drive-thru with DFSH

Cherished Houston fashion charity rolls out haute drive-thru October soiree

Summer Soiree Dress for Success WOW Tootsies Mia Gradney

Mia Gradney (pictured at Tootsies) will serve as the emcee of the event.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

For the past 22 years, the board of directors at Dress for Success Houston (DFSH) has thrown an annual October Celebration for well-meaning locals and members. But this is the era of COVID, and thus, like so many organizations, DFSH is pivoting and moving to a new fall experience.

This year’s October Celebration will roll out as a drive-thru soiree on Saturday, October 17 at the organization’s facility on Eastside Street. Those interested in attending and donating can find more information here.

As the celebration usually includes specialties from Houston’s top chefs, bakers, and mixologists, patrons this year can enjoy light bites from A Fare Extraordinaire, Arnaldo Richards’ Picos, Hungry’s Café, and Nothing Bundt Cakes, according to a press release.

Like any good shindig, guests can also snap pics at a socially distanced photo booth and check out the libations at Total Wine & More gift station. Kristine Mills Band will provide tunes as cars are guided along their drive-thru party.

Following the drive-thru festivities, emcee Mia Gradney and DFSH president Lauren Levicki Courville will share client success stories and host a virtual toast via Zoom.

The organization is nixing its usual October Celebration auction bidding wars. Instead, this year, guests can support the organization through Marketplace and a Peloton Bike+ raffle. The Marketplace items up for purchase include a Park City getaway, a trip to some Hill Country wineries, shopping with Christy Lynn, and more.

Dress for Success Houston serves local women by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and life. Since 1998, DFSH has served more than 45,000 women and some 60,000 children.

fundraisers

Party Watch

Distinguished Houston gents gather for Brioni’s grand opening

What: Brioni Grand Opening with Men of Distinction

Where: Brioni Boutique in River Oaks District

The scoop: Italian menswear designer Brioni celebrated the grand opening of its Houston flagship at River Oaks District with a luxurious evening that merged high fashion with philanthropy. The November 7 event featured a private preview of Brioni's Bespoke Trunk Show, spotlighting the brand’s tailored craftsmanship. Men of Distinction, a nonprofit honoring Houston's community leaders, took the opportunity to recognize its esteemed researchers and honorees, celebrating milestones in raising funds for critical medical research at Texas Medical Center.

Dr. Michael A. Belfort of Texas Children’s Hospital delivered remarks that highlighted Men of Distinction's contributions to pioneering medical procedures, such as life-changing surgeries for spina bifida. Guests enjoyed Italian prosecco, old-fashioned cocktails, and tastings from The Macallan’s 12- and 15-year single malts, along with Italian bites by Bari Ristorante. Attendees left with luxurious parting gifts, including a Brioni crocodile leather keychain and a spa experience at The Post Oak Hotel.

Photo by Gary Fountain

A.J. Williams with Andi and Ballard Infante.

Who: Jesse Tudor, Gary Peterson, Mike Linn and Carol Linn, Keith Mosing and Alice Mosing, David Wurthrich, Tom Perich and Debra Perich, Dancie Ware and Jim Ware, John Serpe, Molly Crownover, Kevin Gilliard and Frank Billingsley, Tracy Dieterich, Robert Bernard, A.J. Williams, and Andi and Ballard Infante.

brioni river oaks district fundraisers men of distinction