Tequila Fun

Tequila shots before noon reaffirm the Latin Women's Initiative luncheon as one of a kind

Sipping, socializing and shopping — these three lively activities guarantee year after year that the Latin Women's Initiative luncheon is as much a fun-raiser as fundraiser. Case in point, Friday's muy picante event at the Royal Sonesta Hotel.

Tequila shots were served as most of the 600 women and sprinkling of men arrived early to peruse the myriad, colorful offerings in the marketplace, everything from silver jewelry and faux pieces to leather goods and vaquero straw hats.

Then it was on to the packed ballroom where lunch (recipes from the Latin Flavors: A Taste of Our Heritage) was served. The accompanying stunning fashion show by Monterrey, Mexico, based designer Alejandro Carlin had the ladies getting out their credit cards in tangible approval.

Also approving were the men in the audience, such as Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and City Councilman Steve Costello, enjoying their primo runway seating, thanks to table host H-E-B's Cyndy Garza Roberts. She is LWI president-elect, soon to replace outgoing president Rosi Hernandez. H-E-B was platinum sponsor for the fundraiser.

Lucia and Michael Cordua served as luncheon chairs, sharing duties with committee chair Marlyn Greiner, marketplace chair Karla Rosa and finance chair Lisset Garza.

Once the tequila rounds ran dry, a few tables ordered bottles of champagne, maintaining the deliciously raucous tradition of the LWI luncheon. Among the midday celebrants were luncheon emcee KTRK Channel 13's Sharron Melton, Trini Mendenhall-Sosa and Frank Sosa, Mary Tere Perusquia, Susana Brener de Stern, Pily Simon, Patty Herrera, Alex Blair, Laura Murillo, Sally Lechin, Chree Boydstun and Micheline Newall.

The popular Rev. T.J. Martinez, president of Cristo Rey Jesuit prep school, led the invocation. Cristo Rey is one of six charities that the Latin Women's Initiative supports, including The Rose, Casa de Esperanza, Memorial Assistance Ministries, Kids Meals and Life Houston.

Lucia and Michael Cordua, from left, Marlyn Greiner and Rosi Hernandez at the Latin Women's Initiative luncheon.

Photo by © Michelle Watson CultureMapSNAP.com

Lucia and Michael Cordua, from left, Marlyn Greiner and Rosi Hernandez at the Latin Women's Initiative luncheon.

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Two-Stepping Bash

Country tunes and Houston's charitable hearts rock for Dec my Room

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jacob Mansfield, Grace Ward, and Kendyl Mansfield.

A bustling crowd kicked open the doors of the House of Blues for the Eighth Annual "Kick Up Your Boots for Kids" bash, all in support of Dec My Room. The night was set ablaze by the toe-tapping tunes of country stars Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen, transforming the venue on October 24 into a jitterbug jamboree and creating an atmosphere brimming with joy.

Event chairs Laurel Bashaw and Dodi Willingham and founders Kendall Plank and Susan Plank were thrilled about how the extra funds will turbocharge their mission. Since 2007, Dec My Room has adorned nearly 18,000 hospital rooms across 178 institutions, delivering personalized coziness like a warm blanket to pediatric and young adult patients.

Emcee and auctioneer David Ackel kept the energy high as generous Houstonians vied for coveted treasures. Standouts included rare Pappy Van Winkle bourbon bottles and a glimmering necklace from Lugano. A wine and whiskey dinner hosted by Federal Grill’s Matt Brice saw bids skyrocket, leaving winners over the moon. The grand finale was a private management hunt at Sycamore Springs Ranch in Kerrville, Texas.

With over 250 attendees two-stepping and $350,000 raised, the event proved to be a night where generosity danced hand in hand with a rockin’ good time. In the crowd were Laurie and Tracy Krohn, Stacey and Al Lindseth, Mike Plank, Rachel and Tom Regan, Ericka Bagwell, Aimee and Wynne Snoots, Carley and Mike Stasney, Grace and Steven Ward, Monica and Jed Skeet, Marie and Joseph Flanigan, Jessica and Ryan Getz, Denise and Brett Mears, Kiki Wilson, Peggie and Kyle Pentecost.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jacob Mansfield, Grace Ward, and Kendyl Mansfield.

dec my room fundraisers