PARTY WATCH

American Cancer Society raises record-breaking $398K at pretty-in-pink luncheon

The Post Oak Hotel was awash in pink on Friday, April 5, at the American Cancer Society's Tickled Pink Luncheon. A record-breaking number of distinguished guests mixed, mingled, and raised nearly $400,000 to benefit American Cancer Society (ASC) breast cancer research, education, and support services.

At the event, bottomless champagne sales and a sold-out raffle generated buzz and extra funds for the cause. Guests created memorable moments as they preened and posed for photos at the fabulous floral wall. The gathering also had touching moments, including when everyone impacted by cancer, whether as a survivor or as a caregiver, stood. The entire room was left standing, showing the widespread impact of cancer among attendees.

Roslyn Bazzelle poses in front of the custom-made pink flower wall. Photo by Jacob Power

Over 650 guests turned out for the event chaired by Jacquie Baly, Beth Wolff, and Cynthia Wolff and Honorary Chair Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, a breast cancer survivor. Tickled Pink honored the philanthropic efforts of Nelda Blair, Chree Boydstun, Shelley Reeves Boyer, Cheryl Creuzot, Evelyn Leightman, Janette Marx, and Sue Smith.

The program featured Dr. Arif Kamal, the American Cancer Society's chief patient officer, who shared a meaningful message and highlighted the ways ASC is working to end breast cancer. Honoree Evelyn Leightman received a standing ovation as she shared her courageous 25-year cancer journey.

The entire crowd of over 650 attendees stood to highlight those who were impacted as a cancer survivor or caregiver. Photo by Jacob Power

Houston has seen a direct impact from ACS's work through 14 grants specific to breast cancer totaling nearly $8.5 million. Currently, the American Cancer Society is investing $78 million in breast cancer-specific research and has funded every major breakthrough in breast cancer research, including mammography, early detection screening, and the lifesaving drug Tamoxifen. These efforts have led to a 43 percent decline in the female breast cancer death rate.

Seen partying in pink were: Jennifer Allison, Fady Armanious, Dana Barton, Lara Bell, Sue Burnett, Kerri Carr, Tripp Carter, Allison Lewis Cattan, Suzan Deison, Susan Dray, Elsie Eckert, Ellen Elam, Lesha Elsenbrook, Mary Fasillo, Sidney Faust, Tena Faust, Marilu Garza, Gina Gaston Elie, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Tiffany Halik, Lindsey Herod, Winell Herron, Betty Hrncir, Nora Jarrard, Jayne Johnston, Dr. Sippi Khurana, Whitney Kuhn Lawson, Lindsey Leigh Holt, Donna Lewis, Emily Lewis, Fran Gordon Lichtenstein, Kelley Lubanko, Vicki Luna, Tena Lundquist Faust, Tama Landquist, Christy Lynn, Cora Sue Mach, DeeDee Marsh, Marcie Mir, Trish Morille, Beth Muecke, Patti Murphy, Barbara Nau, Roxann Neumann, Roz Pactor, David Peck, Leila Perrin, Sandra Porter, Franelle Rogers, Rosemary Schatzman, Stephanie Tsuru, Nancy Tucker, Kim Tutcher, Terri Wang, Jill Watson, Darcie Wells, Gaye Lynn Zarrow, Courtney Zavala, and American Cancer Society executives Jeff Fehlis and Jenny Todd.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Cynthia Wolff, Dr. Arif Kamal, and Jacquie Baly

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Splendors of India

Scented in spice and drenched in light, Houston Diwali gala delivers

Photo by Hung L. Truong

Walter Sassard, Harper Watters, and Ruchi Mukherjee.

If you’ve ever wondered what lavish Indian nuptials, a couture runway show, a Bollywood musical, and a Michelin-level dinner party would look like if they had a love child — this was it.

On a sunny afternoon, nearly 140 guests ascended the stairs (or, wisely, opted for the elevator) into the world of Royal India at the Diwali Golden Awards hosted by Ruchi Mukherjee and husband Walter Sassard. Held at the opulent restaurant Musaafer, the event blended rich tradition with modern class to honor Houston’s cultural torchbearers, all while enveloped in the warm, ghee-scented glow of the Festival of Lights.

Even the men embraced the invitation’s attire call to action: Royal Indian glamor. So why not sashay over to the Mahatma Gandhi District for an Amex workout and some masala dosas? We’re in.

Presented by LCAHouston International Magazine, the gathering marked a new tradition for the 13-year-old publication known for its globally minded storytelling and community bridge-building. As Mukherjee shared, the concept was born during wedding planning, a shared vision with her Magnolia firefighter arm candy to celebrate Houston’s well of cultural diversity and its ties to South Asian heritage.

“Ruchi and I brainstormed this event over 700 miles of walking,” said Sassard, offering a glimpse into their unique planning process. “We’re passionate about elevating those who carry forward culture and craft. Not for fame, but for excellence.”

With honorary chair Dr. Sippi Khurana and co-chairs Tammie and Charles Johnson, the afternoon honored 11 individuals and institutions whose work reflects the Diwali spirit: Shining light, breaking barriers, and preserving tradition.

The 2025 honorees included HEB (accepted by Winell Herron), Rathna Kumar, Dr. Shehzad Sami, Harper Watters, Dr. Peta-gay Ledbetter, Judge Manpreet Singh, Shunya Theater, Pandit Suman Ghosh, Pooja Lodhia, Cheryl Mercedes, and Kevin Murray.

While some guests lingered on the balcony with a discreet bite or two (who could resist the aromas wafting from the open kitchen?), the official program delivered bold flavors of its own. A runway show curated by Saks Fifth Avenue and Mukherjee offered a kaleidoscope of traditional Indian garments — saris, salwar kameez, lehengas, anarkalis — all showing off exquisite craftsmanship.

Bollywood dancers, henna stations, and décor drenched in marigolds and tea lights by Blossom Decor offered a vibrant, cinematic scene.

Musaafer’s kitchen lived up to its Michelin star status, with an artful spread of Indian delicacies and desserts that blurred the line between food and fine art, making it almost painful to take the first bite. Almost.

With full on sari swagger were Katherine Whaley and Chris Wadley, Brigitte Kalai, Farida Abjani, Marian McClendon, Heidi Turney, Faith Majors, Kristen Cannon, Alice and Matt Brams, James Dale, Miya Shay, Sumaiya Pasha, Evelyn Silva, and Escarle Silva.

Photo by Hung L. Truong

Walter Sassard, Harper Watters, and Ruchi Mukherjee.

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