Dec My Room founder Susan Plank decided to shake things up with the annual fall luncheon benefiting the non-profit that decorates the hospital rooms of long-term pediatric and young adult patients. She moved the benefit from Tootsies, scratched the fashion show and added an inspirational talk by real estate legend Martha Turner.
The ladies gathered at the bright and airy Artista restaurant in the Hobby Center, where the downtown skyline provided a stunning backdrop for the midday fundraiser. Turner and Kiki Wilson served as honorary chairs. Wilson introduced Turner, founder of Martha Turner Properties which is now Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty.
Among Turner's points for living a fruitful and successful life were placing God first, family second and work third.
Among Turner's points for living a fruitful and successful life were placing God first, family second and work third. Have faith in yourself, she told the gathering. Embrace change. Ask for forgiveness from those you have hurt.
Turner, 74, allowed that she begins each day thanking God for the gift of another day and that she has promised God that as long as she remained healthy, she would continue to help others.
Also addressing the luncheon was Houston magazine publisher Peter Remington, who talked about the magazine's Nov. 4 Cheers 4 Charities evening at The Gaslamp that will benefit Dec My Room as well as Be an Angel, Kids' Meals and Eyecare for Kids.
Dec My Room returns to Tootsies for the annual Love's in Fashion benefit evening, set for Feb. 11.
Contributing to the luncheon success were Laurie Krohn, Joyce Echols, Katie Bass, Holly Waltrip, Jeff Gremillion, Melissa Mithoff, Tiffany Smith, Laura Sweeney, Franelle Rogers, Hannah McNair, Bethany Hartland, Gina Gaston and Kathy French, Dec My Room director of grants and partnerships.
Holly Waltrip, left, and Joyce Echols.
