Blush and Bubbles

A pink takeover brings hope and funds for American Cancer Society luncheon

The Post Oak Hotel was awash in shades of blush, rose, and fuchsia as more than 650 supporters turned out for the American Cancer Society Quantum Capital Tickled Pink Luncheon presented by HEB. Chair Sippi Khurana and honorary chairs Leisa Holland-Nelson-Bowman, Donna Lewis, and Beth Wolff proudly steered the record-breaking affair, which raised an impressive $700,000 for breast cancer research, education, and patient support.

The scene inside the ballroom was a pink dreamscape, with blooms cascading across a floral photo wall where guests lined up for snapshots. Tables dressed in soft pink linens and shimmering accents set a cheerful yet poignant mood.

Fittingly, bottomless champagne glasses kept spirits bubbly, and a sweepstakes featuring seven enviable prizes sold out quickly, stoking the crowd's philanthropic energy.

ABC13's Gina Gaston emceed the afternoon, guiding attendees through moments of reflection and celebration. A particularly moving segment came when everyone in the ballroom was asked to stand if they had been personally impacted by cancer, whether as a survivor, caregiver, or supporter. In a striking visual, nearly every guest rose, underscoring the luncheon’s deep personal meaning.

Honorees Myrtle Jones, Leila Perrin, Brandi Sikes, Rick Smith, and Gaye Lynn Zarrow each had a favorite inspirational quote read aloud in their honor, while past honoree Janette Marx captivated the room with her powerful testimony of resilience during her breast cancer journey. The atmosphere shifted from misty-eyed emotion to energetic generosity during a lively paddle raise and auction, led by entertainer Johnny Bravo, where a Jared Lehr-designed jewel-studded necklace alone sparked a $36,000 bidding frenzy.

The event closed on a high note with keynote speaker and Olympic legend Shannon Miller, who spoke candidly about overcoming her own battle with cancer, leaving the crowd uplifted and inspired.

Among those in the crowd were Jennifer Allison, Nancy Almodovar, Ann Ayre, Alice Mao Brahms, Anna Bryant, Juliet Breeze, Sue Burnett, Cheryl Byington, Tripp Carter, Allison Lewis Cattan, Yvonne Cormier, Laura Davenport, Suzan Deison, Kathy De La Mora, Nancy Dinerstein, Lesha Elsenbrook, Donya Gardner, Gayla Gardner, Marilu Garza, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Maritza Gonzales, Lisa Graham-Garza, Sheri Gross, Winell Herron, Mady Kades, Brigitte Kalai, Mandy Kao, Evelyn Leightman, Stacey Lindseth, Julie Longoria Chen, Vicki Luna, Tama Lundquist, DeeDee Marsh, Janette Masten Gardner, Shawntell McWilliams, Jan Mendenhall, Sneha Merchant, Kim Moody, Patti Murphy, Roz Pactor, David Peck, Amy Pierce, Sandra Porter, Lauren Randle, Heidi Rockecharlie, Rosemary Schatzman, Elizabeth Stein, Marguerite Swartz, Katie Tsuru, Kim Tutcher, Phoebe Tudor, Betty Tutor, Merele Yarborough, Stuart Zarrow, and Jenny Todd. And many, many others.

American Cancer Society Tickled Pink Luncheon 2025

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Gaye Lynn and Stuart Zarrow.

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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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