The fashion catwalk running through the middle of Tootsies Wednesday night presented a challenge for the untested male models, all of whom are clearly more comfortable on the football field or in the boardroom than in a fashion show. Just ask Houston Texans Brooks Reed, Brian Cushing and Kareem Jackson.
The guys and their special gals strolled the runway for Tootsies' annual "Love's in Fashion" benefit for Dec My Room. Some among the two dozen gents went a bit wooden in the fashion spotlight. Others released their inner John Travolta and still others channeled the "Great Lover" Rudolph Valentino. Love that big smooch between newlyweds Randi and Johnny Carrabba.
It was all in good fun as 350 guests applauded the parade of loving couples whose names resonate across the social landscape and in citywide boardrooms. Key to the party were chairs Joanna and Brad Marks of IW Marks Jewelers and Hannah and Cal McNair, Houston Texans vice chairman and COO, the latter responsible for the turnout of gridiron giants on the runway.
Susan and Michael Plank served as honorary chairs. Susan and their daughter, Kendall Plank, co-founders of Dec My Room, welcomed the partying throng.
The crowd cheered and applauded as emcee Deborah Duncan introduced the couples that included Debbie and Roger Clemens, Ericka and Garrett Graham, Chita Johnson and Lane Craft, Lori and Phillip Sarofim, Monica Pope and Sara Pope-Eliason, Kara and Ray Childress, Liz and Tom Glanville and Melissa and Brad Juneau.
Those purchasing VIP tickets stayed on to party into the night in a disco set up in the back of the couture salon. Joining the party late was chef Bryan Caswell with his wife, Jennifer. Reef's catering arm handled refreshments for the evening. The DJ spun the tunes and bartenders kept the party liquids flowing.
Randi and Johnny Carraba share a smooch on the catwalk at Tootsies' Love's in Fashion fundraiser.
