Shelby's Social Diary
Stunning ladies in colorful ballgowns rule the night: Women of Distinction bring the glamour
All they needed Saturday night at the Winter Ball was a red carpet commentary on which designers the stunning lineup of ladies were wearing. For with all the pomp and circumstance and the runway parade of more than 40 past Women of Distinction, the evening enjoyed the glamour of a Golden Globes ceremony though there was no suspense as to who the winners were.
The Channel 13 KTRK Women of Distinction had been announced late last year in ceremonies at Saks Fifth Avenue. This night was theirs in a larger arena — before a crowd of 600 at the Hilton Americas-Houston, who showed their approval with energized cheering, standing ovations and endless applause. They were introduced by Channel 13 news anchors Tom Koch and Melanie Lawson.
Then came the parade of the 2013 honorees, a collection of savvy, sophisticated women whose contributions to the community were heavily weighed in their selection.
Margaret Alkek Williams was the first to be presented as the premiere "Legendary Woman of Distinction," while Sidney Faust held high honors as the Women of Distinction Ambassador.
Then came the parade of the 2013 honorees, a collection of savvy, sophisticated women whose contributions to the community were heavily weighed in their selection. Taking their bows were Jana Arnoldy, Darlene Bisso, Donna Bruni, Arvia Few, Debby Leighton, Nidhika Mehta, Alice Mosing, Liz Rigney, Elizabeth Stein and Pamela Wright.
Taking bows for the beautiful evening were chairs Danielle Ellis and Mary Ann McKeithan and honorary chairs Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein and Martin Fein.
Adding to the night's proceeds for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America was the live auction of the Mercedes-Benz SUV and a divine bejeweled, multi-strand pearl necklace and matching bracelet compliments of Franco Valobra.
The swell black-tie crowd included Nancy and Lucian Morrison, Rini and Edward Ziegler, Barbara and Don Jordan, Betty and John Hrncir, Cora Sue and Harry Mach, Caroline and Perryn Leech, Denise Bush Bahr and Philip Bahr, Maryann and Jodie Hoffer, Cindi and Dr. Franklin Rose, Mehrnaz and Ned Gill and Lilly and Thurmon Andress.