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.

Daniel Ortiz

Melissa Wilmoth, Kat Reyes, Becky Reyes, and Meredith Reyes

Shopping Fantasia

Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker preview party sets new donation record

Houston Nutcracker Market Preview Party 2025

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Houston Ballet Academy Dancers.

The Houston holiday season doesn’t officially begin until the Nutcracker Market throws open its doors, and this year’s Wells Fargo Preview Party felt like stepping into a snow globe set on extra. Like more is more.

Somewhere between the cheeky stocking stuffers and the Dior-kissed repurposed couture, guests needed an actual map to conquer the sprawling shopping fantasia.

Held November 12 at NRG Center, the 45th anniversary celebration of the Houston Ballet shopping fête welcomed more than 5,000 eager shoppers, all ready to sprint through aisles lined with more than 280 merchants. Helmed by chairs Susan Binney and Jennifer Kushner, along with preview party chairs Leslie Alston, Kaylon Phillips, and Casey Rowe, the evening shimmered with nostalgia. Guests showed up in themed attire ranging from glittery holiday chic to coordinated squads that looked like flash mobs armed with credit cards and a mission.

Houston Ballet’s new executive director Sonja Kostich arrived for her very first Nutcracker Market, greeting supporters and soaking in the community’s devotion to a beloved tradition that fuels the Ballet’s mission and scholarship programs. Houston Ballet Academy students glided through the party in costumes from Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, creating photo ops. Principal dancer Harper Watters and Houston Ballet icon Lauren Anderson also made appearances.

Festive cocktails, champagne flutes, and a parade of hors d’oeuvre and desserts satisfied while the David Caceres Band kept the energy high. By the end of the night, the Preview Party had raised nearly $1.5 million in ticket sales and commissions — a record for the Market.

Moreover, more than 104,000 shoppers showed up during the November 13-16 festivities. All in, ticket sales surpassed $24 million and raised more than $6 million to directly support Houston Ballet, its Academy and scholarship program.

Showing their holiday spirit were Kristy Bradshaw, Ann Bean, Wendy Burks, Anne Chao, Gay Currie, Tom DeBesse, Arcy Muñoz Marshall, Sharon Erskine, Ann Graham, Twana Griffith Faykus, Michelle Iversen Jeffery, Jay Jones, Julie Kent, Deborah and Edward Koehler, Chad Libertus, Desrye Morgan, Beth Muecke, Patti Murphy, Jennifer Sommers, S. Shawn Stephens, Allison Thacker, Cynthia Wolff, Deborah Duncan, Ghada Ali, Carolina Oliveira, Catarina R. Gonzales, and Miya Shay.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Houston Ballet Academy Dancers.

fundraisers houston ballet shopping nutcracker market