Elaine Turner's Ambassadors epitomize grace, charity and style

Deeming Audrey Hepburn the muse for Elaine Turner’s fall 2011 collection was about much more than the icon’s fashion sense and library of films. What ultimately drew Turner to Hepburn was the actress’ unfailing dedication to philanthropy and the desire to make the world a better place.

For Turner, her husband Jim and their family, giving of one’s self is a top priority and a principle she lives by. Heroes for Children, Houston Spay-Neuter (SNAP), the Center for Success and Independence and Theatre Under the Stars are just a few charitable organization Turner supports. As much as she loves fashion, it is philanthropy that truly makes her heart sing.

“Philanthropy is a core value and a huge part of our family mission. I feel like you can make such a difference,” Turner says.

She favors grass roots organizations because they can really “feel the impact” when given a donation, no matter what the size.

Hepburn served as a UNICEF International Goodwill Ambassador and after her death in 1993 the Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund was created by her sons, Sean and Luca, and long time companion, Robert Wolders, the next year to continue her work. Her legacy lives on through the Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund, which supports many organizations around the world dedicated to helping improve the lives of children through various programs and initiatives.

In that same vein, Turner chose four women who exemplify Hepburn’s giving nature and stylish persona as Elaine Turner Ambassadors. Larissa Linton, Rachel McNeill, Meredith Philipp and Beth Robison are women who volunteer their time and resources for charities in the community and look good while doing it.

Rachel McNeill

Polished, professional and engaging, Rachel McNeill is a familiar face to KPRC Channel 2 viewers. McNeill balances life as a news anchor with her role as mother to her two young sons, but always finds time to volunteer in the community.

Her charity of choice is Dress for Success, an organization that provides interview suits, confidence boosts, and career development to low-income women. After meeting DFS organizer Nancy Levicki just once, McNeill was hooked and started volunteering.

“I love her mission. You go in and spend a few hours with these women who are starting over and see they are nervous at first, but you see their posture change and it’s exciting,” McNeill says. She often works in the DFS boutique, stocked with suits by St. John, Armani and other designers, helping women find a new suit for their fresh start.

She’s also eagerly anticipating the groundbreaking of the new DFS building on Eastside. The LEED-certified and Ziegler Cooper Architects-designed building doubles the space of the organizations original space.

“It’s Nancy’s dream come true and I’m really passionate about it,” McNeill says.

Turner also appreciates McNeill’s style savvy. Rich jewel tones dominate her wardrobe and McNeill describes her look as tailored and classic, although she does indulge in some occasional trendiness.

“If you feel comfortable in what you are wearing, you will look comfortable too,” McNeill says. “When I’m not dressed for work, I live in Juicy yoga wear, no makeup, hair in a pony tail, but when I go out with my husband I will wear little heels and sexy tops.”

And of course, a great pair of Elaine Turner heels, which McNeill says are always super comfortable.

Meredith Philipp-Tcholakian

Gregarious and giving, Meredith Philipp-Tcholakian grew up attending Theatre Under the Stars and continues that tradition with her own children.

“I love musical theatre and I was blown away by all the programs at TUTS. There’s so much education and about so much more than just going to the theatre,” Philipp says.

TUTS Education provides instruction and stage experience for more than 21,000 students annually. The programs are offered year-round and provide opportunities to children of all abilities through The River Performing and Visual Arts Center.

Philipp is also active with the TUTS Leading Ladies and support musical theatre education in Houston. “It’s in my blood and my children are mesmerized by musical theatre,” she says.

The next event on the organization’s calendar is A Taste of TUTS Charity Wine Dinner, Nov. 10 at La Colombe d’Or. The evening will feature a multi-course meal and wine pairing and the evening benefits TUTS’ Education.

When it comes to style, Philipp likes to work Elaine Turner’s more vibrant pieces into her wardrobe.

“She’s my style guide. I like a fun casual style and pop my jeans with a pair of python stilettos,” Philipp says.

Beth Robison

Beth Robison spends her volunteer time working with Kids’ Meals, an organization that looks out for the littlest Houstonians. The meals-on-wheels program serves nutritious food to 1,400 pre-school children Monday through Friday.

“Many of these children have older brothers and sister who get a free lunch in elementary school. Our goal is to help fight hunger for preschool kids so they have proper brain development. The thought of a three-year-old not eating lunch really resonated with us (Robison and her husband),” she says.

Kids’ Meal operates year-round, but Robison says the holidays are an especially important time for the community to get involved. Donations of food and money will be given to families for Thanksgiving meals, as well as a Christmas party. Even a donation of $1.50 fully pays for a lunch to be delivered a preschooler.

As earnest as Robison is about the Kids’ Meal organization, when it comes to fashion, Robison says she doesn’t take it too seriously. She favors a casual, hip look when she’s away from the office and turns to Elaine Turner pieces to add a hip edge her style.

“I’m not a fashionista at all, but I feel stylish without going overboard when I wear Elaine Turner items, especially boots,” Robison says. “I follow Elaine’s lead because she knows how to strike a balance."

Larissa Linton

Heroes for Children is another of Turner’s favorite charities and co-founder Larissa Linton makes life just a bit easier for families who have a child battling cancer. Money raised for the organization is donated directly to families to help pay a medical bill or keep the electricity on, since many parents either lose or quit their jobs to be with their sick child.

It is a need Linton knows only too well. In 2000, when Linton was eight months pregnant with her third child, her oldest daughter Taylor was diagnosed with Acute Mylogenous Leukemia. A time that should have been filled with great happiness was suddenly turned upside down and Linton, a stay-at-home-mom, and her husband were force with the financial stress of a sick child. Surrounded by supportive family and friends, the Linton's were able to keep their heads above water, but they realized others weren't so fortunate.

"We quickly realized that we were the exception to the rule, not the norm. We met many families that had little or no support and many were struggling to make ends meet financially. Typically when a child is diagnosed with cancer, one parent has to take an extended amount of time off of work or quit work entirely. The added co-pays, trips to and from the hospital and or clinic, parking, meals away from home, etc. it quickly adds up," Linton says.

The couple's daughter passed away 11 months after she was diagnosed with cancer and the Lintons began laying the groundwork for what would become Heroes for Children. To date, the charity has raised more than $3.5 million in program services to families who have a child battling cancer. Turner is actively involved in the Heroes and Handbags event, in which new and vintage handbags are auctioned off for the charity. The next charity event is the Hold ‘Em for Heroes poker tournament Oct. 27 at the Houston Country Club.

"I think it is important to give back no matter who you are or what you do. I have four other children and I work hard to instill in them the importance of giving back and helping others. Everyone should have a cause or causes that are important to them that they embrace with their time, gifts and talents. We all become better people as a result. Elaine Turner is a classic example of this," Linton says.