Record-Setting Luncheon

Star-studded Brookwood Luncheon raises record $1.5 million thanks to big surprise

With so many heavy hitters in the audience, including former first lady Barbara Bush, Houston Texans owner Bob McNair and wife Janice, Governor Greg Abbott, who served as keynote speaker, and his wife, Texas first lady Cecilia Abbott, it's no wonder the Brookwood Community raised an all-time record of $1.5 million at its biennial benefit luncheon.

Nearly 700 guests filled the ballroom at the Omni Houston Hotel for the luncheon, which had a "Brookwood Proud, Texas Proud" theme, highlighting the adults with disabilities who live and work at the Brookwood Community, located on a 485-acre campus in Brookshire. Brookwood day program citizen Charlie Stubbs gave the invocation and the Brookwood Handbell Choir entertained the crowd.

Brookwood founder Yvonne Streit was on hand to sign copies of her new book Everybody’s Got a Seed to Sow – The Brookwood Story. Co-authored with Jana Mullins, the book recounts the creation of Brookwood and her own daughter's struggles.

Organizers, including co-chairs Stephanie and Brad Tucker, Nancy and Steve Beasley, and Melinda and Sam Stubbs, were thrilled when it was announced that the Robert and Janice McNair Foundation and the Houston Texans Foundation would match the $750,000 raised for the luncheon, ensuring the record-breaking total.

Also in the crowd were honorary co-chairs Doris and Terry Looper and Paula and Rusty Walter, emcee Steve Smith, State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Susan Baker, Cal and Hannah McNair, Ruth Smith, Holly Alvis, Jim and Linda McIngvale, Deborah Duncan, Mindy Hildebrand, Tony and Cynthia Petrello, Yvonne and David Streit, Kelli Weinzierl, Patty Biggio, Ginger Blanton, and Mike and Gracy Hall.

Rusty Walter, Paula Walter, Ron Wilson, Brandy Wilson.

Courtesy photo

Rusty Walter, Paula Walter, Ron Wilson, Brandy Wilson.

luncheons

Advocacy In Style

Houston nonprofit's stylish event celebrates 45 years of healing and hope

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis, Erika Frankfort, and Chita Craft.

Pink pianos, powerful stories, and a sea of spring pastels set the scene for one heartfelt afternoon. AVDA's third annual New Beginnings Luncheon morphed The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa into a sanctuary of strength, resilience, and community.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis, Erika Frankfort, and Chita Craft.

Chaired by dedicated supporters Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis and Erika Frankfort, the event struck a balance between elegance and earnestness. Guests were greeted by soft spring palettes and gentle ambiance, including a pink Steinway and Sons Spirio Baby Grand player piano playing mood-setting melodies. Photo ops came courtesy of a glow booth trimmed with florals, while themed cocktails like the Gentle and Brave Bloom ensured spirits were lifted in more ways than one.

Local TV personality Chita Craft emceed the afternoon, guiding attendees through a moving program that celebrated AVDA's work while centering survivor resilience. AVDA CEO Maisha Colter, marking her fifth year in the role and 20th with the organization, shared heartfelt reflections on the organization's 45-year journey.

This year, AVDA honored two groups whose advocacy has rippled through policy, philanthropy, and campus life. Council Member Abbie Kamin received the Ambassador of Advocacy Award for her legislative leadership on domestic violence prevention, paid parental leave, and women's safety. The Young Advocate Award went to the Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Houston. Over the past year, these collegiate changemakers raised more than $30,000 and contributed countless hours to raise awareness and support for AVDA's services.

Adding to the excitement were luxury raffle prizes that sparked competitive buzz: Diamond Club Astros tickets, a Houstonian Hotel staycation, and culinary outings to hot spots like Bludorn and Drake's Hollywood. First-out valet, it turns out, is a coveted status symbol.

The luncheon drew more than 300 attendees and raised $250,000 to support AVDA's mission of advocating for survivors of domestic violence and ending family abuse.

Among those spotted in the crowd were Vanessa Ames, Imani Guillory, Jordan Seff, Michele Leal, Tiffany Halik, Meredith Marshall, Sean Teare, Natalie Mohtashami, Caroline Monday, Jillian Waldo, Ashley Seippel, Katie Tsuru, and Nora Jarrard.