Celebrating two significant milestones — 10 years of the Women Veterans Program empowering more than 1,700 female veterans and 26 years of service to more than 47,000 women across Houston — Dress for Success Houston hosted its annual Rendezvous with Dress for Success gala. The sold-out October 26 event at The Revaire was chaired by Alison and Brent Johnson, both U.S. veterans, along with Melkeya and Larry McDuffie.Melkeya McDuffie is also a U.S. Army Reserve Veteran.
KHOU’s Mia Gradney as emcee lead the program with poise alongside president Lauren Levicki Courville. Eight client ambassadors, including Navy veteran Alicia Gachett, shared personal stories of resilience and growth, symbolizing the empowerment the organization brings to women.
“The Women Veterans Program encouraged me to make life changes and focus on my mental health,” said Gachett. “I expected just a suit for an interview, but I gained so much more — a community and opportunities for personal growth.”
Generous contributions from a large number local beverage sponsors kept sips and cocktails flowing, complemented by musical performances from Kristine Mills Band, which was in town from across the pond.
A lively auction, co-chaired by Susie Cunningham, Kate Dearing Fowler, Katherine Orellana Ross, and Monica Richards, added excitement with packages like trips to Costa Rica and Spain, Astros suite tickets, and more. The weekend gathering enticed 530 supporters to raise more than $631,000.
Notable faces included Rebekah and Gary Reaves, Nancy Levicki, Susie Cunningham, Kate and Stephen Fowler, Allie and Eric Danziger, Glenda Hallman, Carla Kneipp, Meera Kothari, Kristi McCarthy, Niloufar and Amir Molavi, Mary and Ben Patton, Travis Torrence and Heath LaPray, Kristi and Chris Bradshaw, Trish and Rock Morille, Art and Holly Smith, Wendy Daboval, Maria and Graham Lowery, Paige and Kris Branam, Teal Holden, Shantera Chatman, Linda Padon, and Amanda and Jeff Polich.
Courtesy of Dress for Success
Philip and Suzi Christy, Tracy Baird, Tracy and Patrick Hennesy, Tara Soileau, Kevin Cumming, and Kylee Gould.
