She might come across as one tough cookie on her new ABC series Missing, but Ashley Judd was just one of the girls, albeit one with a message, at Wednesday's "Spirit of Spring" luncheon where she had plenty to say — except about the unfolding plot line of her new successful series.

Before she would get down to the nitty gritty of her on-stage interview with KHOU Channel 11 morning show host Deborah Duncan, Judd told the gathering of 500 in the InterContinental-Houston ballroom that she wanted to be sure that she was looking good, commenting on the beautiful assembly of women gathered for the Children's Assessment Center benefit.

Judd allowed that she maintains her camera-ready looks with 10.5 hours of sleep per night, by following the American Diabetes Association diet (though she doesn't have diabetes) and with a killer metabolism that Duncan suggested she bottle and sell.

And, no, she can't tell you what happens at the end of the 10-segment Missing season. But, yes, there has been some talk of a second season.

The meat of Judd's discussion was twofold focusing on her humanitarian efforts involving the plight of children around the world and on her route to self-discovery. The latter came after she faced up to her co-dependency in a family where alcoholism was an issue and in dealing with sexual molestation that occurred when she was in the second grade.

Understanding the subject all too well, Judd praised the holistic approach that CAC takes in helping children suffering from sexual abuse. She encouraged everyone to get in touch with the inner-self and deal with unresolved issues that could be clouding one's life.

The program with Judd followed an inspired Neiman Marcus fashion presentation, curated and moderated by NM fashion director Ken Downing in from Dallas for the catwalk frolic.

The luncheon was chaired by Diane Caplan and Nancy Golden and honored Phyllis Williams.

Among those sitting at rapt attention during the Judd interview were CAC executive director Elaine Stolte, Neiman's GM Bob Devlin, CAC Foundation board chair Brady Crosswell, Alicia Smith, Ann Carl, Lora Clemmons, Debra Grierson, Merele Yarborough, Cindi Rose, Susana Brener de Stern, Jessica Meyer, Kim Moody, Gayla Gardner, Stephanie Perkins and Liz Zaruba.