Shelby's Social Diary

A famed designer gives out stellar party favors to some lucky ladies at Catwalk for a Cure

Lucky the ladies who filled the ballroom at Hotel ZaZa for the 10th annual Catwalk for a Cure. Each went home with one of featured designer Elie Tahari's dreamy clutches, valued at close to $500. The gift was part of the designer's celebration of his 40 years in the fashion design field, a highlight that certainly upped the cachet of the fundraiser for the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation.

For the Tahari fashion show, sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue, the designer included several pieces from his capsule collection, "Edition 1974." Tahari told the gathering, “It is experiences like working with the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation that truly stand out over my 40 years in the industry.”

It was a night of honors for those that have helped the foundation and those have been instrumental in the fight against this form of cancer. Dr. Rex Marco, recipient of the inaugural Commitment to Care honoree, took his stroll down that catwalk at the encouragement of emcee Deborah Duncan of KHOU Channel 11. When presented his award by patients Haag Sherman and young Morgan LaRue, the good doctor fought back tears.

ASCF co-founder Missy Bellinger presented the Commitment to the Cause award to the Johnny O’Leary family. The Celebration of Survivorship award was presented to 30-year sarcoma survivor and native Houstonian, turned professional golfer, Stuart Hendley by his daughter Kamryn.

Taking bows for the evening's success were chairs Laura and Mark Dalton and Aynsley and Palmer Letzerich.

Two ladies went home particularly happy that night — ASCF board member Allie Fields, whose husband Jay, was high bidder on the fab Alexandra Knight package, and Emily Covey, who won the raffle for the dreamy diamond and violet sapphire orchid brooch, valued at $26,500, donated by Nini Jewels.

The party people included Saks Fifth Avenue GM Bobby Dees and wife Weezy, Allison and Miller Crosswell, Erin and Boyd Heath, Lisa and John Oren, Jill and Jeff Collins, Kara and Ray Childress, Molly and Andrew Montgomery, Tim Moloney, Dr. Lisa Wang, Luvi and Carlos Wheelock and Vanessa and Tony Sanchez.

Missy Bellinger, from left, Elie Tahari and Deborah Duncan at Catwalk for a Cure.

Photo by © Priscilla Dickson

Missy Bellinger, from left, Elie Tahari and Deborah Duncan at Catwalk for a Cure.

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Party Watch

Houston Public Library Foundation marks 120 years of inspiring learning

What: The Houston Public Library Foundation 120th Anniversary Luncheon

Where: Julia Ideson Building

The scoop: To celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Houston Public Library, more than 200 guests, including academics, elected officials, industry leaders, and philanthropists, gathered for a luncheon inside the historic Julia Ideson Building. Event chairs Michele Leal Farah and Mimi Brown hosted the affair, which featured a compelling keynote by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and University of Houston professor Cristina Garza, who shared personal reflections on the power of literature.

Mayor John Whitmire added remarks on the importance of keeping one’s imagination active through reading. The luncheon raised $235,000 to support the foundation’s mission of lifelong learning, thanks in part to sponsors including the Astros Foundation and H-E-B.

Who: Becky Reyes, Cindy Garza, LaDonna Weems, Federico Salas-Isnardi, Alice Hahn, Sally Evans, Jose Medrano, Rome Street, Neha Goyal, Susan Hanzik, Kate Dentler, Sarah Lenny, Hope Obika, Sofia Gonzalez, Rosalinda Martinez, Cathryn Martinez, Katy Bacon, Sofia Jimenez, Nicole Jimenez, Rocio Mendoza, Lucia Mendoza, Cathy Shu, Ada Wang, Julie Finck, Katy Tsuru, Christina Gola, and Lauren Gottlieb-Miller.

Houston Public Library Foundation luncheon 2024

Photo by Quy Tran

Jason Smith, Mayor John Whitmire, Council Member Julian Ramirez.