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    party watch

    Tilman Fertitta and Usher let the good times roll with Houston VIPs

    Steven Devadanam
    Mar 8, 2019 | 4:37 pm

    What: The San Luis Salute México Magnifico

    Where: The Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort

    The scoop: The 23rd annual San Luis Salute, hosted by the Tilman Fertitta family, earned riotous applause as revelers from near and far gathered for this year’s Mardi Gras! Galveston celebration. The event sold out within hours (with more than 1,900 tickets sold) and honored Dr. Joel Patterson, chief and program director of the neurosurgery division in the Department of Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston.

    To kick off the invitation-only celebration, VIPs sipped Veuve Clicquot bubbly and margaritas served in mini Patron bottles beneath a crystal tent set against a stunning background of Fertitta’s mega-yacht, the Boardwalk.

    At the main event, Richard Flowers of the Events Co. brought the vibrancy of "México Magnifico" to life inside The Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort’s stately foyer. Guests arrived dressed to the nines, instantly posing against the fluorescent paper flower walls. During the cocktail hour, a DJ on a truss entertained above the crowd, while an aerial bartender artfully poured champagne and Elan dancers passed cocktails.

    The Big Beyond entertained the lively group behind a jaw-dropping colorful visual spectacular of Elan and skeleton dancers, stilt walkers, and enormous Mexican puppets. Blue and white Talavera vases filled with colorful flowers as centerpieces, Clase Azul Reposado tequila, Mexican blue-rimmed shot glasses and cocktail shakers were situated on the guests’ glitzy tables.

    Following the impressive reveal was a grand procession of notable guests, including NASA astronaut Scott Kelly and wife Amiko Kelly; U.S. Rep. Randy Weber and wife, Brenda; state Rep. Shawn Thierry; state Sen. John Whitmire,dean of the Texas Senate; state Sen. Larry Taylor andwife, Kerri; state Sen. Carol Alvarado; UTMB President Dr. David Callender and wife, Tonya; University of Houston chancellor and President Renu Khator and husband, Suresh Khator, UH football head coach Dana Holgorsen, and athletic director Chris Pezman and wife, Marisol; CNBC’s Brian Sullivan and wife, Julie; Doe and Henry Florsheim; Nandita and Michael Berry; Dave Jacquin and son, Alec; Jefferies chairman and CEO Richard Handler; Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and wife, Tanya; Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset and wife, Brenda; event honoree Dr. Joel Patterson and wife, Laura; the Fertitta family; and the entire royal court from the Knights of Momus, highlighted by King Frivolous CIV Vic Fertitta and Momus Queen Blayne Fertitta.

    The Duchess Royal Court includes Lexie Ammons, Gracie Bassett, Nicole Blakley, Kristen Blakley, Kathryn Criaco, Katie Rose Cullen, Bailey Dodson, Kaki Duenner, Melissa Estrada, Blayne Fertitta, Chloe Flores, Hannah Herrold, Valerie Herrscher, Joanie Kelso, Sabrina Kesler, Hannah Kirby, Heather Kirby, Maria Koutrouvelis, Marissa Matthews, Macey McCann, Danielle Perugini, Devin Peterson, Cara Quigley, Sara Beth Shelton, Emlynn Smith, Amber Tribble, Morgan Vicknair, and Maddi Walser.

    The highlight of the night, world-renowned musical artist Usher, rallied the crowd as he took the stage for a 75-minute show to perform "Burn," "Yeah!," "Confessions Part II," "DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love," and many more, creating an instantly packed dance floor. Michael, Patrick, Blake, and mom Paige Fertitta (in a stunning Dolce & Gabbana gown) were spotted on the black-and-white checkered dance floor near the head tables alongside Momus Queen Blayne signing along to the best-selling, radio-dominating pop and urban artist’s show.

    The Mardi-party continued into the weekend following the Momus Grand Night Parade as the Fertitta children teamed up to host the parade afterparty dubbed “Despues de la Fiesta” held at the San Luis Resort. More than 500 invite-only partygoers entered the grand ballroom to a nitrogen bar featuring Souza Hornitos tequila margaritas and spicy pineapple margaritas set beneath a dramatic, balloon-covered ceiling, while DJ Alesso entertained with a private show that lasted well into the morning, capping out the Mardi Gras party of all parties.

    Who: The fashionable crowd included King Frivolous CIV Vic Fertitta and wife, Joy; astronaut Mark Kelly; Momus President Hal Rochkind and wife, Jessica; Houston Rockets’ CEO Tad Brown and players P.J. Tucker and Gary Clark; Frank Billingsleyand Kevin Gilliard; Dancie and Jim Ware, with sons Carter and Lane; Lori and Allan Matthews; Katie, Harry, Hugh Roy, and Rose Cullen; Deanna and Gary Barton; Joanie McLeod Kirksey; Kelly and Anthony Duenner; Dianne and Fred Burns; Renee and Scott Rice; Joan and Doug McLeod; Maggie and John Kelso; Debra and Tom Perich; Todd Fertitta; Jay Fertitta; Kelli Fertitta Woods and husband, Josh; Tom Koch; Frances Moody and Tony Buzbee; Francie Moody Dahlberg and Kevin Dahlberg; Margie and Scott Kusnerik; Jocelyn and Billy Sullivan; Claudia and William Estrada; Libbie and Bill Ansell; and Chita and Lane Craft.

    Patrick, Michael, Tilman, Blayne, Paige, and Blake Fertitta.

    Mardi Gras San Luis Usher 2019 Patrick, Michael, Tilman, Blayne, Paige and Blake Fertitta
      
    Photo by Dave Rossman
    Patrick, Michael, Tilman, Blayne, Paige, and Blake Fertitta.
    galas
    news/society
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    Power and Style

    Fashion show and tequila toasts light up Latin Women’s Initiative lunch

    Joel Luks
    Jun 13, 2025 | 4:30 pm
    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
    Photo by Dave Rossman
    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

    Houtson's Latin Women’s Initiative pulled off a tres chic triple threat — style, celebration, and serious giving — during its 30th anniversary luncheon and fashion show, drawing more than 850 supporters to the Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom. The event blended culture, community, and catwalks into one spectacular midday affair.

    Event chairs April Ramirez Fabre and Julie Garza, alongside board president Jovanny Orellana, welcomed guests to a ballroom teeming with fashionistas, philanthropists, and a whole lot of Latin sass. The annual luncheon, show, and bustling marketplace marked a major milestone for the nonprofit, which has supported Houston’s Latin community for more than two decades. This year’s honorees, Lisset Garza and Naimeh Salem, were recognized for their years of dedicated support to the organization and beyond.

    Festivities kicked off early with a shopping marketplace that opened in the morning and quickly became standing room only. Stylish attendees sipped tequila samples from local brand Titanium Tequila while browsing vendors. A specialty cocktail bar and music from DJ Freddy B kept the energy festive. Event designer Johanna Terry delivered an elegant setting, infusing the ballroom with rich emerald green tones, a nod to the organization’s 30th anniversary, paired with lush florals.

    The program began with Orellana welcoming the crowd from a dramatic Y-shaped runway, as Mariachi Reyes de Mexico filled the room with music that hushed the crowd for a heartfelt invocation.

    Then came the moment every fashion lover waited for: Lo Mejor de Saks Primavera 2025 (The Best of Spring Saks 2025), a luxe runway show presented in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, led by Heidi Turney and Hasina Starks. Applause echoed as models and a few brave Houston firefighters showed off the season’s must-haves. But the true showstopper? Actor and TV host Julián Gil, who surprised the audience by strutting the runway himself, earning whoops and cheers from the crowd. His appearance was generously sponsored by Salem.

    The catwalk came alive with Latin beats and massive LED screens flashing colorful visuals, thanks to a production team led by Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Bonar. Behind-the-scenes storytelling and videos, created by exclusive media partner Telemundo Houston, added a poignant layer to the spectacle.

    As guests settled in for lunch, anticipation built for the raffle, which included a dazzling diamond tennis necklace from Zadok Jewelers. Helene Zadok herself took the stage to crown the lucky winner. All that excitement translated into impact: the event raised more than $500,000 to benefit Justice Forward, Rebuilding Together Houston, Segundo Barrio Children's Chorus, El Centro de Corazon, and Naba Shoes for Kids.

    And what’s a Latin party without a proper toast?

    Guests clinked glasses in a tequila-fueled cheers to three decades of fashion for a cause, then danced the afternoon away to live music from Grupo Kache. The grand finale included more marketplace shopping and lite bites, with plans already announced for next year’s fête on May 1, 2026.

    Houston’s Latin glitterati showed up, including Ceron, Patricia Herrera, Leticia Fallick, Rosi Hernandez, Gloria Luna Bounds, Trini Mendenhall-Royalty, Vicky Dominguez, Becky Reyes, Maritza Gonzales, Vicki Luna, Chree Boydstun, David Cordua, Frances Castañeda Dyess, Patricia Garcia, Alba Huerta, Daisy Mendoza, Arcy Muñoz Marshall, Jolene Treviño, Mari Salazar, Leanne Schneider, Hoda Sana, Xochitl Ljuboja, Jackie Garcia, Cathryn Martinez, Mariangeles Orti, Vanessa Ramirez, Matty Restivo, Lisa Flores, Susan Dray, Marilu Garza, Conchita Reyes, Lorena Gomez, Lucia and Michael Cordua, and Leisa Holland-Nelson.

    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Dave Rossman

    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

    fundraiserslatin women’s initiative
    news/society
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