La Dolce Vita

Italian culture toasted at record breaking luncheon in Houston

In a salute to Italian culture and community, signore e signori filled the halls of River Oaks Country Club for the Italian Cultural and Community Center’s annual luncheon, aptly named “Bella Roma.” The sold-out event was abuzz with elegance and poise — la dolce vita indeed — as it raised a record-breaking $212,000 to support its programs. Chairs Karen Remington and Saula Centa Valente beamed with pride as honorees Debbie and Rudy Festari stole the show, bringing fresh faces and fervent supporters into the fold

The Italian celebration unfolded like a well-crafted opera, with Italian vino flowing during a festive wine pull, an auction and raffle, and an Italian-inspired fashion display courtesy of sponsor Saks Fifth Avenue.

KPRC’s Owen Conflenti served as emcee, guiding the day's events with charm and a touch of Italian flair. The program included a stirring rendition of “Con Te Partirò” by Gabriel Chona Rueda and Andreea Mut, opening the event to enthusiastic applause and a few bravos from the crowd. Erika Myers shared the organization’s mission to advance, celebrate, and preserve Italian heritage, underscoring the meaningful purpose behind the day’s gathering.

The spotlight shone brightly on the Festaris, a couple whose dedication to Italian culture is nothing short of amore. Debbie introduced her husband Rudy, recounting his early journey to the US and the importance of his Italian heritage — a true rags-to-riches favola.

Friends and family were touched as baseball Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell, a close friend of the Festaris, spoke warmly of their friendship. In a poignant and heartfelt moment, Rudy took the stage to deliver his speech in Italian, honoring his love for family, fashion, and culture. As his son Valentino Festari looked on, the crowd rose to their feet in a standing ovation.

Saying prego were Brigitte Kalai, Dr. Sippi Khurana, Lesha Elsenbrook and Donna Lewis, Daniel Irion and Kirk Kveton, Melissa Mithoff, Mauney Mafrige, Dr. Roland Maldonado, Jessica Rossman, Jessica Meyer, Jennifer Pinkerton, Kristy Phillips, Elia Gabbanelli, Jessica Gomez and Lorena Gomez, Franelle Rogers, Debbie Clemens, Gary Petersen, Iraida and Danny Brown, Marla Hurley, Nicole Lassiter, Victor Costa, Roz Pactor, Heidi Turney, Ginger Neimann, Sandra Porter, Roberta Bentley, and Holly Dean.

Italian Cultural & Community Center Bella Donna luncheon 2024

Photo by Michelle Watson/Catchlight Group

Heidi Turney and Elia Gabbanelli.

fundraisers italian cultural & community center

For Good

Emotional night uplifts mental health at UTHealth Houston's $1.8M gala

UT Health Houston Mission in Action gala 2025

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Greg and Kristy Kroencke and Cheryl and Anthony Faillace.

At a time when mental health is finally getting its long-overdue moment in the spotlight, more than 200 supporters gathered at the Thompson Hotel for UTHealth Houston’s 2025 Mission in Action gala — an evening as elegant as it was emotionally resonant. Co-chairs Yvonne and Walter Johnson welcomed guests to an event that raised awareness and empathy.

This year’s event honored the John S. Dunn Foundation, a philanthropic force synonymous with health care advancement in Houston. Accepting the honor on behalf of the foundation, Charlie Lusk reflected on a legacy that’s shaped institutions quietly but powerfully over nearly five decades.

The evening, produced by Keely Thorne Events, struck a tone of transformation and dignity. Live music from Divisi Strings floated through a ballroom filled with trees and moody ombré florals by The Blooming Gallery, symbolizing the journey from darkness to light.

Walter Johnson shared his own family’s experience with behavioral health struggles. That spotlight widened with a moving video presentation featuring two UTHealth Houston patients, whose candid stories offered a visceral look at what compassion, research, and comprehensive care can achieve. UTHealth Houston president Melina Kibbe underscored a future-facing focus.

“We are committed to building a future where behavioral health care is more predictive, more preventive, and more personalized so that we can reach people earlier and support them more effectively,” Kibbe said.

The evening’s total impact? More than $1.8 million raised in support of behavioral health research, education, and care at UTHealth Houston.

In the room were Marco Patti, Cynthia Adkins, Terri Lacy, Diana Hawkins, Andy Sowell, John Wallace, Kathleen and Dick Rogers, Cheryl and Anthony Faillace, Jodie Jiles, Sonny Jiles, Ginny and LE Simmons, Larry and Tatiana Seligmann, Bette and Ralph Thomas, Mike and Rajni Jain, Elizabeth and Drew Kanaly, Maria Pappas, Anne-Laure and Steve Stephens, Lisa and Michael Sachs, Les and Linda Allison, Clay and Charlotte Allison, Carla Diaz Lewis and Kenneth Lewis, Anne and Karl Stern, Leila and Walter Mischer, and Regina Rogers.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Greg and Kristy Kroencke and Cheryl and Anthony Faillace.

fundraisers ut health hospitals