Shoppers in Saks Fifth Avenue on Tuesday night might have wondered what all the noise was coming from the designer salon and what all those glamorous women arriving at the cocktail hour were up to. The answer is quite simple: Announcement of the ABC-13 Women of Distinction honorees.
More than 250 cocktail-attired guests gathered to salute the women who will be honored at the Jan. 24 Winter Ball, themed "Night on the Nile." Former Women of Distinction honoree Melanie Lawson of KTRK Channel 13 introduced the women and lauded them for their volunteer work and community accomplishments.
Taking bows to hardy cheers and applause were Carol Beck, Suzan Deison, Lesha Elsenbrook, Gayla Gardner, Carol Linn, Kim Moody, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Susan Osterberg, Cynthia Petrello and Roberta Schwartz. Trini Mendenhall was introduced as 2015 Ambassador and Pat Breen was announced as Queen of the Nile, a special honor. The near-boisterous approval sounded again with announcement that Mercedes Benz of Greater Houston has donated a 2015 vehicle to the fundraising effort.
Saks GM Bobby Dees and Winter Ball chairs Patti Murphy and Elizabeth Stein welcomed the well-heeled gathering that included Winter Ball honorary chairs Terrie and Mike Turner. The Winter Ball benefits the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.
The merry throng included Gracie Cavnar, Philamena and Arthur Baird, Vicki Rizzo, Mauri Oliver, Denise Monteleone, Joan and Jon Pillow, Rachel and Tom Regan, Nancy Dinerstein, Mike Linn, Nancy and Hans Strohmer and Shelby Kibodeaux and Bruce Padilla.
Women of Distinction honorees Cynthia Petrello, left, and Kim Moody with Saks Fifth Avenue GM Bobby Dees.
