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    Salud!

    Tequila toasts and sizzling fashions amp up the party vibe at Latins Women's Initiative Luncheon

    Heather Staible
    Heather Staible
    May 8, 2017 | 3:30 pm

     The Latin Women’s Initiative Luncheon is always one of the most high-energy and colorful events of the spring, raising much-needed funds for multiple charity organizations across the city. From the jam-packed marketplace to the celebratory tequila shots on the runway, Friday’s event at the Hilton Americas-Houston was certainly no exception.

     

    The LWI luncheon celebrated its 15th anniversary with a packed ballroom of 650 guests who raised more than $250,000, with proceeds being distributed to Homemade Hope, L.I.F.E. Houston, Shoes for Kids, Small Steps Nurturing Center, University of Houston Center for Mexican American Studies, Academic Achievers Program, and Undies for Everyone. Since its inception in 2001, the LWI has provided more than $2 million of financial support to women and children in Houston’s Latino community.

     

    Despite the serious mission of LWI, the luncheon is frothy fun, full of fashion and chatter. Mariachis greeted guests for the luncheon that just happened to fall on Cinco de Mayo (which commemorates the Mexican Army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla, not Mexican independence) and the party kept on rolling while shoppers found fashionable must-haves before heading into the ballroom.

     

    Over a Latin-inspired lunch, the chatty crowd mixed and mingled throughout the ballroom in anticipation of the runway show featuring Cooperativa Shop’s Kris Goyri and Sandra Weil, in from Mexico City, as well as the heritage collections of Takasami’s Rosario Mendoza. Once the lights went down, the energy went up…way up, with sexy, bold looks for night and day. The occasional male model resulted in cheers and applause from the predominantly female crowd.

     

    Before the traditional tequila toast, event organizers took a moment to wish fashion show planner extraordinaire Lenny Matuszewski a happy birthday, compliments of the mariachi band.

     

     Emcees Univision reporter Janel Garcia and ABC13 reporter and anchor Samica Knight kept the high-energy crowd in line, while luncheon chairmen Karina Barbieri and Daisy Mendoza explained the mission of LWI. Honorary chairs Rosi F. Hernández, Patricia Herrera, Trini Mendenhall, Micheline Ferrand Newall, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Susana Brener de Stern, Ericka Bagwell, and Mary Tere Perusquia were also honored.

     

     Spotted in the vibrant crowd were Latin Women's Initiative president Michele Leal Farah, Gloria Luna Bounds, Leticia Fallick, Jessica Rossman, Conchita Reyes, Dr. Romy Mitchell, Chree Boydstun, Fady Armanious, Hallie Vanderhider, Mari Treviño, Monica Reyna Casiano, Julie Applewhite, Lauren Soliz, and Houston City Controller Chris Brown and wife, Divya.

    Celebrating with a tequila toast at the end of the runway show were Rosario Mendoza, Daisy Mendoza, Kris Goyri, Karina Barbieri, Sandra Weil and Michele Leal Farah.

    Latin Women's Initiative Luncheon, Tequila Toast, Rosario Mendoza, Daisy Mendoza, Kris Goyri, Karina Barbieri, Sandra Weil, Michele Leal Farah
      
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    Celebrating with a tequila toast at the end of the runway show were Rosario Mendoza, Daisy Mendoza, Kris Goyri, Karina Barbieri, Sandra Weil and Michele Leal Farah.
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    Spritzed With Style

    Houston charity’s Pearls of Wisdom gala is a real gem of a night

    Joel Luks
    Jul 14, 2025 | 3:02 pm
    Vita Living Pearls of Wisdom gala 2025
    Photo by Andy Phan
    Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn and David Guion.

    Some came for the Aperol Spritz, others for the cause, and all left a little more hopeful.

    Vita Living Pearls of Wisdom gala 2025
      

    Photo by Andy Phan

    Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn and David Guion.

    On a lively evening at River Oaks Country Club, guests gathered for Vita Living’s annual Pearls of Wisdom gala, where community, compassion, and a splash of Italian flair came together for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

    Chaired by Kristen Perrin, Pamela Perilloux, and Bryan P. Smith, the evening began with a color-splashed cocktail hour, where attendees mingled in vibrant attire, sipping spritzes and eyeing a meticulously curated silent auction. Among the standout items were a six-night escape to a riverfront condo near Beaver Creek (courtesy of Doug Dawson), a luxury three-night getaway to Chablé Yucatán Chocholá (thank you, Chablé), and a striking aluminum-mounted photograph, Golden Koi by Joe C. Aker, gleaming with texture and motion.

    Emcee Kip Altstaetter opened the program with warmth and wit. Joseph Cooper, Vita Living CEO, delivered the invocation before passing the mic to the evening’s co-chairs for special remarks. Guests then watched a moving video introduced by Myrla Menn and Beth and John Hoffman, which offered an intimate look at the lives changed by Vita Living’s services.

    The live auction helmed with high energy by Johnny Bravo Entertainment brought gala-goers to their feet, paddles flying in support of the nonprofit’s essential work. But the night didn’t end with dinner and donations. Supporters lingered and celebrated with a late-night gelato bar and warm camaraderie.

    Founded in 1982, Vita Living has grown from a single home created by founder Renée Wallace for her son to a network of 20 group homes across Houston. The organization’s case management program serves more than 300 children and adults across seven counties.

    This year’s record-breaking total — $207,000 raised — underscores the community’s growing commitment to supporting inclusive care and lifelong dignity.

    Among the 300 present were Kara Willis, Charcole Santiago, Peter and Krystyna Cawthorne, Jim Roberts, David Payne, Clint Fritts, Andrew Campbell, Eddie and Kim Perdomo, Brian and Sarah Crawmer, David and Marilyn Guion, Larry and Christina O’Donnell, Chris Mehling, Lorraine Olah, Bella McNeill, Jonathan Puig, Ellie Rotan, Juliana Workman, Forrest and Katie Wynn, Louis and Ashley Pearce, Chandos Dodson Epley, Evans and Theresa Attwell, Mariquita Masterson, and Andy and Ashley Mejia.

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