The spring party season has enjoyed extra oomph in recent years, ever since the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society launched its Man and Woman of the Year competition. Individuals in each category throw various fundraising bashes and the one who brings in the most for the charity earns "of the year" honors.
The partying began with an announcement cocktail event at Saks Fifth Avenue earlier this month when the 19 contenders were introduced. Fundraising has begun in earnest with a recent gathering benefiting the campaign of Hasti Taghi at A. Taghi Fine Apparel and Shoes, the family-owned business on Westheimer just across from the Galleria.
It was quite the party with gents trying on suits from Brioni, Zanella and Bruno Magli as well as checking out the latest accessories from Dunhill while the ladies perused gowns by Amir Taghi Atelier.
Hasti showed a certain fundraising savvy by lining up Persepolis Homes, Momentum Audi, JW Marriott and Branwar Wines as sponsors as was Del Frisco's, which provided party fare for the gathering of 100.
Among Hasti supporters were Sharron Melton, Donae Chramosta, Rosie Murphy, Mike Mahlsteadt, Stacy and John Andell, Anne and Jacob DeLeon, Roya and Massoud Taghdisi, Neekie Kashani and loads of family members.
Hasti's competitors in the Woman of the Year joust are Stephanie Bundage of CenterPoint Energy, Kristen Cannon of The Cannon Affair, Nina Gutierrez-Garcia with M.D. Anderson, Erin Maggi, Marcie Mir with El Centro De Corazon, Maidie Ryan of Ascend Performance Materials, Kandice Sheehan of Midstates Petroleum, Dr. Angela Sturm-O’Brien of Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Katie Tipper-McWhorter with Campbell Harrison & Dagley L.L.P. and KPRC's Amber Willis.
You might recall that Hasti was a reporter at KPRC for several years before joining Texas Children's Hospital.
The competition continues through May 30 when winners are announced at a River Oaks Country Club party.
Stacy Andell, left, and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year competitor Hasti Taghi.
