Some would say that it was the pink tequila shots served during the reception that had the 600 women and sprinkling of men so jazzed over the Latin Women's Initiative annual fundraiser. But those who've attended this event during any of its previous eight years know that energy is inherent in the glam mix of guests that gather at the InterContinental Houston.

Cyndy Garza Roberts, H-E-B public affairs director for Houston,chaired Friday's extravaganza that included the marketplace — chock full of tempting jewelry, fashions and innovations — the fashion show of designs by JI + Bertholdo and a remarkable lunch. Recipes for the salsa, guacamole, grouper in guajillo, poblano pepper souffé, tres leches and flan cubano were inspired by the LWI cookbook,Latin Flavors: A Taste of Our Heritage. It was one of many items offered in the bazaar.

Anyone looking for the source of the unprecedented energy need look no further than the host committee comprised of Cristo Rey's Father T.J. Martinez, the effervescent Trini Mendenhall Sosa, Memorial Hermann's Ileana Trevino, H-E-B's Winell Herron, interior designer Kara Childress, attorney Roland Garcia, Cathy Borlenghi and Soraya McClelland, just to name a few.

As is tradition, no one wanted to be seated and most had to be heavily cajoled into paying attention to the program that was in the hands of emcee Vicente Arenas, KHOU Channel 11 newsman. LWI president Mary Tere Perusquia had her hands full with the lively group.

Even the table of gents — Ray Childress, Ricardo Perusquia, Mike Foulard, Dr. Pedro Frommer, Giorgio Borlenghi among them — were caught up in the vibrant fashion show and the electric gathering of beautiful women filling the ballroom.

Joining the festive fray were Heather Simpson, Ellie Francisco, Susana Brener de Stern, Patricia Herrera, Patty Dominguez, Lucia Cordúa, Georgia Foulard, Terry Wayne Jones, Dancie Ware, Priscilla Larson, Vesta Frommer, Laura Sweeney and Neda Ladjevardian.