best luncheons for april
14 best luncheons for fashionable and charitable Houston socialites
Spring society season in Houston heats up with a return to A-list evening galas and events. But savvy socialites know that there are also myriad daytime, lunchtime happenings with a heart.
These functions serve to educate and raise much-needed funds for worthy philanthropic causes — and can be chic and stylish affairs, such as the annual River Oaks Tennis Tournament fashion show and the Heroes and Handbags Brunch.
With that in mind, we've rounded up a host of fashionable and noble luncheons and soirees for every civic-minded socialite. Look for some big names in fashion, culture, and media at these notable events.
Houston Aphasia Recovery Center Let’s Talk Luncheon
Date: March 27
This luncheon will benefit HARC’s various programs that provide wellness, education, advocacy, and resources for people with aphasia, their caregivers, and the greater Houston medical community. Guests can expect a performance by the HARC Heralds Choir and speaker Sarah Scott, who will share her experience with aphasia, which resulted after she suffered a stroke when she was 18 years old. Scott is known worldwide for her advocacy for aphasia.
Houston Hospice presents 18th Annual Butterfly Luncheon
Date: April 1
Celebrated author LeAnn Thieman, the New York Times bestselling author of the Chicken Soup series, is the keynote speaker at this luncheon chaired by Jenny Kempner, Isabel Lummis, and Sue White at the Junior League. Proceeds from the event benefit the operations of Houston Hospice and The Butterfly Program, which is recognized as a national leader for the advancement of pediatric hospice care.
Heroes for Children presents Heroes and Handbags Brunch
Date: April 5
Stylish Houstonians can consider this a chance to nab a fab bag while supporting a worthy cause. Event chair Lisa Sharp and Heroes for Children will present a brunch and silent auction benefiting Texas families battling childhood cancer. The signature event includes a delicious champagne brunch, a meaningful program, and an exciting auction of designer handbags — which is a big draw each year at the River Oaks Country Club.
Bayou Bend Fashion Show/ Weekend at Bayou Bend
Date: April 5
The stylish kickoff to the annual Bayou Bend Weekend, the fourth annual fashion show features a runway show while guests enjoy a seated luncheon in the Diana Garden. The Bayou Bend weekend also includes the annual Children’s Party and the popular Garden Party.
Avondale House presents Challenging Autism Luncheon with Ron Suskind
Date: April 8
Avondale House, a Houston non-profit that provides individuals with autism the resources, education, and training to develop to their fullest potential, will host their annual Challenging Autism Luncheon. The program will feature special guest speaker, Ron Suskind, Pulitzer-winning journalist and bestselling author of Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism, which was adapted into an Academy Award-nominated documentary.
River Oaks Clay Court Tennis Tournament Fashion Show
Date: April 10 and 11
One of Houston’s most glamorous fashion events sees a who’s who of Houston society, decked out in their daytime finest at this annual kickoff to the River Oaks Clay Court Tennis Tournament. Expect a show-stopping runway event by Tootsies creative director Fady Armanious.
The Women's Resource 28th Annual Spring Luncheon
Date: April 12
This year’s luncheon is chaired by top commercial real estate entrepreneur Edna Meyer-Nelson and will be honoring the 2019 recipients of the Outstanding Women in Banking and Finance Award. The luncheon will feature keynote speaker Judy Smith, crisis management expert and inspiration for the hit TV show Scandal.
The Council on Recovery presents 36th Annual Spring Luncheon with Andrew McCarthy
Date: April 12
Since 1999, this charity event, which promotes a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle has gained national recognition; the Spring Luncheon is one of the largest philanthropic gatherings in Houston. The Council on Recovery will present guest speaker Andrew McCarthy, actor, director, producer, and award-winning travel writer.
Salvation Army's Reflections on Style
Date: April 16
Salvation Army's Reflections on Style luncheon, fashion show, and chic boutique will feature new and gently worn designer clothing and accessories from some of Houston’s finest closets. Look for a runway show themed Prancing with a Purpose, shop the Chic Boutique culled from Houston’s finest closest, and find wares from the Children’s Boutique.
Houston Area Women’s Center’s Believe Luncheon
Date: April 18
This signature event raises critical funds in HAWC’s mission to end domestic and sexual violence for all. Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, who sentenced U.S. Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing hundreds of gymnasts under his care, is the featured speaker. Aquilina was recently named one of Glamour Magazine’s 2018 Women of the Year.
SEARCH’s 2019 Annual Luncheon for A Houston Without Homelessness
Date: April 18
Boasting an advisory board including Mayor Sylvester Turner; Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni and his wife, Laurel; and Houston Texans president Jamey Rootes and his wife, Melissa, SEARCH will energize luncheon attendees with a theme of ending homelessness. Guests include fashion giant Elie Tahari.
Ronald McDonald House’s Spirit of Hope Luncheon
Date: April 23
The Spirit of Hope Luncheon is an annual fundraiser and recognizes the leadership and commitment of Ronald McDonald House corporate volunteer partners. The luncheon will celebrate three groups who touch the lives of our families at Holcombe House as well as in the organization’s hospital programs. Guest speaker is Staman Ogilvie.
Houston Library Foundation’s Beyond the Page Luncheon
Date: April 24
This event, which celebrates diversity and inclusion, features keynote speaker Angie Thomas, author of the ground-breaking debut novel The Hate U Give, which stayed on the New York Times best-seller list for over 50 weeks and was recently released as a motion picture. Expect a lively, dynamic, and bookish discussion.
Crime Stoppers Houston’s Heroes Luncheon
Date: April 24
The annual luncheon honors individuals and organizations who have given exemplary service to make Houston a safer place to live, work, learn, and play. New honorees this year include The Women Who Shape Houston Award, the Partner of the Year Award (going to Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and Assistant Chief Bobby Dobbins), and the Dave Ward Media Excellence Award (winner will be announced at the event).