Making A Difference
Beloved Sesame Street star captivates crowd at "Making a Difference" luncheon
What:El Centro de Corazón "Making a Difference" luncheon.
Where: Hotel ZaZa.
The scoop: Formerly Maria on Sesame Street, Sonia Manzano, one of the first Latinas on television, captivated the gathering of 300 as she spoke about her life and the importance of El Centro. (Manzano played the iconic role on the hit PBS series from 1971 until her retirement in 2015.) Leisa Holland Nelson and Leila Perrin chaired the luncheon, while Philamena and Arthur Baird served as honorary chairs.
The event that honored Janiece Longoria, Port of Houston Authority chair, raised more than $160,000 for programs assisting low-income residents in the East End.
Who: El Centro CEO Marcie Mir, Roxann Neumann, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Margaret and Joel Shannon, Drs. Julie and Marc Boom, Beckie and Gasper Mir, Tracy Janda, Mary Ann Wilkins, Karen Love, and Diane Englet.