Pretty in Pink

Hoda Kotb brings the razzle dazzle to Houston hospital luncheon

When Emmy-winning journalist Hoda Kotb made her entrance at the Memorial Hermann Foundation’s 16th annual Razzle Dazzle Luncheon, she didn’t just walk in — she second-lined. Waving pink handkerchiefs and surrounded by a feathered flourish designed by luncheon co-founder Ann Cazalot, Kotb led a New Orleans–style parade through The Post Oak Hotel, setting a joyful tone for the philanthropic fête.

This high-energy tradition has long been one of Houston’s most beloved charity affairs, and this year’s edition hit all the right notes. The luncheon raised $1 million in support of breast cancer outreach, early detection, and care at Memorial Hermann, including the Bobetta C. Lindig Breast Care Center at Memorial City. The funds will provide 1,000 potentially life-saving mammograms for women who otherwise might not have access, an achievement that earned luncheon chair Zhanna Golodryga a well-deserved round of applause.

The spotlight also shone on honoree SheSpace, the empowering female-focused workspace and community hub co-founded by Stephanie Tsuru and Katie Tsuru. Stephanie Tsuru, a former luncheon co-chair herself, kept the momentum lively as she joined Kotb on stage for an intimate conversation that blended humor, heart, and a splash of Houston flair.

Kotb, ever the gifted storyteller, shared candid reflections on her career shift after leaving Today, along with new ventures like her podcast, book, and wellness app.

“No matter how old you are, it’s fun to be a beginner again,” she told the crowd, before adding a note on resilience: “You are stronger in the broken places.”

KTRK’s Samica Knight welcomed attendees and Meghan Leggett and Kathleen Perley offered touching remarks honoring their mother, past honoree Eileen Campbell. Between courses, Tony Bradfield of Tenenbaum Jewelers — a past honoree himself — added sparkle with a raffle of exquisite jewelry pieces.

Among those in pink spirit were Lisa Helfman, Stacey and Al Lindseth, Renee Ash, Laurie Lashier, Gretchen Sheirr, Nina and Edd Hendee, Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, Angie Matula, Melissa Juneau, Courtney Meadows, and Dancie Ware.

Memorial Hermann Foundation Razzle Dazzle 2025

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Anne Neeson, Hoda Kotb, and Zhanna Golodryga.

fundraisers celebrities

Human First

Building a Dream Luncheon unites Houstonians for housing equity

Habitat for Humanity Dream luncheon 2025

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Lauren Biar, Catherine Honan, Skyler Iliff, and Amy McGarth.

Houston Habitat for Humanity raised spirits—and essential support—at its annual Building a Dream Luncheon on October 14, gathering more than 360 civic leaders and community advocates at The Post Oak Hotel for a midday celebration of purpose and progress.

Guests mingled over brunch and bubbly as the nonprofit spotlighted its mission to expand affordable homeownership in Houston. This year’s honoree, Joel Deretchin, received the 2025 Carl Umland Award for six decades of transformative work bringing affordable housing to underserved communities across the country, including his hometown.

The program’s emotional core came courtesy of Adrienne Goolsby, senior vice president for Habitat for Humanity International, who delivered a keynote on the growing urgency of the housing crisis. Noting the national shortage of entry-level homes, Goolsby called on local partners to step up, and praised Houston Habitat’s “gumption and ambition” for doing exactly that.

KPRC-TV2 anchor Danielle Guzman emceed the gathering, while luncheon co-chairs Crystal Allen, Chenee Franklin, and Paula Musa set the tone for a day filled with resilience and resolve. The event also featured moving remarks from Houston Habitat homeowners and longtime volunteers, whose personal stories brought the organization’s impact into focus.

In the house were Angela Blanchard, Susan Boggio, Gregg Hamson, Leela Krishnamurthy, Connie Kwan-Wong, Mike Nichols, Christie Obiaya, Paul-David Van Atta, Teresa Cox Reading, and Jerre Williams.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Lauren Biar, Catherine Honan, Skyler Iliff, and Amy McGarth.

fundraisers habitat for humanity