You just can't beat the energy generated by the Latin Women's Initiative annual luncheon and Friday's event at the InterContinental Houston Near the Galleria was no exception to their lively tradition.

More than 600 women and a sprinkling of men perused the Latin-themed bazaar before packing the ballroom where, by the end of the day, more than $255,000 had been raised for six agencies that provide assistance to underserved communities.

Taking bows for the day's success were chairs Micheline Newall and Cristina Kallop, both of whom hail from Peru. Thus, a Peruvian influence prevailed from the table decorations to the potent "piscos" served with dessert. However, when it came to the annual fashion show, it was Mexico that held sway with a line-up of designs from Mexico City's Lydia Lavin, her colorful fashions presented both on the runway and in the bazaar.

Key players in the day included LWI president Mary Tere Perusquia and fashion show vice president Patty Dominguez. The lively mix included a table of adoring men — Ricardo Perusquia, Ray Childress, Dr. Pedro Frommer, Robert Fleishman, Mike Foulard, Mauricio Arboleda, Gonzalo Barrutieta, Rafael Herrera and Juan Carlos Herrera.

The lively ladies included Mary Eliza Shaper, Patricia Herrera, Nancy Kinder, Heather Simpson, Vesta Fommer, Cherie Flores, Cathy Borlenghi, Georgia Foulard, Karol Barnhart, Laura Sweeney, Roni Atnipp and Tere M. de Losada, Mary Tere Perusquia's grandmother, who flew in from Mexico City for the event.