Record Breaker

Houston billionaire couple push Breakthrough education with data and community

What: Breakthrough Houston Keys for Success Luncheon.

Where: Junior League of Houston.

The 411: More than 270 guests came out to support Breakthrough Houston, a tuition-free, college-preparatory program for economically disadvantaged students. Keynote speaker Laura Arnold, who with husband (Houston billionaire) John Arnold, supports a number of innovative initiatives to improve primary education through their foundation, honored the program’s graduating seniors and discussed strategies for closing the region’s education achievement gap.

“The challenge now is for all of us to commit to the movement. . . . To come together as a community — with data, but also with humility, and an acknowledgement of all that we don’t know. And to earn the trust of those we seek to serve,” she told the crowd.

Who: Event co-chairs Viviana and David Denechaud, Megan and Drew Morris, and Vanessa and Eduardo Sanchez were thrilled at the record-breaking $110,000 the luncheon brought in.

Also on hand, BTH executive director Kathy Heinzerling, advisory council chair Carolyn Dorros, Ting Bresnahan, Heidi Cruz, St. John’s Head of School Mark Desjardins, Episcopal Assistant Head of School Nancy Eisenberg, Colleen Dippel and Mike Feinberg, Courtney Sarofim, Elyse Lanier, Kathy Mann, Ana Lee Sanchez, Tani Sanchez, Erin and James Stewart, and Monsour Taghdisi.

Audrey Cochran, from left, Monsour Taghdisi and Erin and James Stewart.

Photo by © Kim Coffman

Audrey Cochran, from left, Monsour Taghdisi and Erin and James Stewart.

unspecified

Advocacy In Style

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

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.

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.