There's reason the annual Latin Women’s Initiative luncheon is always held on a Friday. Who wants to go back to the office after shopping, a fashion show, lunch, and a celebratory tequila shot? The colorful and spirited luncheon held at the Hilton Americas is a highlight of the spring social calendar, raising valuable funds for organizations throughout the Houston area.
Led by luncheon chairs Gloria Luna Bounds and Daisy Mendoza and the LWI Board, the event raised more than $300,000, which will be distributed among multiple charities including L.I.F.E. Houston, Undies for Everyone, Small Steps Nurturing Center, University of Houston Center for Mexican American Studies, Academic Achievers Program. Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) and SpringSpirit.
Since the inception of LWI, the organization has raised more than $3 million of financial support for women and children in Houston’s Latino community. That feat was applauded by honorary chair Jessica Rossman, who was supported by friends and family at the luncheon.
Always chatty, the crowd quieted a bit for Channel 2’s Jacob Rascon, but whoops and cheers replaced chatting when the dynamic fashion show began. Guest designer Andrés Otálora from Colombia and Cooperativa Shop designs traversed from day-to-night, with some swimsuit-clad gents in the mix on the runway.
Per usual, the fashion show concluded with a tequila shot toast, and the party kept on humming, welcoming the weekend and the generosity of Houstonians.
Seen in the crowd:Maria Vilchez Lowrey, Claudia Aguirre, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Gordon Bethune, Lisset Garza, George Farah,Maritza Gonzales, Fady Armanious, Hallie Vanderhider, Mari Treviño, Micheline Newall, Ceron, and Divya and Chris Brown, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Gwen Emmett.
Gloria Luna Bounds and Daisy Mendoza.
