What better theme for the Children's Assessment Center's annual Spirit of Spring luncheon than "New Beginnings," from both a light-hearted and serious viewpoint. Consider the juxtaposition of the frothy spring runway show from Saks Fifth Avenue with the testimonial of a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.
That is the tradition at the annual luncheon where the mission of CAC is never forgotten amid the fundraising lightheartedness. Not to give the wrong impression, this was and is typically one of the best attended, most successful and delightful luncheons of the spring season. On this day at the Westin Galleria Hotel, the gathering of more than 450 raised more than $350,000 for the CAC foundation.
Guest speaker was 28-year-old Erin Merryn, author of Stolen Innocence, her childhood diary of her sexual abuse that she self-published when a high school senior.
Credit goes to chairs Ursaline Hamilton, Stephanie Perkins and Megan Sutton-Reed for the lively crowd of fashionable women and sprinkling of gents. Luncheon committee members also putting forth their best effort included Jill Schlenker, Alissa Maples, Bruce Padilla and Susan Plank.
Guest speaker was 28-year-old Erin Merryn, author of Stolen Innocence, her childhood diary of her sexual abuse that she self-published when a high school senior. Since then, she has written two additional books and taken her campaign against childhood sexual abuse nationwide, crusading to remove the stigma and shame of sexual abuse from survivors and give them a reason to speak.
Filling the house were a number of CAC Foundation board members including Kim Moody, Brady Crosswell, Marta Mattox and Mark Anderson.
The fashionable flock included emcee Gina Gaston, Phyllis Williams, Ericka Bagwell, Pily Simon, Diane Caplan, Lucinda Loya, Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson and CAC executive director Elaine Stolte.
Kelli Tumi, left, and Susan Plank at the Children's Assessment Center Foundation luncheon.
