Fashion took the fast track to fabulous as more than 400 stylish Houstonians zipped into River Oaks Country Club for the 21st anniversary of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary's beloved fundraising event. Themed Fashion in the Fast Lane, this sold-out soiree celebrated the sweet spot where timeless style meets high-speed flair, all while raising $1.1 million for community programs.
Spearheaded by chair Ann Ayre, the day revved up with a bustling shopping experience and a lively luncheon.
The theme perfectly captured the dual spirit of elegance and momentum, with a nod to both haute couture and horsepower. Fashionistas buzzed over racks laden with treasures at the Chic Boutique, masterminded by co-chairs Alison Gemp and Melanie Jarrell, while the Chic Boutique Showroom, curated by co-chairs Stick Delaup and Maura Montgomery, showcased designer dreams from Valentino to Chanel, Oscar de la Renta to Loewe.
Donae Chramosta, this year's fashion chair, ensured every hanger and handbag sparkled with style cred, while silent auction chair Jean Peck kept bids racing faster than a Formula 1 finish line. From Cinq A Sept dresses to Alice and Olivia separates, attendees were spoiled with choices that blended luxury with philanthropy.
The event also honored a driving force in Houston’s charitable scene: Hannah McNair, VP of the Houston Texans Foundation. A dedicated community champion, McNair has helped steer initiatives like the Girls Flag Football Program, expanding opportunities for young athletes across the city. Her philanthropic engine runs deep. After all, her mother-in-law, Janice McNair, was the 2014 honoree, making Hannah's moment in the spotlight a full-circle celebration.
Following the luncheon, guests enjoyed exclusive early access to the Chic Boutique Showroom's four-day fashion extravaganza, where "pre-loved" designer gems waited for new closets to call home. Shopping never felt so righteous.
Among those spotted cruising the stylish scene were Major Robert Webb, Major Carolynn Webb, Lt. Colonel Ann Penhale, Cal McNair, Sippi Khurana, Brigitte Kalai, Sidney Faust, Jane Wise, Cherie Lindley, Jeanie Kilroy Wilson, Melissa Sandefer, Jana Arnoldly, Ginger Blanton, Susan Binney, Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, Maria Moncada Alaoui, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson, Sandra Smith-Cooper, Joanna Marks, Cynthia Petrello, Amanda Boffone, Jennifer Allison, Tena Lundquist Faust, Tama Lundquist, Maureen Higdon, Joan Johnson, Stacey Lindseth, Kathryn Smith, and Elizabeth Abraham Colombowala.