Party Watch

It's a moveable feast with lots of chefs at Dress For Success Cuisine for a Cause

What: Dress For Success Houston Cuisine For a Cause.

Where: Dress For Success Houston headquarters.

The scoop: It was a moveable feast as more than 400 guests roamed the DFSH building to dine on gourmet cuisine at food stations manned by top chefs, including Rachael Volz, Paige Branam, and Ryan Bouillet (A Fare Extraordinaire); Kelsey Hawkins (Arte Pizzzeria); Claire Smith (Alice Blue and Canopy); Brandi Key (Brasserie 19 and Coppa Osteria); Tiffany Ma and Joseph Stayshich (Eloise Nichols Grill & Liquors); Catherine Rodriguez (The Houstonian Hotel); Sue Nowamooz (Hungry’s); Nicole Routhier (Le Colonial); Holly Lynch and Tina Blanco (Main Kitchen); Sarah Schnitzer (Oxbow 7); Martha Wilcox (Pax Americana); Monica Richards and Claudia Richards (Pico’s); Anita Jaisinghani and Mary Gilliland (Pondicheri); Jasmine Chida (SweetCup Gelato); Stephanie Hoban (Ripe Cuisine Food Truck); and Sabra Palmros (Smith & Wollensky).

The event began with in the courtyard as KHOU 11 news anchor Mia Gradney highlighted Dress for Success Houston’s mission and featured nine client success stories. Auction chairs Virginia Steppe and Alissa Maples secured such items as a VIP tickets to a Lady Gaga concert, an NFL sideline experience at a game in Mexico City with first class transportation on United Airlines, and a VIP tequila tasting trip at the Herradura distillery with Pico's Arnaldo and Monica Richard, that made for lively bidding.

Jazz vocalist Kristine Mills entertained on the second floor while DJ Moni spun tunes downstairs.

Chairs Lindsay and Rand Holstead and Kelli Kickerillo and Todd Forester were thrilled that the event raised more than $420,000 to support the nonprofit's mission to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women.

Who: Seen in the crowd were Mary and Vincent Kickerillo, Elyse Lanier, Maria and Graham Lowrey, Martha Long, Libby Cagle and Lauren Taft, Courtney Hopson, Kirby and Scott McCool, KPRC Channel 2 news anchor Rachel McNeill with her mom, Monica McNeill, DFSH co-founder and president Nancy Levicki, Melissa and Dan Sugulas, Niloufar and Amir Molavi, Tali and Eric Blumrosen, Kim and Ted Hartz, Mary and Ben Patton, Rebekah and Gary Reaves, Wendy Daboval, Kristi and Chick Chickering, Shuana and Morris Clark, Jerri Moore, and Connie Simmons Taylor.

Cheryl Armand, Dorothy Daboval, Catherine Morris, Wendy Daboval.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Cheryl Armand, Dorothy Daboval, Catherine Morris, Wendy Daboval.

fundraisers

Mission Continues

Spirit of Spring Gala honors 30 years of healing and hope in Houston

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Ed Emmett and Adrian Garcia.

The ballroom at The Houstonian welcomed more than 400 guests gathered for the Spirit of Spring 30th Anniversary Gala, celebrating the enduring mission of The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC). The evening proved both a tribute to three decades of service and a forward-looking pledge, culminating in a fundraising total that exceeded expectations.

$Children\u2019s Assessment Center Gala 2025$

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Ed Emmett and Adrian Garcia.

Chaired by philanthropic duo Sam and Kasteena Parikh, the night began with a swirl of activity. A lively social hour offered a kaleidoscope of attractions — raffles, a photobooth, a caricature artist, and coveted wine and jewelry pulls — designed to loosen up wallets while lifting spirits. It was a lighthearted start to an evening rooted in something far more profound: the protection and healing of children affected by sexual abuse in Harris County.

Former sports broadcaster Lisa Malosky emceed the program, guiding the audience through stirring testimonials and community honors. More than 20 individuals and partner organizations were spotlighted for their unwavering support of The CAC’s work over the past 30 years, a testament to the collaborative muscle it takes to protect the most vulnerable.

“We are grateful to our dedicated community partners and individual supporters for their unwavering belief in our mission, collaboration and support of our services,” said Kerry McCracken, executive director. “Our vital work can only be sustained through the generosity of all those who deeply care about the children and families we serve. With their help, we can continue to bring hope to children who have experienced sexual abuse in Houston.”

In attendance were Russell and Glenda Gordy, Christopher DeClaire, Elaine Stolte, Honorable Ed Emmett, Ken and Kathy Wells, Lisa Helfman and Lee Haverman, Mike Lowenberg, Rob Wilson, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Adrian Garcia, Joan Huffman, Teneshia Hudspeth, Honorable Ted Poe, Honorable Julian Ramirez, Honorable Bruce Bain, Kieth Seaous, Brady Crosswell, Adam Peters, and David Key.

fundraisers children's assessment center