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.
Gwen and Ed Emmett, left, with Linda Flores Olson at the Latin Women's Initiative luncheon.
