Shelby's Social Diary

Texans model high-style Italian threads at charity show; Schaub gets standing O

So much for the bountiful red rose centerpieces in the Omni Houston Hotel ballroom Friday night. Even before the fashion parade of gents began, the ladies were ripping out the roses, shredding them into petals, preparing to toss them to the catwalk stars of Una Notte in Italia. And what stars they were — Matt Schaub, J.J. Watt, Owen Daniels, Duane Brown, Kareem Jackson and more — strutting the latest fashions from Festari for Men.

With play-off hopes faintly hanging in the air, these guys ruled over the SRO crowd of more than 600. The cheers, the hoots, the hollers, the tossed roses and blasting confetti guns greeted each of the Houston Texans and for quarterback Schaub it was a rocking standing ovation. There were plenty of cheers as well for Brian Cushing, who due to his knee injury had to cancel his runway moment but made the party with his wife, Megan.

Chairs Diane Caplan and Megan Sutton-Reed spearheaded the energized event along with honorary chairs and major domos of the fundraiser Debbie and Rudy Festari. The dinner evening raised more than $380,000 for Bo's Place.

As is tradition with this feel-good night, the two dozen male models selected their own music for the catwalk stroll, which for many turned into dance city. None did it better than attorney Travis Torrence but winning high marks for effort were Texans COO Cal McNair, Butch Mach and Edward Treistman. Among those strutting their stuff and dusting off the showers of confetti and rose petals were Dr. Franklin Rose, businessman Chris Reed, fashion designer Jonathan Blake, chef Charles Clark, Houston Texan Chris Myers and make-up artist Edward Sanchez. Debbie Festari shared introduction duties with emcee Dominique Sachse.

Among those showing the love to the Houston Texans and the other runway stars were Michael Caplan, Susan and Mike Plank, Cora Sue and Harry Mach, Susan and Charlie Neuhaus, Lindy and Larry Neuhaus, Susan Boggio, Stephanie and Bill Perkins, Carmen Mach, Diane Lokey Farb, Christie and Mark Sullivan, Joanna and Brad Marks, Joella and Steve Mach, Melissa and Michael Mithoff, Jennifer Brown, Meredith Riddle and Patrick Chastang.

This was one of those parties that never wanted to end. Following dinner and the live auction, guests stayed on to dance, dance, dance and then moved downstairs to the Black Swan where a number or the nightcrawlers shut it down at 2 a.m. But the Texans, of course, were home and in bed long before that.

Rudy Festari takes the runway while Debbie Festari has the microphone at Una Notte in Italia benefiting Bo's Place.

Photo by © Michelle Watson CultureMapSNAP.com

Rudy Festari takes the runway while Debbie Festari has the microphone at Una Notte in Italia benefiting Bo's Place.

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Advocacy In Style

Houston nonprofit's stylish event celebrates 45 years of healing and hope

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis, Erika Frankfort, and Chita Craft.

Pink pianos, powerful stories, and a sea of spring pastels set the scene for one heartfelt afternoon. AVDA's third annual New Beginnings Luncheon morphed The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa into a sanctuary of strength, resilience, and community.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis, Erika Frankfort, and Chita Craft.

Chaired by dedicated supporters Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis and Erika Frankfort, the event struck a balance between elegance and earnestness. Guests were greeted by soft spring palettes and gentle ambiance, including a pink Steinway and Sons Spirio Baby Grand player piano playing mood-setting melodies. Photo ops came courtesy of a glow booth trimmed with florals, while themed cocktails like the Gentle and Brave Bloom ensured spirits were lifted in more ways than one.

Local TV personality Chita Craft emceed the afternoon, guiding attendees through a moving program that celebrated AVDA's work while centering survivor resilience. AVDA CEO Maisha Colter, marking her fifth year in the role and 20th with the organization, shared heartfelt reflections on the organization's 45-year journey.

This year, AVDA honored two groups whose advocacy has rippled through policy, philanthropy, and campus life. Council Member Abbie Kamin received the Ambassador of Advocacy Award for her legislative leadership on domestic violence prevention, paid parental leave, and women's safety. The Young Advocate Award went to the Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Houston. Over the past year, these collegiate changemakers raised more than $30,000 and contributed countless hours to raise awareness and support for AVDA's services.

Adding to the excitement were luxury raffle prizes that sparked competitive buzz: Diamond Club Astros tickets, a Houstonian Hotel staycation, and culinary outings to hot spots like Bludorn and Drake's Hollywood. First-out valet, it turns out, is a coveted status symbol.

The luncheon drew more than 300 attendees and raised $250,000 to support AVDA's mission of advocating for survivors of domestic violence and ending family abuse.

Among those spotted in the crowd were Vanessa Ames, Imani Guillory, Jordan Seff, Michele Leal, Tiffany Halik, Meredith Marshall, Sean Teare, Natalie Mohtashami, Caroline Monday, Jillian Waldo, Ashley Seippel, Katie Tsuru, and Nora Jarrard.