FANCIFUL FIESTA

Colorful, Brazilian-themed luncheon raises $550,000 for Houston's Latino community

The dazzling colors of Brazilian Carnival, samba dancers, a notable Latin American designer, and a brimming marketplace can only mean one thing: the annual Latin Women's Initiative (LWI) luncheon and fashion show.

The Hilton Americas Ballroom housed a sold-out crowd for the 22nd anniversary of the luncheon chaired by Jolene Trevino with honorary chair Rebecca Reyes. Over 900 guests, adorned in vibrant spring attire, gathered to celebrate the organization's mission to uplift nonprofits that provide critical services to Houston's Latino community.

The high-energy crowd started the day by sipping tequila from Houston-based Titanium and shopping. Once the luncheon began, KPRC 2's Daniella Guzamn emceed the event which included a fashion show led by Saks Fifth Avenue general manager Heidi Turney and a personal appearance by the featured designer Patricia Bonaldi.

Attendees were treated to a true runway production created by Lenny Matuszewski. The fashion show's backdrop consisted of massive LED screens with enticing scenes from Bonaldi's home country of Brazil. Models walked the runway accompanied by popular Latin music, and halfway through the fashion extravaganza, samba dancers took to the stage for a musical interlude that drew much applause and cheers from the crowd.

The luncheon and fashion show culminated in a raffle, offering a chance to win exquisite prizes and add to the event's bottom line, including a diamond tennis bracelet presented by Amy and Michelle Zadok. This year's occasion surpassed all expectations, raising a record-breaking $550,000, which will go a long way in supporting Avance, NewSpring, Small Places, Undies for Everyone, and Work Texas.

Per luncheon tradition, the afternoon closed out with a tequila toast as guests raised their glasses and celebrated fashion for a cause.

Among the fashionably clad supporters were Ceron, Rosi and Jorge Hernandez, Jessica Rossman, Gloria Bounds, Kat Pressly, Jan Mendenhall, Marcie Mir, Beckie Mir, Isela Garcia, Monica and Joaquin Jimenez, Trini Mendenhall-Royalty, Michele Leal, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Rosangela Capobianco, Whitney Crane, Winell Herron, Lisa Helfman, Chree Boydstun, Estella Cockrell, Vicky and John Dominguez, Alba Huerta, and Maritza Gonzales.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Sarah Cordua, Jacqueline Mendenahll, Lauren Ramirez, and Lisa Joubert

Arendelle Life

Houston's TUTS Gala dazzles with Frozen preview and Kelli O’Hara

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kelli O'Hara performed with TUTS Education students.

In a soirée where Broadway glitz met the icy enchantment of Arendelle, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) celebrated its “Lights Up” Gala at The Post Oak Hotel on November 8.

Setting the stage — literally speaking — was Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated Kelli O’Hara, who delivered an emotional performance alongside students from TUTS Education’s Pre-Professional and Performance Troupes. The program, titled Thank You, Ladies, paid tribute to influential women in O’Hara’s career.

The evening also marked an exclusive moment for TUTS: A first glimpse of its highly anticipated, one-of-a-kind production of Disney’s Frozen. TUTS artistic director Dan Knechtges, who will direct and choreograph the show, unveiled a preview that had the crowd visualizing snow-covered mountains and heartfelt ballads. The production is a unique honor, with Disney entrusting TUTS with creative license to reimagine the blockbuster musical.

Attendees entered through a snow-kissed milieu inspired by Frozen, with Scandinavian-inspired decor and chilly glam enveloping the ballroom. ABC-13 anchor and emcee Samica Knight welcomed guests, while executive director Hillary Hart emphasized the organization’s dedication to inclusivity and the arts.

“Musical theatre isn’t just about putting on a great show,” shared Knechtges. “It’s a celebration of who we are as a community — a vibrant tapestry enriched by all our diverse stories and experiences.”

Auctioneer Tim Dietz brought the sass with a live auction featuring luxury vacation packages, diamond earrings, and a VIP Tony Awards experience with a custom gown by designer David Peck. Major donors, including Margaret Alkek Williams, Deni and Doni Dennis, Demetra and Frank Jones, Greenberg Traurig, Amy Pierce, and Kristina Somerville, played key roles in the evening’s tally, contributing to the $96,000 raised in the donation drive alone.

The night’s curtain call was an after-party, with DJ Druw keeping the dance floor quite active. Adding to the revelry were cast members from TUTS’ upcoming Frozen production, blending Broadway sparkle with community charm. With 300 Houston arts aficionados in attendance, the event raised nearly $700,000 to support TUTS’ productions and education initiatives.

Letting it go were Charles O’Neill, Paul and Penny Loyd, Marianne and Joe Geagea, Linda and Willie Chiang, Mady and Ken Kades, Jane DiPaolo, Melissa Sandefer, David Wuthrich, The Honorable Peggy and Dr. Ashley Smith, Kristina Somerville, Leticia and Stephen Trauber, Sofia Adrogue, Vanessa Ames, Gina Gaston Elie, Jordan Seff, Daniel Turner and Jay Landa, Kristen Cannon, April McGee, Sarah Pope and Adam Cryer, Amber Mostyn, C.C. and Duke Ensell, John Dermer and Sarah Perry, Michelle Phillips, Elaine Balagia Croucher and Brant Croucher, Kendall Pierce, Bethany and Bryson Grover, Sarah and Scott Irby, Paulina and Jim McGrath, and Marris and Rob Goldberg.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kelli O'Hara performed with TUTS Education students.