It was just last year that Lester Smith with his wife Sueat his side, sent out the challenge that if the Best Dressed Luncheon for the coming year, that the amazingly philanthropic duo had agreed to co-chair, could raise one million dollars that they would match it. With the assistance of their dynamic Underwriter Chair, Rosemary Schatzman, it was announced at the start of this luncheon that we were almost there. Sue Smith, in her courageous speech to the audience brought everyone to their feet to cheer for her and the memory of her dear, late husband who passed away only two weeks prior to this day. She gracefully announced that there was still time to make it by the end of the luncheon and, of course, Houston rallied and made it happen. Sue returned to the stage to announce that we had done it….Houston and the Smiths had raised the amount of $2,065million, breaking all luncheon records.
There was much excitement in the room that you could feel as the ten honorees were announced by Houston Chronicle Chairman Jack Sweeney and Fashion Editor, Joy Sewing. This year’s honorees included: Hall of Fame entry by Gracie Cavnar,plus Gina Bhatia, Kristy Bradshaw, Denise Castillo-Rhodes, Valerie Dieterich, Gayla Gardner, Heidi Smith, Krristina Somerville, Stephanie Tsuru and Vicki West. Neiman Marcus GM, Stephen Brunelle introduced the fashion show presented by Wes Gordon for Carolina Hererra. This is his inaugural season of taking the reigns at Hererra and featured over the top color, something that the Houston women love and cannot get enough of! (a recap of the Hererra runway show will follow under separate cover)
Houston Chronicle publisher, Jack Sweeney, Luncheon Underwriting Chair, Rosemary Schatzman, Neiman Marcus Store Manager, Stephen Brunelle
Key players in the day’s event: Ashley McCullough,CEO, Women’s Hospital, a lead sponsor of the event; Trish Morille,Smith Foundation, Kemah Blair, March of Dimes, Wes Gordon, Designer Carolina Hererra, Rosemary Schatzman, Underwriter Chair, Darcie Wells, March of Dimes State Director and Sue Smith, Lead Sponsor and Luncheon Co-chair The Lester Smith family…..Limor, Stuart, Sue and ShellyVirginia Steppe, Alyssa Maples
Tony Bradfield and Christina Stith
Susan Hansen, Lindley Arnoldy, Jana Arnoldy
Duyen and Marc Nguyen
Smith family…including this year honoree, Heidi Smith and former honoree, Anita SmithLinda Kuykendall, Tamora Bonar, Donna Vallone
Dominique Sachse and Dancie Ware
Christy Sullivan and Milette Sherman
With all of the color around us, Black & White was a fresh relief…..Ceron in his Dsquared black and white print and myself in black dress from a new designer I found at Cotton Club…..it’s Korean, PleatMe. Also, I’m loving all white accessories, a fresh approach to wearing black that will be my spring staple!
Lynn Wyatt, Designer Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera and Jewelry Designer Margo McKinney, whose jewels were worn by many of the honorees will be featuring her collection at Neiman Marcus throughout the weekend.
Designer Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera paying a little attention to detail on Best Dressed Honoree, Kristy Junco Bradshaw before she makes her walk down the runway. A special review of the Wes Gordon for Carolina Hererra Collection will be forthcoming on its own…..there is only so much beauty I can squueze into one story.
photos courtesy of Priscilla Larson
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One thought on “Best Dressed Luncheon Meets The Challenge and Beats Fundraising Record for March of Dimes”
One thought on “Best Dressed Luncheon Meets The Challenge and Beats Fundraising Record for March of Dimes”