Tequila Fun

Tequila shots before noon reaffirm the Latin Women's Initiative luncheon as one of a kind

Sipping, socializing and shopping — these three lively activities guarantee year after year that the Latin Women's Initiative luncheon is as much a fun-raiser as fundraiser. Case in point, Friday's muy picante event at the Royal Sonesta Hotel.

Tequila shots were served as most of the 600 women and sprinkling of men arrived early to peruse the myriad, colorful offerings in the marketplace, everything from silver jewelry and faux pieces to leather goods and vaquero straw hats.

Then it was on to the packed ballroom where lunch (recipes from the Latin Flavors: A Taste of Our Heritage) was served. The accompanying stunning fashion show by Monterrey, Mexico, based designer Alejandro Carlin had the ladies getting out their credit cards in tangible approval.

Also approving were the men in the audience, such as Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and City Councilman Steve Costello, enjoying their primo runway seating, thanks to table host H-E-B's Cyndy Garza Roberts. She is LWI president-elect, soon to replace outgoing president Rosi Hernandez. H-E-B was platinum sponsor for the fundraiser.

Lucia and Michael Cordua served as luncheon chairs, sharing duties with committee chair Marlyn Greiner, marketplace chair Karla Rosa and finance chair Lisset Garza.

Once the tequila rounds ran dry, a few tables ordered bottles of champagne, maintaining the deliciously raucous tradition of the LWI luncheon. Among the midday celebrants were luncheon emcee KTRK Channel 13's Sharron Melton, Trini Mendenhall-Sosa and Frank Sosa, Mary Tere Perusquia, Susana Brener de Stern, Pily Simon, Patty Herrera, Alex Blair, Laura Murillo, Sally Lechin, Chree Boydstun and Micheline Newall.

The popular Rev. T.J. Martinez, president of Cristo Rey Jesuit prep school, led the invocation. Cristo Rey is one of six charities that the Latin Women's Initiative supports, including The Rose, Casa de Esperanza, Memorial Assistance Ministries, Kids Meals and Life Houston.

Jan and Oniel Mendenhall, left, with Trini Mendenhall-Sosa at the Latin Women's Initiative luncheon.

Photo by © Michelle Watson CultureMapSNAP.com

Jan and Oniel Mendenhall, left, with Trini Mendenhall-Sosa at the Latin Women's Initiative luncheon.

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remembering richard flowers

Richard Flowers, mastermind behind Houston's $1 million galas, has died

Houston Ballet Ball Richard Flowers Lynn Wyatt

Photo by Michelle Watson

Richard Flowers with Lynn Wyatt ah the 2026 Houston Ballet Ball.

The man who planned some of Houston’s most fabulous parties has died. Richard Flowers, founder of The Events Company, passed away over the weekend. He was 75.

Part of Fertitta Entertainment, The Events Company executes a wide array celebrations, galas, fundraisers, corporate events, and other experiences. Flowers provided the vision for noteworthy happenings in Houston and beyond, such as the annual San Luis Salute and The Texas Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C.

“We relied on and appreciated Richard’s incredible creative talent across our entire portfolio from hotels to casinos and every special event the company staged for decades,” said Tilman Fertitta, the Houston billionaire owner of Fertitta Entertainment and current U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino, in a statement. “His masterful décor and production left an imprint on every signature event hosted at The Post Oak Hotel from unforgettable weddings to the grandest of galas.”

A native of San Antonio and an alumnus of the University of Texas, Flowers entered the energy business prior to founding The Events Company. He partnered with Fertitta Entertainment in 2003, which led to executing events across the United States, Europe, and Mexico.

Among his many achievements, Flowers created events for the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Alley Theatre, and Houston Ballet, which honored him at its 2026 gala. Overall, he’s helped Houston nonprofits raise millions.

“I’ve lost track of how many events I’ve attended shaped by Richard’s unmistakable touch,” CultureMap society contributor Joel Luks shares. “He saw the world as a canvas, one he transformed into moments of wonder, surprise, and joy. Philanthropy in Houston is stronger because of his generosity, creativity, and vision. And if you walked into a room and felt transported, chances are, it was because of him.”

Flowers also planned a destination wedding for Hallie Vanderhider, his friend and a member of the Houston Ballet board of trustees executive committee, to Saks Fifth Avenue general manager Bobby Dees in 2024. "Richard was truly one of a kind. His creativity and ingenuity could only be eclipsed by his humble kindness. We will miss him dearly but hold him close in our hearts forever," Vanderhider recalls.

Flowers earned a number of accolades during his career, including being named the “Ultimate Event Planner in Houston” by the Houston Chronicle and serving on Town & Country magazine’s Wedding Advisory Board. He served on numerous boards for local nonprofits, including the Houston Grand Opera.

Fertitta Entertainment shares that The Events Company will continue, guided by Flowers’ “creative legacy built on imagination, integrity, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.”

deaths obituary richard flowers anderson