Shelby's Social Diary
Before London, Olympic champions flex their muscle in the battle againstbullying
Only weeks before they head to London to compete in the Summer Olympics (which open July 27), members of the gold and silver medal-winning Lopez family took time out from training in support of Youth Aid, a non-profit devoted to anti-bullying education.
The taekwondo Olympians were honored at the fundraiser that took place in CityCentre's swank private social club, The Marque. The evening gave Olympics fans and bullying opponents the opportunity to mingle with U.S. Olympic Taekwondo coach Jean Lopez, two-time gold medal winner Steven Lopez, bronze medal-winner Diana Lopez and silver medal-winner Mark Lopez. Mark will be joining his siblings on the London trip but will not be competing.
Jean Lopez was first in the family to get involved with Youth Aid. He and the non-profit's president/executive director Louis Restrepo have hosted rallies at local schools and youth organizations where they speak out against bullying.
The fundraiser for the program began on the first floor of Houston Motor Club then moved upstairs where there was a silent auction in the Billiard Room, an IZKALI tequila tasting in the Tequila Room, dancing to the sounds of Rachelle and The Others in the Members Lounge and casino gaming in the Grand Lounge.
Joining the effort to end bullying were Melanie Johnson, Laura and Steve McNear, Rick Yandle, Ernesto Reza, Jason Jimenez, Pete Sanchez, Kelley Key and Howard Martin, Pete Sanchez, Eduardo Edame, Walt Hayes and Josh Weisman.