"Labor Day" enjoys a double entendre at Woman's Hospital of Texas annual ladiesluncheon

Photo by David Postma/Genesis Photographers
Photo by David Postma/Genesis Photographers
Photo by David Postma/Genesis Photographers
Photo by David Postma/Genesis Photographers
Photo by David Postma/Genesis Photographers
Photo by David Postma/Genesis Photographers
Photo by David Postma/Genesis Photographers
Photo by David Postma/Genesis Photographers
Photo by David Postma/Genesis Photographers

OK, so what if it is a jillion degrees outside. We can dream can't we. And dream it was — of cool fall temps — on Saturday when the Woman's Hospital of Texas hosted its popular Labor Day Luncheon at the Intercontinental Houston.

Fab fall offerings from Tres Chic, BB1 Classic, French Cuff, Marnie Rocks and Zaida Michele were among the many finds from the 25 pop-up shops that offered hours of browsing, before lunch and after, in the Boutique Bazaar. Style consultants Cathy Fitzpatrick Cleary and Holly Thompson presented oodles of tempting fashion advice while show coordinator Todd Ramos gathered up a whimsical runway show of must-haves for fall.

Welcoming the 600 guests were luncheon chairs Woman's Hospital CEO Linda Russell and Dee Dee Guggenheim, representing the March of Dimes, beneficiary of the event that stretched from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ten percent of sales from the boutiques went to the March of Dimes as did proceeds from ticket sales. By the end of the day, the non-profit's coffers had been enriched by $43,000, making this the most successful Labor Day Luncheon to date.

In its eighth year, the Labor Day Luncheon drew a family crowd with loads of young femmes accompanying their moms on the fashionable outing. Popular with guests of all ages was the table laden with cookies and candies, all for the taking.

Fox 26's Melinda Spaulding served as emcee.

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Party Watch

Rock painting and ninja runs charm guests at Houston hospital's benefit

Texas Children’s Hospital Family Fun Day 2025

Photo by Jenny Antill

Chita Craft with daughter and friends.

What: Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital Family Fun Day

$Texas Children\u2019s Hospital Family Fun Day 2025$

Photo by Jenny Antill

Chita Craft with daughter and friends.

Where: Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

The Scoop: The Houston Arboretum transformed into a nostalgic summer escape for the 15th annual Family Fun Day hosted by the Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital. Dubbed “Camp Ambassador,” the affair drew more than 450 guests for an afternoon that channeled sleepaway camp vibes — with none of the homesickness.

Chairs Brooke and Scott Hutson welcomed families to a playful forest wonderland brimming with pony rides, ninja course antics, and whimsical mohawk makeovers. Craft stations kept creativity flowing with rain stick-making and rock painting, the latter doubling as a heartfelt gesture — painted stones will soon brighten the hospital’s interfaith chapel, offering young patients a bit of camp spirit indoors.

Dr. Benjamin Ho, the hospital’s newest concierge medicine doc, handed out play bandages to campers of all ages, proving that even in make-believe, compassion counts. Meanwhile, families refueled on camp-themed comfort eats like waffle fries, firewood franks, fruit kabobs, and cake cones that felt straight out of a mess hall dream.

Proceeds supported Texas Children’s Nursing Talent, Innovation and Education, a program empowering new nurses with hands-on tools to navigate the challenges of clinical care.

Who: Ellen and James Bookout, Jen and Ben Fink, Cindy and Les Fox, Julie and Patrick Gimlett, Laura and Dan Gollins, Nina and Clint Rand, Carolyn and Jake Sabat, Ellen and Andrew Sheedy, Tym and Charlene Tymbar, Shea Henry and Jeffry Yoesel, Dr. Natalie and Andrew Walton, Rachael and Jason Volz, and Currie Rice.