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    This ain't no gala

    Who gets the Make-Out Merit Badge? Camping for grown ups turns into Catastrophic fun

    Joel Luks
    May 15, 2014 | 8:46 am

    Is there any Catastrophic Theatre party in which the company's rascals don't abide by the theme with Scout's honor? And talking about those scouts, such was the popular attire of the wacky Camp Catastrophic soiree at the SPJST Lodge #88.

    Except you just might find these "youngsters" guzzling down some who-the-hell-knows-what's-in-this spiked punch courtesy of Treaty Oak Distillery or being chased by a machete-loving serial killer psychopath with a hockey mask — very Friday the 13th.

    Of course, there were other fabu costumes such as John Dunn in a ridiculously elaborate S'mores getup and associate director Tamarie Cooper as a freaky camp counselor morphing into a happy grizzly bear. Actors, husband-and-wife Brandy and Christian Holmes dressed as Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze straight out of Dirty Dancing andre-enacted the full choreographed number from the film complete with aerial moves and the iconic lift — which caused 350 guests to go wild.

    We wouldn't dare call this a gala. Instead of the traditionally dressed tables with floral arrangements, campers were greeted by makeshift campsites outfitted with tents and coolers filled with bevs and candy. All in a setting surrounded by a tall fabric mountain range.

    You could even earn badges for a little something, something in the make-out tent. What a hoot!

    Your quest? Earn as many merit badges as possible by making pine cone bird feeders, pet rocks and yarn and macaroni thingamabobs in the arts and crafts station.

    You could even earn badges for a little something, something in the make-out tent. What a hoot! Chairs Paul Brockman and Scott Greenwood, Erin and Chet Farmer and Caroline Starry LeBlanc and Jared LeBlanc no doubt have a wicked sense of humor.

    Add spooky tales courtesy of storyteller Alice Evergreen, scattered sleeping bags for movie night fun and a mess hall with tamales, hot dogs, Frito pies and wings thanks to many sponsors, including Sparrow Bar + Cookshop, El Meson, Brasil, Canopy, Last Concert Cafe, Fusion Taco, Sprinkles Cupcakes and Becky Randall's S'more Pops — this was the summer getaway sans parentals you wished you had.

    And it was the campy event Catastrophic wanted, raising $50,000 for the troupe that promises to "destroy you" with its daring theater presentations.

    Having the time of their lives were Bill Arning and Mark McCray, Marit Babin Sout and Hank Stout, Hunter Martin, Matt Overaker, Peter and Regina Garcia, Nicole Longnecker, Anika and Craig Jackson, Brad Moore and Jason Reeves with Mark Sullivan.

    Karina Pal Montaño-Bowers and Noel Bowers.

      
    Photo by © Anthony Rathbun
    Karina Pal Montaño-Bowers and Noel Bowers.
    unspecified
    news/society

    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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