Party Watch

Houston fashionistas kick off Reflections on Style with high-octane flair

What: Reflections on Style Kick-Off Party

Where: The Podium

The scoop: Houston’s chic set revved up for spring’s anticipated style fête as Ann Ayre, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson, and Donae Chramosta hosted a soirée at The Podium, setting the pace for The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary’s Reflections on Style: Fashion in the Fast Lane. With more than 80 stylish attendees mingling among gleaming zoomers — thanks to presenting sponsor Porsche River Oaks — the affair was a blend of elegance, philanthropy, and high-octane excitement.

As conversations buzzed about upcoming closet clean-outs and must-have pieces for the Chic Boutique, anticipation built for the sold-out luncheon and shopping experience set for April 8 at River Oaks Country Club.

Fashionistas can then cruise over to the Reflections on Style Chic Boutique, located at 3403 Richmond Ave., when it opens to the public on April 9, 3-7 pm, for a $20 entry fee. Shoppers can continue to peruse the treasure trove of couture and classic finds free of charge 10am-5pm on April 10-12.

Proceeds will benefit The Salvation Army’s vital Houston programs.This year’s Fashion in the Fast Lane theme celebrates the intersection of timeless elegance and modern flair. Because compassion never goes out of style.

Who: Houston Area Commanders, Majors Carolynn and Robert Webb, Texas Divisionals Leaders, Lt. Colonels Ann and Art Penhale, and Vicki West, Maureen Higdon, Linda McReynolds, Lilly Andress, Ann Bookout, Stick Delaup, Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, Alice Mao Brams, Gracie Cavnar, Elia Gabbanelli, Marla Hurley, Debbie Festari, Heather Almond, Cheryl Byington, Crystal Robin, Maria Moncada Alaoui, Rob Dale, Carson Brown, Heidi Turney, Allison Shell-Van Koolwijk and many others.

$Salvation Army Women\u2019s Auxiliary\u2019s Reflections on Style 2025 kick-off$

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Melanie Jarrell, Alison Gemp, Ann Ayre, Donae Chramosta, and Stick Delaup.

salvation army fundraisers

Party Watch

Butterflies and margaritas mark Houston nonprofit's Galentine's luncheon

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jamie Grisson, Kendall Plank, Donna Lewis, Susan Plank, and Jill Lack.

What: Galentine’s Day for Dec My Room

Where: Tootsies and Armandos

The Scoop: Retail therapy met donations in style as more than 130 women kicked off Galentine’s festivities bright and early at Tootsies. The boutique opened its doors for a morning shopping fête featuring pop-ups and trunk shows, with jeweler Angela Mia’s designs quickly becoming the unofficial uniform of the day.

The crowd migrated to Armandos for a seated luncheon where skinny margs and sizzling fajitas kept spirits lively. Founders Kendall Plank and Susan Plank mingled while chairs Jamie Grissom and Jill Lack toasted a record-setting afternoon. A short but meaningful program spotlighted Dec My Room’s expansion into more hospitals and the thousands of rooms transformed nationwide.

During the “Butterflies Up” appeal, guests lifted butterfly emblems as a nod to the nonprofit’s logo. Remarks from Kari Lown of Texas Children’s Hospital reinforced just how impactful personalized hospital rooms can be.

More than $125,000 were raised through tables, tickets, donations, and a raffle. After lunch, many floated back to Tootsies for one last look through the racks.

Who: Laurie Krohn, Stacey Lindseth, Donna Lewis, Denise Tinkham, Patrice Alinger, Britney Tribble, Kristin Blomquist, Clare Jackson Sullivan, Jennifer Pinkerton, Lesha Elsenbrook, Laurel Bashaw, Martha Adger Madgett, Tiffany LaRose, Maggie Garza, Jen Brice, Melissa Juneau, Jeannie Chandler, Julia Morales, Chelsea Collmer, Laurie Sanders, Donae Chramosta, Barbara Lack, Lara Lack, Yuni Paufiques, Kim Eschete, Veronica Roa, Kiki Wilson, Noel Wise, and Disney Harris.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jamie Grisson, Kendall Plank, Donna Lewis, Susan Plank, and Jill Lack.

fundraisers dec my room