When Barbara and Michael Feigin took over MainStreet America for an evening benefiting Texas Children's Hospital, they launched a fresh approach to charitable fundraising.
The dozen state-of-the-art/smartly decorated homes on display were open for touring, an exercise that added extra verve to the event. More than 250 supporters perused the dwellings, danced in the streets and dined on fine food from A Fare Extraordinaire.
After top sponsors were recognized, the Feigins presented a check of more than $100,000 to Dr. Huda Zoghbi, director of Texas Children's Hospital's Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute.
The medically-minded crowd included Dr. William Zoghbi, Amy and Dr. Charles Hankins, Missy and Wayne Herndon, Vicki and Michael Richmond, Debbie and Michael Sukin and Carol and Dan Hauser.
Fashionable prelude
Tootsies rocked to a South of the Border beat when Latin Women's Initiative supporters gathered for the kick-off to the May 3 luncheon. Guests slipped slim-ritas, visited with jewelry designer Claudia Lobao and searched for just the right outfit for the spring fundraiser.
News of the night: LWI president Rosi Hernandez announced that Mexican designer Alejandro Carlin will present his fashions at the midday fiesta. Luncheon chairs Lucia and Michael Cordua were on hand to welcome the 100-plus guests and to encourage participation in the luncheon.
Hey, big donors!
The United Way of Greater Houston's Women's Initiative recently celebrated members who have participated in the Alexis de Tocqueville Society for a decade. A total of 19 women have given personally at the $10,000 level for 10 years. Houston can brag that it has the largest Women's Initiative group in the country.
These consistent donors were recognized at a cocktail reception at the home of United Way 2012-13 campaign chair Dorothy Ables and Mickey Ables. He, Sonny Wallace and Todd Fairley served as celebrity bar tenders at the all-female gathering.
Honored for their on-going philanthropy were Dorothy Ables, Melinda Brunger, Susie Dilg, Anne Duncan, Lynn Elsenhans, Kathleen Farlow, Merrill Hafner, Peggy Heeg, Diana Hudson, Ann Kaufman, Christine LaFollette, Cornelia Long, Miriam Mulva, Sue Payne, Barbara Samuels, Ginny Simmons, Ellie Sweeney, Kim Watson and Sheridan Williams.
In addition to the big-hearted honorees, Women's Initiative guests included Melanie Gray, Harriet Hart, Lynn Mathre, Laura Bellows and Kathy Orton.
Sight 'ems
Houston Texans J.J. Watt and pals chowing down at Ciao Bello where they feasted on margherita and pepperoni pizzas, gnocchi al telefono and spaghetti with Tony's meatballs and bolognese sauce . . .
Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub and wife Laurie dining at Tony's . . .
Glass artist Bill Meeks and his brothers dining at Brasserie 19 where, at another table Grant Kaiser and John Furnish enjoyed a late dinner . . .
Stanley Weinstein, Janet Gurwitch, Linda Knight, Nikki Smith, Ralph Eads, John Connally III and more in the power lunching crowd at La Griglia.
Dr. Huda Zoghbi, left, with Wayne and Missy Herndon at the Texas Children's event at MainStreet America.
