The dazzling colors of Brazilian Carnival, samba dancers, a notable Latin American designer, and a brimming marketplace can only mean one thing: the annual Latin Women's Initiative (LWI) luncheon and fashion show.

The Hilton Americas Ballroom housed a sold-out crowd for the 22nd anniversary of the luncheon chaired by Jolene Trevino with honorary chair Rebecca Reyes. Over 900 guests, adorned in vibrant spring attire, gathered to celebrate the organization's mission to uplift nonprofits that provide critical services to Houston's Latino community.

The high-energy crowd started the day by sipping tequila from Houston-based Titanium and shopping. Once the luncheon began, KPRC 2's Daniella Guzamn emceed the event which included a fashion show led by Saks Fifth Avenue general manager Heidi Turney and a personal appearance by the featured designer Patricia Bonaldi.

Attendees were treated to a true runway production created by Lenny Matuszewski. The fashion show's backdrop consisted of massive LED screens with enticing scenes from Bonaldi's home country of Brazil. Models walked the runway accompanied by popular Latin music, and halfway through the fashion extravaganza, samba dancers took to the stage for a musical interlude that drew much applause and cheers from the crowd.

The luncheon and fashion show culminated in a raffle, offering a chance to win exquisite prizes and add to the event's bottom line, including a diamond tennis bracelet presented by Amy and Michelle Zadok. This year's occasion surpassed all expectations, raising a record-breaking $550,000, which will go a long way in supporting Avance, NewSpring, Small Places, Undies for Everyone, and Work Texas.

Per luncheon tradition, the afternoon closed out with a tequila toast as guests raised their glasses and celebrated fashion for a cause.

Among the fashionably clad supporters were Ceron, Rosi and Jorge Hernandez, Jessica Rossman, Gloria Bounds, Kat Pressly, Jan Mendenhall, Marcie Mir, Beckie Mir, Isela Garcia, Monica and Joaquin Jimenez, Trini Mendenhall-Royalty, Michele Leal, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Rosangela Capobianco, Whitney Crane, Winell Herron, Lisa Helfman, Chree Boydstun, Estella Cockrell, Vicky and John Dominguez, Alba Huerta, and Maritza Gonzales.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Sarah Cordua, Jacqueline Mendenahll, Lauren Ramirez, and Lisa Joubert