Advocacy In Style

Houston nonprofit's stylish event celebrates 45 years of healing and hope

Pink pianos, powerful stories, and a sea of spring pastels set the scene for one heartfelt afternoon. AVDA's third annual New Beginnings Luncheon morphed The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa into a sanctuary of strength, resilience, and community.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Lynn Kamin and Deedee Ostfeld.

Chaired by dedicated supporters Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis and Erika Frankfort, the event struck a balance between elegance and earnestness. Guests were greeted by soft spring palettes and gentle ambiance, including a pink Steinway and Sons Spirio Baby Grand player piano playing mood-setting melodies. Photo ops came courtesy of a glow booth trimmed with florals, while themed cocktails like the Gentle and Brave Bloom ensured spirits were lifted in more ways than one.

Local TV personality Chita Craft emceed the afternoon, guiding attendees through a moving program that celebrated AVDA's work while centering survivor resilience. AVDA CEO Maisha Colter, marking her fifth year in the role and 20th with the organization, shared heartfelt reflections on the organization's 45-year journey.

This year, AVDA honored two groups whose advocacy has rippled through policy, philanthropy, and campus life. Council Member Abbie Kamin received the Ambassador of Advocacy Award for her legislative leadership on domestic violence prevention, paid parental leave, and women's safety. The Young Advocate Award went to the Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Houston. Over the past year, these collegiate changemakers raised more than $30,000 and contributed countless hours to raise awareness and support for AVDA's services.

Adding to the excitement were luxury raffle prizes that sparked competitive buzz: Diamond Club Astros tickets, a Houstonian Hotel staycation, and culinary outings to hot spots like Bludorn and Drake's Hollywood. First-out valet, it turns out, is a coveted status symbol.

The luncheon drew more than 300 attendees and raised $250,000 to support AVDA's mission of advocating for survivors of domestic violence and ending family abuse.

Among those spotted in the crowd were Vanessa Ames, Imani Guillory, Jordan Seff, Michele Leal, Tiffany Halik, Meredith Marshall, Sean Teare, Natalie Mohtashami, Caroline Monday, Jillian Waldo, Ashley Seippel, Katie Tsuru, and Nora Jarrard.

Wine Love

Hope Uncorked pours on generosity for Houston cancer charity

Photo by Wilson Parrish

Kirby and David Lodholz.

If wine is a love language, Hope Uncorked spoke it fluently.

The fourth annual sold-out dinner benefiting CanCare returned with a swirl, a sniff, and a generous pour of goodwill at The Post Oak Hotel, where oenophiles gathered around long tables dressed for both decadence and purpose.

Event chairman Franelle Rogers raised a glass to an evening that paired personal cellars with a four-course menu crafted by executive sous chef Roger Altamirano. Each table had its own wine host, pouring handpicked selections and turning dinner into a tour through vineyards. Behind the scenes, longtime supporter chef Mark Cox lent culinary insight during the planning stages, with Robert Sakowitz offering wine pairing suggestions.

Anchoring the evening’s convivial spirit were the dedicated wine hosts, including Lisa Blackwood and Steve Newmyer, Lesha Elsenbrook and Ellie Francisco, Margaret and T.J. Farnsworth, Mignon and Steve Gill, Cathy and David Herr, Caroline and Gary Kenney, Alexis and Michael Leiser, Dean Putterman, Dr. Madaiah Revana, Rogers with Sakowitz, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Kimberly and Guy Stout, and Kim and Mike Weill, each curating personal selections.

The emotional centerpiece arrived when board member and volunteer Ken Tubman shared his story of loss after his wife’s passing from cancer. His message about the power of having a survivor by your side hushed the clinking glasses. CanCare president and CEO Darcie Wells followed, explaining the organization’s mission of pairing cancer patients with survivors of the same diagnosis, offering a kind of hope that feels less abstract and more hand-in-hand.

Auctioneer Stephen Lewis kept paddles raised during a spirited live auction, especially for a stay at Alexana Winery in Oregon, donated by Revana. More than $170,000 were raised to support CanCare’s mission of providing “a survivor by your side” to anyone facing cancer.

Swirling into the scene were Rose Cullen, Cathy Brock, Kristen Cannon, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, Karen and Murry Penner, Barbara and Peter Forbes, Gregg Reyes and Paola Montoya, Gwyn Richardson and Randy Garcia, Ed Finger, Ray Kirk, Garvin Davis, Chree Boydstun, and Tripp Carter.

Photo by Wilson Parrish

Kirby and David Lodholz.

wine fundraisers cancare