Shelby's Social Diary

This sold-out dinner goes late into the night: When charity is a hot ticket

A seat at the table for the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation dinner is a precious commodity that each year is limited to 200 quick starters who are first with reservations for the fundraiser at Fleming's River Oaks. Sunday night's dinner was no exception as the event sold out six weeks before show time — Facebook invitation only.

Applause, applause for chairs John Evatz, Kim Padgett and Jessica Rossman and honorees Diane Caplan and Alex Martinez, recipients of the Tracey Hilfman Award, all of whom contributed to the evening's success.

This partying crowd was having such a good time that no one wanted to leave, staying until the lights started blinking at 1 a.m.

Guests bid generously on silent and live auction items, supped on a delish dinner compliments of Fleming's and operating partner Sam Governale and swayed to the tunes of Kristine Millsand Michael DeMarse. Highlight of the evening for Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation CEO Cindi Rose was a proclamation from Mayor Annise Parker declaring Sept. 14 Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation Day in Houston.

Following dinner and a moving testimonial from Michel Eter on breast reconstruction made possible through the foundation, the lively crowd broke out the cognac and cigars from Lucho's Hector Villarreal. In fact, this partying crowd was having such a good time that no one wanted to leave, staying until the lights started blinking at 1 a.m.

The dinner throng included Dr. Franklin Rose, Gordon Bethune, Michael Caplan, David Arpin, David Hilfman and Estelle Love, Nancy Marcus Golden, Karen and Roland Garcia, Laura Max Nelson and Ben Harwood Rose, Hershey Grace and John Moritz and Mandy Kao.

Karen and Roland Garcia.

Photo by Herb Hochman

Karen and Roland Garcia.

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Pink Warriors

Research and resilience shine at Komen’s annual Houston luncheon

Susan G. Komen Tickled Pink luncheon 2025

Photo by Jacob Power

Allison Honer, Alison Lock, Ashley Cairns, Varshini Mohan, and Laura Leonard.

It was an afternoon of purpose and pink as Susan G. Komen hosted its Fourth Annual More Than Pink Luncheon at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston on March 20. With 100-plus supporters gathered downtown, the event brought together breast cancer advocates, survivors, and scientists over lunch, cocktails, and a lively silent auction in pursuit of breast health equity for all.

This year’s honoree, Anne Meyn, was celebrated for her commitment to Komen’s mission and her work across the organization’s advocacy and research. A Komen Scholar and survivor herself, Meyn received recognition for mentoring the next generation of advocates and investigators.

Adding gravitas to the gathering was keynote speaker Dr. Abenaa Brewster, also a Komen Scholar and professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center, who moved the room with insight into how research and community investment are saving lives and shifting disparities.

With a committee powered by Jane Marmion, Dorothy Paterson, Kelly Hunt, Nadine Eidman, Elda Garcia-Ditta, and Cindy and Roger Masek, the event raised more than $30,000 for the cause. People in the pink mix included Fran and Frances Ditta, Jessica Epps, Rosette Nije, Kari Wallace, Allison Horner, and Stephen Marmion.

Photo by Jacob Power

Allison Honer, Alison Lock, Ashley Cairns, Varshini Mohan, and Laura Leonard.