Pink Out

Memorial Hermann luncheon serves up razzle dazzle compliments of Angelina Jolie's jewelry box

What: Razzle Dazzle 3D Pink Luncheon benefiting the Bobetta C. Lindig Breast Care Center at Memorial Hermann Memorial City.

Where: Westin Houston Memorial City Hotel.

The scoop: Talk about giving them the old razzle dazzle. The seventh annual fundraiser luncheon was another pink out, breaking records and raising more than $400,000. Chairs Kristina Somerville and Hallie Vanderhider welcomed 560 women and a few dapper gentlemen to luncheon that is always an emotional, uplifting and humorous.

Jewelry designer and philanthropist Robert Procrop brought two very special sets of earrings for the live auction during the luncheon, one belonging to actress and breast cancer advocate Angelina Jolie. The duo collaborate on the Style of Jolie collection, which donates 100 percent of all proceeds to the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict.

With KHOU 11 anchor Chita Craft leading the auction, the bidding came down to Susan Sarofim, who won 37.38-carat tourmalinated quartz square bezel earrings set in 18 karat rose gold for $25,000, and Vanderhider, who scored the 33.32 Blue Moonstone, sapphire and diamond earrings for $12,000.

The Razzle Dazzle luncheon honored Mayor Pro Tem Ellen R. Cohen and community leader Mary Ann McKeithan. Both women are breast cancer survivors and advocates for early detection and education.

Author Elin Hildebrand had the crowd of women, many of whom were cancer survivors, laughing and shaking their heads in understanding as she recounted her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The author of more than 20 books including The Rumor and The Matchmaker, created #MamaStrong as a support system for women diagnosed with cancer.

Who: Philamena Baird, Sandy Barrett, Ann Cazalot, Donna Moylan Chu, Yvonne Cormier, Christine and Kimberly Falgout, Kelli Cohen Fein, Stacy Johnson, Mady Kades, Bobetta Lindig, Kelly Krohn, Susan Sarofim, Lauren and Marcie Zlotnik, Kelli Weinzierl, DeeDee Marsh, Lesha Elsenbrook, Suzie Johnson and Julie Voss.

Honoree Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen, author Elin Hildrebrand, Mary Ann McKeithan, Julie Voss.

Memorial Hermann Razzle Dazzle lunch Honoree Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen, author Elin Hilderbrand, Mary Ann McKeithan, Julie Voss

Catchlight Group

Honoree Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen, author Elin Hildrebrand, Mary Ann McKeithan, Julie Voss.

jewelry

Michelin Stars

Superstar Spanish chefs return to Houston for dinners with a purpose

Hope and Opportunity Dinner Texas Children's Hospital

Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital

Jordi Roca, Ignacio Torras, and Joan Roca.

Leave it to Houston to blend avant-garde gastronomy with generosity, stirring up a one-two punch of flavor and philanthropy.

Over two intimate evenings, Isabel and Ignacio “Nacho” Torras opened their private home for the Hope and Opportunity Dinners,an affair that embraced the neurodiverse community with epicurean delight.

The dinners, limited to 100 guests per night, were a collaborative recipe honoring the missions of Texas Children’s Duncan Neurological Research Institute and The Genuine Cup, the nonprofit arm of The Genuine Foundation. With a thematic throughline of “Hope” and “Opportunity,” guests were treated to a nine-course menu..

The culinary talent? Flying in from their famed El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain, Michelin-starred brothers Joan Roca (head chef) and Jordi Roca (pastry chef), along with sommelier Marta Cortizas, teamed up with chef Luis Roger of Houston’s Michelin-starred BCN Taste & Tradition. The menu, a poetic composition of bold Spanish flavors and delicate textures, was elevated further by thoughtful wine pairings.

Far from a solo act, the Roca brothers worked in sync with some of Houston’s culinary luminaries: Felipe Riccio (March), Mayank Istwal (Mussafer), David Skinner (Eculent), Felipe Botero (Le Jardinier), Mary Cuclis (Kriti Kitchen), and Emmanuel Chavez (Tatemó). Service each evening was led by 27 young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supported by 10 coaches.

One dinner honored Whitney and Jim Crane, whose Astros Foundation has become a pillar of Houston philanthropy, and Dr. Huda Y. Zoghbi, whose groundbreaking neuroscience work continues to shape the future of medicine. The second dinner spotlight fell on Laura Arnold, co-founder of Arnold Ventures LLC, and Dr. Debra F. Sukin, president and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital, both champions for equity and innovation in their fields.

The evenings ended with cookbook signings by the Roca brothers, a fitting souvenir from two nights where food was both an experience and a vehicle for change. The events raised more than $400,000.

Showing up for science and inclusion were Monica and Yordon Alvarez, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Carlos Correa, Molly and Crownover, Paula and Reginald DesRoches, Pam and Keith Fullenweider, Adrienne and Jared Crane, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Phoebe Tudor and Tudor, Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught, and Penny and Paul Layne.

Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital

Jordi Roca, Ignacio Torras, and Joan Roca.

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