with florals, while themed cocktails like the Gentle and Brave Bloom ensured spirits were lifted in more ways than one.

    Local TV personality Chita Craft emceed the afternoon, guiding attendees through a moving program that celebrated AVDA's work while centering survivor resilience. AVDA CEO Maisha Colter, marking her fifth year in the role and 20th with the organization, shared heartfelt reflections on the organization's 45-year journey.

    This year, AVDA honored two groups whose advocacy has rippled through policy, philanthropy, and campus life. Council Member Abbie Kamin received the Ambassador of Advocacy Award for her legislative leadership on domestic violence prevention, paid parental leave, and women's safety. The Young Advocate Award went to the Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Houston. Over the past year, these collegiate changemakers raised more than $30,000 and contributed countless hours to raise awareness and support for AVDA's services.

    Adding to the excitement were luxury raffle prizes that sparked competitive buzz: Diamond Club Astros tickets, a Houstonian Hotel staycation, and culinary outings to hot spots like Bludorn and Drake's Hollywood. First-out valet, it turns out, is a coveted status symbol.

    The luncheon drew more than 300 attendees and raised $250,000 to support AVDA's mission of advocating for survivors of domestic violence and ending family abuse.

    Among those spotted in the crowd were Vanessa Ames, Imani Guillory, Jordan Seff, Michele Leal, Tiffany Halik, Meredith Marshall, Sean Teare, Natalie Mohtashami, Caroline Monday, Jillian Waldo, Ashley Seippel, Katie Tsuru, and Nora Jarrard.

    news/society

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