style with purpose

Houston fashionistas smile with purpose at Valentino-fueled fundraiser

Say cheese? Sometimes, all it takes is the word Valentino to bring a wide grin to the face of a fashion enthusiast, especially for those who frequently refresh their closets with the latest releases from notable designers. With fall-winter pre-collections hitting the racks, a sneak peek from the Italian maison de couture is just what the doctor ordered to entice Houston’s A-listers to grab attention-grabbing outfits, hit the stores, and give their Amex cards a healthy workout.

Especially when a portion of the proceeds supports a nonprofit that makes its clients — and the philanthropists who stand behind it — quite happy.

This exclusive show-and-tell on May 8, 2024, backed the global nonprofit Operation Smile, thanks to loyal allies Sneha Merchant and Viet Hoang. Since 1982, the organization has offered cleft lip and palate repair surgeries in more than 60 countries.

Yes, there were plenty of graphic V's on view, a practice that began with the designer’s 1968 Sala Bianca show. This unveiling continued the tradition of Valentino's contemporary and timeless flair, complemented with opulent embroidery, flowing profiles, and tailored accents. The color palette was awash with sophisticated hues of navy and ivory.

Adding to the fundraising prowess were social scene stalwarts Stacey and Al Lindseth and Carrie and Sverre Brandsberg-Dahl. With Merchant and Hoang, this sextet is set to chair the Eighth Annual Houston Smile Gala on Sept. 14 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. This fashion party also served to announce 2024 ball honorees Roslyn Bazzelle and Derrick Mitchell with the Wallis Annenberg Public Service Award, Dr. Katie To and Dr. Bar Nguyen with the Medical Visionary Award, and Melissa Holman Juneau with the John Connor Humanitarian Award.

Catering by A Fare Extraordinaire and florals from Thriving Botanicals for each guest enhanced the allure of the evening.

On the scene were Henri Merceron, Tiffany Lee, Donae Charmosta, Nick Merchant, Ceron, Zeb Mamsa, Dr. Hoda Sana, Beth Muecke, Kendra Smith, Hannah Swiggard, Elizabeth Waggett, Vicsandra Jones, Naureen and Ahmad Malik, Leisa Holland Nelson, Tarek El-Bjeirmi, and Vy and Nathan Robertson.

Operation Smile honoree announcement 2024

Courtesy of Operation Smile

Liz Sanders, Sarah Ebrahimi, Fara Ebrahimy, Minh Deckerd, and Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl.

fashion fundraisers

Giving Season

Astros legend Jeff Bagwell helps Houston nonprofit raise $1 million

Salvation Army Gift of Compassion Gala 2025

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Brigitte Kalai, Maria Moncada, Deborah Duncan, and Alicia Smith.

Anyone wondering when Houston officially shifts into holiday mode got their answer the moment guests stepped into the Hilton Americas for the Gift of Compassion Gala. Santa was already holding court for photos — naughty, nice, and everything in between — while a very committed Grinch lurked nearby, and a juggler on stilts made it clear this wasn’t going to be another beige ballroom night.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Brigitte Kalai, Maria Moncada, Deborah Duncan, and Alicia Smith.

Held November 10, the event pulled together supporters of The Salvation Army of Greater Houston to rally behind the organization’s year-round mission. Chaired by Deborah Duncan of KHOU’s Great Day Houston, the evening honored Jeff Bagwell as Community Honoree and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation, represented by June Deadrick, as Corporate Honoree. Red (read: Salvation Army red) washed the room, giving the whole evening a festive glow.

The program brought the crowd from holiday cheer straight into the heart of the nonprofit’s purpose. Three speakers — Connie Rankin, Skyler Gordan, and John Romaka — shared journeys that cut through the usual gala gloss. Homelessness to stability, addiction to recovery, at-risk to empowered: Each story landed with such sincerity that the room fell into complete silence. Their vulnerability was a reminder that the organization’s work is less about abstract “services” and more about transforming human lives.

Underwriters CenterPoint Foundation, Forney Construction (which underwrote the gala), HEB, Nathalie and Charles Roff, Porsche River Oaks, and others helped shape the night, which supported The Salvation Army’s essential programs — shelter, food access, youth development, rehabilitation, and disaster relief. By the end of the evening more than $1 million was raised.

CultureMap seen were Captain Jeremy and Michelle Walker, Holly and Tom Forney, Rachel Bagwell, Brigette Kalai, Alica Smith, Ghada Ali, Jane and Jim Wise, Jenny Elkins, Susan and Dick Stasney, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Lilly and Thurmon Andress, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, Dorothy Nicholson, Leslie and Jack Blanton, Alice and Risher Randall, John Romaka, Dr. Walter and Linda McReynolds, and Steve and Kate Gibson.

salvation army fundraisers