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    Bubbly & bovines

    Fashionable Champagne Cowgirls go for the beef at steer auction, buy reserve grand champion

    Shelby Hodge
    Shelby Hoge
    Mar 23, 2014 | 9:58 pm

    With their trademark interlocking "CC"s horseshoes on their silver hatbands and exhibiting their usual flourish of stylish western wear, the Champagne Cowgirls once again landed in the top ranks of buyers at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Junior Market Steer Auction on Saturday.

    For the third time they pooled enough of funds (all private, no corporate) to buy the Reserve Grand Champion steer at Reliant Center for a cool $210,000. This was the third time that the tightly-knit Cowgirls had bought the reserve champion. In 2012 they were high bidders on the grand champion and had their eye on that trophy again.

    This year, however, they were out-gunned by the Ed Lester/Chris Bruegger group, which made the $400,000 winning bid for the grand champion after the Cowgirls had made their final bid of $385,000.

    The ladies in the fancy suedes and tons of silver and turquoise jewlery had enough change in their deep pockets, after picking up the reserve grand champion, to come in as top bidders for four more steers. They were helped along in the finances by pals Carol and Mike Linn, DeeDee and Wallis Marsh, the Kim and Dan Tutcher family and Kelli Weinzierl. And there were the Cowgirls' husbands — known as the Corkscrews — who also padded their buying power.

    The Champagne Cowgirls was formed six years ago when the rodeo's Steer Committee decided it needed more female involvement. Committee member Michael Francisco and his wife, Ellie Francisco, developed the concept that originated with 10 Cowgirls.

    "We decided to buy only in the steer auction," Ellie Francisco explained via email. "We wanted them to have some lady power and to support the work required by the kids that show. The dedication dealing with raising the steers is a work ethic we want to support."

    The highly-social and philanthropically-involved buying team is limited to 20 members with a current membership of 18. "We get together throughout the year and meet to discuss strategy," Francisco adds. "We are all good friends and support each other in our other community endeavors."

    In addition to those already mentioned, membership includes Denise Monteleone, Susan Krohn, Denise Bush Bahr, Darlene Bisso, Donna Bruni, Lesha Elsenbrook, Kelley Lubanko, Bobbie Nau, Beth Madison, Shelley Reeves, Kristina Somerville, Elizabeth Stein and Gaye Lynn Zarrow.

    Gregg Ring, from left, Ellie and Michael Francisco and Joseph Francisco.

    News, Champagne Cowgirls, Gregg Ring, Ellie Francisco, March 2014
      
    Photo by Kim Coffman
    Gregg Ring, from left, Ellie and Michael Francisco and Joseph Francisco.
    unspecified
    news/society
    series/htx-rodeo-2014

    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
    series/htx-rodeo-2014

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