fashion and fundraising

Razzle Dazzle raises record $1.1 million for breast cancer detection

Stepping into the grand lobby of The Post Oak Hotel, guests of Memorial Hermann’s annual Razzle Dazzle luncheon were welcomed by sparks of sass, shimmering décor, and an unmistakable energy in the air. The vital cause they came to support? Early breast cancer detection. This year's midday dejeuner on October 10 glimmered with new features, including a pink carpet setup where attendees were interviewed about their chic attire and devotion to pink ribbon causes.

Inside, the chatter only grew thanks to a redesigned ballroom layout to accommodate a zig-zag runway, which showcased the latest duds from British fashion designer-to-the-stars Jenny Packham. As champagne was poured into bedazzled flutes, some 500 patrons admired the glittering designs of Temple St. Clair, on offer through Tenenbaum Jewelers' Tony Bradfield as part of an additional fundraising effort.

The true highlight, however, came when the Razzle Dazzle Hall of Fame members took the stage. These women and men have championed breast cancer awareness through their years of support for the luncheon. Among them was this year's chair, Sheridan Williams, who shared her battle with breast cancer after being diagnosed in 2020. With heartfelt urgency, Williams reminded the predominantly female audience that early detection can save lives.

Packham herself added an emotional touch, recounting how breast cancer had impacted her own life in a touching on-stage interview with public relations maven Dancie Perugini Ware.

No fashion show is complete without a grand finale.

Williams joined Memorial Hermann Foundation executive vice president and CEO Anne Neeson on stage to reveal that the luncheon had raised more than $1.13 million—a 25 percent increase over last year’s total, setting a new record. These funds will support Memorial Hermann's breast cancer outreach and early detection programs.

Strutting their 50 shades of pink were Alex Cormier, Yvonne Cormier, Caroline and Will Brown, Allie Pappas, Nancy Bihlmaier, Ashlee Love, Leslie Pitts, Audrey White, Rosanna Blalock, Amalia Stanton, Laurie Krohn, Kristina Somerville, Anne Neeson, Donae Chramosta, Stacey Lindseth, Amanda Boffone, Daniella Hernandez, Doug Perley, Meghan Leggett, Erin Asprec, Jo Lynn Falgout, Julia Morales, Lisa and Jerry Simon, Julia Morales, Whitney Crane, Neely Nelson, Sue Kean, Cassandra McZeal, Alvin Abraham, Rachel Regan, Philamena Baird, Teal Holden, Charlotte Calloway, Nicole Walters, and Demetra Jones.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Caroline and Will Brown.

fundraiser memorial hermann razzle dazzle

Garden of Glam

Versailles vibes shine at Houston's Women of Distinction winter ball

Photo by Jacob Power

Dr. Linda Magill, Michelle Lilie, Shawn Stephens, Desrye Morgan, Helen Shaffer, Karen DeGeurin Remington, Pitsami Norm, Robin Klaes, Jennifer LeGrand Howard, Kristen Cannon, and Lauren Gow.

If Marie Antoinette had RSVP’d, she’d have approved.

The Post Oak Hotel glittered with regal sass as elegantly clad guests gathered for the Women of Distinction Winter Ball, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s signature black-tie soirée. The Southern Texas Chapter pulled out all the stops for its 39th edition, raising $675,000 toward curing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis — no powdered wigs required.

Hosted by co-chairs Elizabeth DeLuca and Alice Mao Brams, alongside design chair Lauren Gow, the evening bloomed under a Gardens of Versailles theme. Floral artist Blooming Gallery transformed the ballroom into a rococo mirage with flourishing arrangements, candlelit ambiance, and enough gold accents to make Louis XIV beam.

Serving as the night’s guide, NPR’s Frank Billingsley emceed the program, introducing the newly inducted class of 2026 Women of Distinction: Kristen Cannon, Jennifer LeGrand Howard, Robin Klaes, Michelle Lilie, Linda Sagarnaga Magill, Desrye Morgan, Pitsami Norm, Karen DeGeurin Remington and Gow — each honored for their philanthropy, leadership, and impact. Ambassadors Helen Shaffer and Shawn Stephens were also spotlighted for their ongoing service.

Keynote speaker Lindsay Horton brought heartfelt weight to the evening, sharing her personal journey with Crohn’s disease with raw honesty, humor, and resilience. Her story of navigating chronic illness while raising a family reminded everyone in the room of the life-altering stakes behind the gowns and glitter.

Summoning their inner Versailles were Leigh Smith, Rosalyn Bazzelle Mitchell, Leila Perrin, Anita Smith, Stacey and Al Lindseth, Shelley Taylor Ludwick, Joann Peterson, Yvonne and Rufus Cormier, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Jerre Williams, Peter Remington, Audrey and David Gow, Scott Konitzer, Jill and Brad Deutser, Heidi Turney, Edward Sanchez, Trini Mendenhall, Sneha and Nick Merchant, Whitney Lawson, Lesha Elsenbrook, and Jayne Johnston.

Photo by Jacob Power

Dr. Linda Magill, Michelle Lilie, Shawn Stephens, Desrye Morgan, Helen Shaffer, Karen DeGeurin Remington, Pitsami Norm, Robin Klaes, Jennifer LeGrand Howard, Kristen Cannon, and Lauren Gow.

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