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    Shelby's Social Diary

    Most amazing birthday party ever: Acrobats, balloon sushi and sexy guests make for one magical night

    Shelby Hodge
    shelby hodge
    Feb 17, 2014 | 7:14 am

    Just as Lucinda Loya's youthful good looks belie her age, so her 50th birthday bash Saturday night suspended reality for 160 guests for several hours of magical celebration replete with Gatsby-esque entertainments. Friends of the contempo interior designer expected an over-the-top night, but few if any could have imagined the full-blown extravaganza — part Moulin Rouge, part Cirque du Soleil.

    It was an evening in black and white, as dictated by the invitation (no color allowed), that moved through three distinct environments in the new Silver Street Studio, located in the warehouse district off of Washington Avenue.

    As guests left their cars with the valets, they were gently corralled to the outdoor step-and-repeat for photos, the backdrop, rather than commercial sponsor logos, comprised of words describing the birthday girl. The photos would be attached to goodie bags handed out as party favors at night's end.

    Early arrivals Faith and Lee (Six Million Dollar Man)Majors, Sue and Lester Smith and Deborah Duncan and Neal Horner obliged the black and white dress code. In fact, no one dared knock the black and white dictate. Even the decor throughout the night was strictly black and white.

    Act two took place in the center space of the warehouse where one long table — for all 160 — was dramatically dressed in black, crystal and silver.

    Act one of the three-act party began with cocktails in a space draped in floor-to-ceiling white with two paneled bars dispensing every adult libation imaginable. As guests such as Stephanie and Bill Perkins, Anne and Noble Carl and Christy Cushman were greeted by Lucinda, wait staff from Jackson and Co. circulated offering various tasty morsels including sushi.

    But this was no ordinary sushi presentation. The trays were attached to hot air balloons that drifted overhead as a waiter guided the tray toward sushi-loving guests.

    The costumed gent riding the "handle bar bar" (imagine an old world bicycle with circular wine glass dispenser overhead) offered wine to the throng, so glamorous that it seemed the guest list had been screened by central casting. The lineup of glamazons and handsome gents included Amy Murchison, Jenee and Nick Stefanakis, Amy and Jim Lee, Kara and Ray Childress, Tiffany and Rick Smith and so many more.

    An ice sculptor took center stage during the reception, employing a chain saw (ah, the gasoline fumes) to carve a big 5-0 with flowers, the perfect photo opp for Lucinda and husband Javier Loya, Choice Energy CEO, and their daughters, Ana Luca and Elena.

    Act two took place in the center space of the warehouse where one long table — for all 160 — was dramatically dressed in black, crystal and silver accoutrements with explosions of white flowers running the full length. As the Jackson and Co. team (30 waiters in all) began serving the multi-course dinner of Lucinda favorites, a sleek aerial artist in white began working her contortions on an overhead bridge crane. But wait, the crane began to move, driven by costumed characters, the length of the dinner table and then back again.

    A Magritte-esque juggler provided intermittent entertainment. Yet another female aerial artist appeared to perform her thrills and chills overhead. Before night's end a birthday cake with flaming topper traversed the air space above the dinner table. Wine, champagne and tequila shots flowed.

    Applause, applause for Lucinda and Deborah Elias of Elias Events, who conceived of and orchestrated the magnificent evening. After "Happy Birthday" sung to Lucinda by Michael Bublé via video, cake was served, words of praised tossed Lucinda's way via video and a tearful thank you given by the birthday girl, who jumped up on the table with mic in hand for her heartfelt gracias.

    Next, it was on to the far end of the warehouse to the cigar lounge/night club outfitted in black and white carpets, leather sofas, winged chairs and other classy lounge furnishings. On stage was R&B singer/songwriter Ashanti, who kept the dance floor packed. Two full-service bars once again dispensed a complete range of party libations.

    Among the glamorous crowd were Annie Amante, Liz and Tom Glanville, Tonya Riner, Diane and Michael Caplan, Alicia and Lance Smith, Sean and Shelley Wright, Rick and Shamine Pleczko and Todd Ramos.

    Lucinda Loya takes a crack at aerial artistry during her 50th birthday celebration.

    256 Lucinda Loya at Lucinda Loya's birthday celebration February 2014
      
    Photo by © Gary Fountain
    Lucinda Loya takes a crack at aerial artistry during her 50th birthday celebration.
    unspecified
    news/society

    Power and Style

    Fashion show and tequila toasts light up Latin Women’s Initiative lunch

    Joel Luks
    Jun 13, 2025 | 4:30 pm
    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
    Photo by Dave Rossman
    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

    Houtson's Latin Women’s Initiative pulled off a tres chic triple threat — style, celebration, and serious giving — during its 30th anniversary luncheon and fashion show, drawing more than 850 supporters to the Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom. The event blended culture, community, and catwalks into one spectacular midday affair.

    Event chairs April Ramirez Fabre and Julie Garza, alongside board president Jovanny Orellana, welcomed guests to a ballroom teeming with fashionistas, philanthropists, and a whole lot of Latin sass. The annual luncheon, show, and bustling marketplace marked a major milestone for the nonprofit, which has supported Houston’s Latin community for more than two decades. This year’s honorees, Lisset Garza and Naimeh Salem, were recognized for their years of dedicated support to the organization and beyond.

    Festivities kicked off early with a shopping marketplace that opened in the morning and quickly became standing room only. Stylish attendees sipped tequila samples from local brand Titanium Tequila while browsing vendors. A specialty cocktail bar and music from DJ Freddy B kept the energy festive. Event designer Johanna Terry delivered an elegant setting, infusing the ballroom with rich emerald green tones, a nod to the organization’s 30th anniversary, paired with lush florals.

    The program began with Orellana welcoming the crowd from a dramatic Y-shaped runway, as Mariachi Reyes de Mexico filled the room with music that hushed the crowd for a heartfelt invocation.

    Then came the moment every fashion lover waited for: Lo Mejor de Saks Primavera 2025 (The Best of Spring Saks 2025), a luxe runway show presented in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, led by Heidi Turney and Hasina Starks. Applause echoed as models and a few brave Houston firefighters showed off the season’s must-haves. But the true showstopper? Actor and TV host Julián Gil, who surprised the audience by strutting the runway himself, earning whoops and cheers from the crowd. His appearance was generously sponsored by Salem.

    The catwalk came alive with Latin beats and massive LED screens flashing colorful visuals, thanks to a production team led by Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Bonar. Behind-the-scenes storytelling and videos, created by exclusive media partner Telemundo Houston, added a poignant layer to the spectacle.

    As guests settled in for lunch, anticipation built for the raffle, which included a dazzling diamond tennis necklace from Zadok Jewelers. Helene Zadok herself took the stage to crown the lucky winner. All that excitement translated into impact: the event raised more than $500,000 to benefit Justice Forward, Rebuilding Together Houston, Segundo Barrio Children's Chorus, El Centro de Corazon, and Naba Shoes for Kids.

    And what’s a Latin party without a proper toast?

    Guests clinked glasses in a tequila-fueled cheers to three decades of fashion for a cause, then danced the afternoon away to live music from Grupo Kache. The grand finale included more marketplace shopping and lite bites, with plans already announced for next year’s fête on May 1, 2026.

    Houston’s Latin glitterati showed up, including Ceron, Patricia Herrera, Leticia Fallick, Rosi Hernandez, Gloria Luna Bounds, Trini Mendenhall-Royalty, Vicky Dominguez, Becky Reyes, Maritza Gonzales, Vicki Luna, Chree Boydstun, David Cordua, Frances Castañeda Dyess, Patricia Garcia, Alba Huerta, Daisy Mendoza, Arcy Muñoz Marshall, Jolene Treviño, Mari Salazar, Leanne Schneider, Hoda Sana, Xochitl Ljuboja, Jackie Garcia, Cathryn Martinez, Mariangeles Orti, Vanessa Ramirez, Matty Restivo, Lisa Flores, Susan Dray, Marilu Garza, Conchita Reyes, Lorena Gomez, Lucia and Michael Cordua, and Leisa Holland-Nelson.

    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Dave Rossman

    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

    fundraiserslatin women’s initiative
    news/society
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