Shelby's Social Diary

A fashionable flock kicks up its heels at Hudson Lounge, Cancer Societysupermodels included

The bikini model shows off the Lucho suit that was on the auction block.
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan
Photo by Chinh Phan

It wasn't just Houston gardeners who were thankful for Wednesday's rain. Emily Cotton and Heather Bourque were grateful for the early downpour that convinced them to tent and air condition the chic patio at Hudson Lounge that night for their Starlight Gala Fashion Show benefiting the American Cancer Society.

Just about all of the 400 partygoers would have agreed that the AC was a smart move on what otherwise would have been a sticky, sultry evening. But these gals left sultry to the runway where 15 saucy models in bare bikinis from La Mode Swim strutted their stuff along with Cute Young Things in the latest offerings from Carrie Ann Boutique of Uptown Park and handsome gents modeling sophisticated menswear from Lucho.

In addition to Starlight committee members, youthful supporters of ACS who shed their inhibitions to walk the runway, a handful of cancer survivors shared the spotlight in the latest fashions. Applause, applause for the American Cancer Society version of supermodels — Sonya Villamagna, Molly Vitela, Rebecca Putterman, Joe Gonyea and Seth Fillingim.

The Starlight Committee is clearly the place to be for the young and the beautiful, as the model-esque women arrived in stiletto sandals and sundresses, their shining locks flowing over bare shoulders.

From our perspective, there was as much eye-popping fashion in the partying throng as there was on the runway. The Starlight Committee is clearly the place to be for the young and the beautiful, as the model-esque women arrived in stiletto sandals and sundresses, their shining locks flowing over bare shoulders.

And then there were the well-dressed guys looking fit and sophisticated. In short, the tableau was pure youthful vitality and glamour.

Adding to the scene was Bulgarian artist Ilian Rachov, responsible for much of the design for the Versace home collection, in town visiting friends. The fashion flock included Christine Thorp, Marian Malak, Greg McEldowney, Lindsay Radcliffe, Lori Lollar, Jess Matherne, Dawn Taylor, Alejandra Cadena and Jessica Mendoza.

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College Bound

A Princeton moment steals the spotlight at Houston nonprofit's luncheon

Photo by Hung L. Truong

Diana Villatoro Sorto.

Ambition is contagious.

Photo by Hung L. Truong

Diana Villatoro Sorto.

And that was the ethos when Emerge supporters gathered at River Oaks Country Club for the organization’s annual Build the Village Luncheon, a polished midday affair centered on a simple but powerful idea: Investing in Houston’s next generation of leaders.

More than 400 guests filled the room for the program, including Emerge scholars, for a celebration of the organization’s mission to help high-achieving students from low-income communities gain admission to and graduate from the country’s top colleges.

Serving as co-chairs were Kate Dearing Fowler and Kate Schilling Kelm, who welcomed guests to a lively gathering. The luncheon honored Mia Mends, chief executive officer of Cushman and Wakefield Services and former Emerge board chair, recognizing her years of leadership, mentorship, and steadfast commitment to expanding opportunities for the organization’s scholars.

One of the afternoon’s most electric moments arrived when Klein Collins High School senior Diana Villatoro Sorto stepped to the podium and announced that she will attend Princeton University this fall. The declaration sparked an immediate roar of applause across the ballroom, the kind that ripples through a crowd and lingers for longer than expected.

The program also spotlighted Emerge alumna Marlee Morgan, whose story of resilience and academic success is an example of the organization’s long-term commitment to supporting scholars well beyond the college admissions process. Emerge’s work doesn’t end with an acceptance letter. It extends into helping students navigate college and launch meaningful careers.

The crowd’s enthusiasm translated into tangible support. Attendees raised more than $760,000.

On the scene were Paula and Reginald DesRoches, Farid Virani, Liz DeMontrond, Jack Blanton, Ann Stern, Elisa Villanueva Beard, and Ruth Lopez Turley, and many others.