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    bright smiles

    High-profile Houstonians shine in Operation Smile's life-changing gala

    Steven Devadanam
    Sep 29, 2021 | 4:20 pm

    In Houston, $240 can buy a decent dinner for two — and that’s not even including a pricey bottle of wine. But, that same amount can also literally and figuratively change the life of a child forever.

    That was the overriding message of the recent Operation Smile Gala, which saw more than 300 high-profile locals pack the ballroom of the Royal Sonesta to celebrate the game-changing work of Operation Smile.

    Upbeat, optimistic, and energetic, the fete honored prominent Houstonians Kent Schaffer and Shara Kuy, Keith and Shawntell McWilliams, and Dr. Daryl and Amy Dichoso for their charitable leadership in both Houston and around the globe through their long-time support of Operation Smile.

    Since 1982, Operation Smile has spearheaded life-saving cleft surgeries and comprehensive care for children, helping them to better breathe, eat, speak and live lives of greater quality and confidence. In just last year, the organization has overseen 111 medical missions and cared for more than 15,000 patients who received surgery and dental care in 31 countries. Surgeries cost no more than a mere $240.

    During a lively cocktail hour, guests combed through auction items from the Houston Astros, Neiman Marcus, and Tiffany & Co., the latter of whom has been a corporate supporter of Operation Smile’s for more than ten years, according to the nonprofit.

    Later, event chairs Sneha Merchant, Viet Hoang, and Duyen Huynh Nguyen welcomed Operation Smile’s co-founders, Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee. The couple shared poignant, dramatic moments in the charity’s nearly 40-year history.

    ABC13 Houston’s Gina Gaston graced the stage as the evening’s emcee and previewed an emotional video of Nick and Sneha Merchant’s volunteer work in Guatemala just three months ago. The touching footage showed dramatic before and after images, further bringing the message home that a little can go a long way.

    Schaffer, one of Houston’s most acclaimed attorneys and a noted problem solver, tells CultureMap that Operation Smile solves serious problems.
    “Shara and I have traveled a lot over the last six or seven years and we’ve seen the plight of people with health problems and poverty,” says Schaffer.

    “We’ve met lots of doctors along the way and the one thing we learned in talking with them is, you solve the problems you can solve. A small amount of money is enough to make a life-changing difference. That’s why we got involved with Operation Smile. With so little, you can accomplish so much.”

    A lively — even comical — auction followed, where Dr. Dane Hoang and Smile committee member Hoang Pham passed out adorable teddy bears donated by the Lori family to eager guests who committed to financially support life-changing surgeries for children around the world.

    Rejuvenated with a sense of optimism, service, and some carrying fluffy bears, guests left the soiree with — what else? — beaming smiles.

    Notable guests included Reggie and Leigh Smith, Ajay and Dr. Sippi Khurana, Jeff and Rachel Bagwell, Angel Woolsey, Aly and Habiba Dhanani, Al and Stacey Lindseth, Rudy and Debbie Festari, Pritika Swarup, Khanh Phan and Dr. Giao Duong, Dr. Monica Patel, Chris and Salima Merchant, Danny and Iraida Brown, Arshad and Mona Ramji, Dr. Phuong and Paloma Nguyen, Lauren Smith, Anna Kaplan, and many more.

    Debbie Festari and Iraida Brown.

    Operation Smile Gala 2021 Debbie Festari Iraida Brown
      
    Photo by Quy Tran
    Debbie Festari and Iraida Brown.
    galascharity
    news/society
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    Power and Style

    Fashion show and tequila toasts light up Latin Women’s Initiative lunch

    Joel Luks
    Jun 13, 2025 | 4:30 pm
    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
    Photo by Dave Rossman
    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

    Houtson's Latin Women’s Initiative pulled off a tres chic triple threat — style, celebration, and serious giving — during its 30th anniversary luncheon and fashion show, drawing more than 850 supporters to the Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom. The event blended culture, community, and catwalks into one spectacular midday affair.

    Event chairs April Ramirez Fabre and Julie Garza, alongside board president Jovanny Orellana, welcomed guests to a ballroom teeming with fashionistas, philanthropists, and a whole lot of Latin sass. The annual luncheon, show, and bustling marketplace marked a major milestone for the nonprofit, which has supported Houston’s Latin community for more than two decades. This year’s honorees, Lisset Garza and Naimeh Salem, were recognized for their years of dedicated support to the organization and beyond.

    Festivities kicked off early with a shopping marketplace that opened in the morning and quickly became standing room only. Stylish attendees sipped tequila samples from local brand Titanium Tequila while browsing vendors. A specialty cocktail bar and music from DJ Freddy B kept the energy festive. Event designer Johanna Terry delivered an elegant setting, infusing the ballroom with rich emerald green tones, a nod to the organization’s 30th anniversary, paired with lush florals.

    The program began with Orellana welcoming the crowd from a dramatic Y-shaped runway, as Mariachi Reyes de Mexico filled the room with music that hushed the crowd for a heartfelt invocation.

    Then came the moment every fashion lover waited for: Lo Mejor de Saks Primavera 2025 (The Best of Spring Saks 2025), a luxe runway show presented in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, led by Heidi Turney and Hasina Starks. Applause echoed as models and a few brave Houston firefighters showed off the season’s must-haves. But the true showstopper? Actor and TV host Julián Gil, who surprised the audience by strutting the runway himself, earning whoops and cheers from the crowd. His appearance was generously sponsored by Salem.

    The catwalk came alive with Latin beats and massive LED screens flashing colorful visuals, thanks to a production team led by Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Bonar. Behind-the-scenes storytelling and videos, created by exclusive media partner Telemundo Houston, added a poignant layer to the spectacle.

    As guests settled in for lunch, anticipation built for the raffle, which included a dazzling diamond tennis necklace from Zadok Jewelers. Helene Zadok herself took the stage to crown the lucky winner. All that excitement translated into impact: the event raised more than $500,000 to benefit Justice Forward, Rebuilding Together Houston, Segundo Barrio Children's Chorus, El Centro de Corazon, and Naba Shoes for Kids.

    And what’s a Latin party without a proper toast?

    Guests clinked glasses in a tequila-fueled cheers to three decades of fashion for a cause, then danced the afternoon away to live music from Grupo Kache. The grand finale included more marketplace shopping and lite bites, with plans already announced for next year’s fête on May 1, 2026.

    Houston’s Latin glitterati showed up, including Ceron, Patricia Herrera, Leticia Fallick, Rosi Hernandez, Gloria Luna Bounds, Trini Mendenhall-Royalty, Vicky Dominguez, Becky Reyes, Maritza Gonzales, Vicki Luna, Chree Boydstun, David Cordua, Frances Castañeda Dyess, Patricia Garcia, Alba Huerta, Daisy Mendoza, Arcy Muñoz Marshall, Jolene Treviño, Mari Salazar, Leanne Schneider, Hoda Sana, Xochitl Ljuboja, Jackie Garcia, Cathryn Martinez, Mariangeles Orti, Vanessa Ramirez, Matty Restivo, Lisa Flores, Susan Dray, Marilu Garza, Conchita Reyes, Lorena Gomez, Lucia and Michael Cordua, and Leisa Holland-Nelson.

    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Dave Rossman

    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

    fundraiserslatin women’s initiative
    news/society
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