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    party watch

    Costumed cool kids and society set raise howlin' $1M at Houston SPCA ball

    Steven Devadanam
    Nov 5, 2021 | 4:01 pm

    What: SPCA “Howl-O-Ween” Ball

    Where: Houston SPCA headquarters

    The scoop: More than 350 costumed cool kids, society stars, and revelers gathered at the Houston SPCA HQ for the nonprofit’s annual ball, which this year raised more than $1 million for animals in need.

    This year’s theme, “Howl-O-Ween,” saw the SPCA’s Equine Rescue Arena transformed into a ballroom sporting gauzy ghosts, pumpkins, creepy cobwebs, and candelabras — all courtesy of Bergner and Johnson.

    Co-chairs Zane and Brady Carruth and Ann and Leslie Doggett mingled with the stylish crowd, who perused silent auction items including a $2,000 Neiman Marcus shopping spree for two, a silkscreen “We Will Rise Again” print by George Rodrigue, and two tickets to see Earth, Wind & Fire perform with Santana and a meet-and-greet with the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire.

    A surprise performance of “Thriller” by Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) students, followed, then . KHOU TV-11 anchor and emcee Kimberly Davis opened the program with an exclusive raffle opportunity, a pair of custom drop earrings designed by Franco Valobra of Valobra Master Jewelers specifically for the ball.

    Houston SPCA president and CEO Patti Mercer concluded the program by recognizing their generous sponsors.

    Dinner, by City Kitchen, began with a wedge salad with red and golden beets, pickled celery, cured olives, toasted pistachios, and white vinaigrette dressing. For the main course, guests enjoyed an option of pan-seared chicken breast with chardonnay-thyme glace, a smashed red bliss potato cake with scallions, rainbow baby carrots and broccolini, or grilled eggplant roulade stuffed with portobello mushrooms, heirloom cherry tomato confit, roasted rainbow cauliflower with saffron orzo pilaf with baby vegetables, and a haricot vert bundle. Dessert was a choice between warm chocolate fondant with pistachio crème anglaise, toffee, vanilla ice cream and shortbread, or vegan chocolate, avocado and zucchini mousse with fresh berries.

    Short videos, during the meal, recognized this year’s honorees, including Community Honoree Linda McIngvale, Mission Honorees Westbury Animal Hospital and Jennifer Schechter Rosen and Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen, and Media Honoree KHOU TV-11

    Halfway through the evening, the TUTS students dazzled with a performance of the Addams Family.

    Franco Valobra then took the stage, announcing Lauren and Pat Sullivan as the winners of the coveted earrings. As guests finished dessert, a short video highlighted the mission of the Houston SPCA, followed by the live auction.

    The evening concluded with a final TUTS performance of “Monster Mash,” followed by dancing with entertainment by DJ L-Boogie. After-party sips at the Adoption Center included coffee and cocktails.

    Seen in the crowd: Adam Adams, Linda and Les Allison, Connie Bergen, Kimberly Castros, Brittany and Adam Clark, Lisa and Douglas Clarke, Roz and Byron Cooley, Jeanne and Ed Daniels, Kimberly Davis, Helena and Laird Doran, Marsha Eckermann and Dr. L.D. Eckermann, Linda and Simon Eyles, Joann Fuller and Forest Cook, Carol and Mark Glasser, Evelyn H. Griffin, Carol and Tommy Harper, Janine K. Iannarelli, Cheryl Knape and Dr. Gregg Knape, Tracy LeRoy and Brandon Rottinghaus, Judge Roberta Lloyd and Don McWilliams, Dale Lockett, Kandace and Carlos Longoria, Linda McIngvale, Patricia Mercer and Tony Blewitt, Ellen and Rachael Negeli, Debbie and John Putman, Raevyn Rogers, Jennifer Schechter Rosen and Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen, Allison Tripp and Ross Plummer, Dancie and Jim Ware, Beth Wolff, Cynthia Wolff, and Bonnie and Mitch Zarsky.

    Adam and Brittany Clark, Paul and Jennifer Cameron and Megan and Chris Jordan.

    Houston SPCA gala 2021 Adam and Brittany Clark, Paul and Jennifer Cameron, Megan and Chris Jordan
      
    Photo by Wilson Parish
    Adam and Brittany Clark, Paul and Jennifer Cameron and Megan and Chris Jordan.
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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.

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