The honorees at the 25th annual Mary Jo Peckham Award Luncheon and Fashion Show at River Oaks Country Club were billed as "three generations of Holland Girls" — Phyllis Holland, her daughter Leisa Holland-Nelson, and granddaughter Laura Max Rose.
But 4-week old Selma Baines Rose nearly stole the show. The infant, whose parents are Laura Max and Ben Rose, eyed the proceedings with an air of nonchalance as she viewed the proceedings snuggled next to her mother.
"She's our littlest guest ever," Leisa Holland-Nelson quipped.
While the Holland clan was honored for their long history of community volunteerism, Holland-Nelson said the "true honorees" were Peckham's children, Leila Gilbert, Ann Berry, Liz Jameson, and Walt Peckham, who have kept the philanthropic spirit of their mother alive. Mary Jo Peckham was a founding member of the Assistance League of Houston, which is the beneficiary of the luncheon.
Also attending were a sizable number of past honorees, including Ellie Francisco, Franelle Rogers, Nancy Reynolds, Joan Lyons, Jeanie Kilroy Wilson, Rose Cullen, Linda McReynolds, Truett Latimer, Ann Bookout, Elaine Finger, and Jan Carson, who also emceed the luncheon.
Elizabeth Anthony owner Julie Roberts wowed the crowd with a New York-caliber runway show featuring 42 looks from the Escada spring/summer 2017 collection, accessorized by Chris Daviesjewelry. Davies flew in from New York for the style show and an appearance at Elizabeth Anthony. Guest models Claire Higginbotham, Darlene Abdouch, Lisa Kana, Lou Shapiro, Parissa Mohajer, Mahzad Mohajer and students from the Yellowstone Academy also thrilled the audience of 250 with their runway prowess.
Also enjoying the luncheon were chairs Jenny Price and Betty Puryear, Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack, who spoke about the creation of the Mary Jo Peckham Park for All Children in Katy, Judge Lynn Hughes, Sara White, Lois Taber, Susan Glesby, Fran Litchenstein, Sherri Zucker, Nanette Finger, and Jann Cobbler.
Past honorees, seated: Nancy Reynolds, Joan Lyons, Jeanie Kilroy Wilson, standing: Rose Cullen, Linda McReynolds, Truett Latimer, Ann Bookout, Jan Carson.
