Really hot wheels

BMW speeds into future with celebration of sparkling new $20 million west Houston showroom

Honey, car dealerships ain't what they used to be. Just check out the new BMW of West Houston, which despite the threat of Tropical Storm Bill, unveiled its lavish new home to a crowd of eager auto enthusiasts. Although doors opened in February, this was the grand opening bash.

Joining the ranks of Sewell Cadillac and Sonic Automotive's Audi Central Houston , BMW has ponied up $20 million for the striking state-of-the-art showroom and service center in Katy.

So important was this official opening that BMW North America president Ludwig Willisch flew in for the festivities. “BMW of West Houston represents an exciting new chapter in BMW’s ongoing effort to delight with the premium automotive retail experience," he said. "One that is more open, more efficient and more enjoyable."

Welcoming guests was Maria Moncada-Alaoui, general manager of the Sonic Automotive property, who described the facility as "the expression of the future of car buying."

On this evening that benefited Houston Children's Charity, guests were entertained with a collection of vintage BMWs and were provided sustenance from Fleming's Steakhouse and Rosemary's Catering. A cast of performers including champagne girls added high notes to the evening. The highlight for many was unveiling of the latest BMW model, the plug-in hybrid i8 sports car, introduced via a digital mapping presentation.

Among guests were HCC executive director Laura Ward, Chester Pitts, Robert Horry, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Eric Lacey and Nikki Hart, Traci and Gil Harris, Omar Aalou, Rita and Spencer Tillman and Linda Lorelle.

Kyle James and Amy McCully with champagne girl.

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health and hope

Rockin’ Resiliency Luncheon empowers Houston women and girls

Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency luncheon

Photo by Alexander Rogers

Magen Pastor and Roz Pactor.

The ballroom of the Royal Sonesta was filled with Houstonians gathered to support The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency at the 14th Annual Rockin’ Resiliency Luncheon. Held on November 3, the event aimed to empower Houston-area women and girls to take charge of their health and well-being.

Co-chairs Donae Chramosta and daughter Bella Chramosta set the tone for the “Spread Your Wings and Fly. Be Her.” luncheon, where guests flocked early to start their holiday shopping at a mini-market featuring 20 local vendors. The sparkle continued with the champagne raffle, where hopefuls popped bottles courtesy of champagne sponsor Pierpoint and dreamed of winning prizes donated by The Vintage Contessa and Times Past and Tego Jewelers.

Houston’s Partnerschools and The Treble Houston Choir greeted guests with lovely tunes while Gina Gaston from ABC13 served as emcee.

The event’s emotional core came as The Women’s Fund recognized Amy Pierce, a board member and advocate, with the Sue Trammell Whitfield Award for Resiliency. Dorothy Gibbons, CEO and co-founder of The Rose, received the John P. McGovern Foundation Champion in Women’s Health and Wellness Award, accepted on her behalf by board chair Shannon Weideseppe. Lifetime member Lili Kirchner was honored for her commitment to the organization, with more than 40 years of continuous support.

Keynote speaker Alexis Loving, CEO of Search Homeless Services, delivered a powerful talk on resilience, sharing her journey to “be someone” for others who need a steady hand.

The morning before the luncheon, The Women’s Fund hosted 90 young girls from their programs for an educational session, “Own Your Voice: Empowering Self-Advocacy for Girls,” led by Bella Chramosta, who spoke candidly about her personal health journey. The session, sponsored by Elizabeth Grimm offered the girls a chance to hear directly from a peer navigating the challenges of adolescence with resilience and grace.

Advisory board members Jackie Macha and Monica Fulton led a successful appeal, boosted by a $15,000 match from an anonymous donor. Presenting sponsor John P. McGovern Foundation, along with a notable roster of supporters, helped raise more than $300,000 for the organization.

Tossing to good health and good spirits were Stephanie Hill-Franco, Shaunna Mason, Natalie Mohtashami, Jillian Nel, Elysa Nelson, Mona Shah, Aradine Stephenson, Lauren K. Summerville, Kathryn Tees, Katie Tsuru, Martha Walton, Philamena Baird, Lindsey Duhon, Nan Duhon, Patricia Hogan Korge, Crystal Nguyen, Mary Beth Robinson, Elaine Turner, Rachel Regan, Laura Davenport, Aliza Dutt, Cherise Esparza Gutierrez, Jennifer Pinkerton, Kristina Somerville, Jamie Freeny, Roz Pactor, Stephanie Perkins, Shelly Hendry, Anna McGrath, Ronnie Hagerty, Helen Perry, Brian Faulkner, Janette Masten Gardner, Stacy Lindseth, and Nancy Mathe.

$Women\u2019s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency luncheon$