You don't exactly expect to see a conga line of bare-chested male models rollicking through a cancer-related fundraiser, but that was the case at CancerForward's Key to the Cure Kickoff 2010 at Saks Fifth Avenue.
The mood was definitely upbeat for the event that was expected to raise $120,000 for the new Houston-based non-profit that supports cancer survivors globally via a web platform. Cancer survivorship was the focus of the celebratory evening that saluted 15 civic leaders, all of whom have successfully battled the disease.
CancerFoward founder Beth Sanders Moore, board chairman Stewart Smith and kickoff chairs Kathryn and Jeff Smith organized the evening that was hosted by Saks GM Terry Zmyslo. Honorary chairs Dianne DeWitt, former international model, and fashion designer Bill Hamilton added glamour notes to the scene.
Hutton Wilkinson, president and creative director of Tony Duquette, was responsible for that wild scene of topless men who showed off his jewelry line along with chiseled biceps and pecs. Among the ladies stealing glances were Diane Lokey Farb, Janet Gurwitch, Carol Sawyer, Susan Hansen and Beth Muecke.
Making the scene were a number of those honored as Houston Forward Movers including Steve Lasher accompanied by wife Janiece Longoria, Kelli and Eddy Blanton, Denise and Bill Monteleone, the Rev. Suzette Caldwell accompanied by husband the Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, Linda Hunsaker, Cora Sue Mach with husband Harry Mach, Randy Powers, David Solomon and former Texas Gov. Mark White.
The evening was such a success that Zymslo signed on to host the event next year. Contributing to that success were notables including Linda McReynolds, Wendy Hines, George Lancaster, Mary Stanton Smith, Nicole Zarr, Annie Criner, Janet and Ernie Cockrell and Isabel and Danny David.
