On Wednesday, September 22, fourth-generation fine Italian jeweler, Franco Valobra of Valobra Master Jewelers, hosted a sparkling evening at his showroom to celebrate the Italian Cultural & Community Center’s 2nd Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon, “La Dolce Vita,” set to take place at River Oaks Country Club on October 12, 2021 with Victor Costa serving as guest of honor.
Guests were greeted by the bright red Ferrari Roma from Ferrari of Houston at the entrance and encouraged to sit in the driver’s seat for the ultimate experience. Glasses were filled with prosecco and white wine while iconic Italian restaurant Tony’s passed light bites including Ahi Tuna in Tonnato Sauce, Ricotta Cappelletti, Burrata with Tomato and Basil, Miniature Italian Meatballs, and Raspberry Crostatas. Franco Valobra was joined for a lively toast and raffle reveal by this year’s co-chairs, Patti Imbrogno Murphy and Cheryl Arolfo Byington, and the ICCC’s Executive Director Erika Myers. Valobra has graciously gifted the ICCC a pair of diamond and sapphire earrings, valued at $5,000, to raffle at this year’s fashion show and luncheon. Additionally, Valobra Master Jewelers surprised the crowd by purchasing the first $1,000 worth of raffle tickets, valued at $50 each, to be donated back to the first guests who purchase $1,000 worth of tickets.
VIPs in attendance at Valobra included: Franco Valobra, co-chairs Patti Murphy and Cheryl Byington, ICCC Executive Director Erika Myers, Roz and Alan Pactor, Crystin Pactor, Harriet Gertner, Debra Laws, Peter Remington, ICCC Board Chairman Monica Ercolani, ICCC Board Members Mary Milloy and Sandra Celli Harris, Mary Ann Yamin, Don Murphy, Kristen Cannon, Tara Martin, Christina Milligan, Zoé Belden, Elionne Belden, Natalie Wall, Harriet Gertner and Nicole and Marty Briggs.
About the ICCC: Founded in 1976, the Italian Cultural & Community Center (ICCC Houston) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and advancing Italian culture within Houston. The ICCC offers an array of programs, including language, educational lectures, culinary and wine classes, art exhibits, films, and special events.
Since 2000, the ICCC has granted over $240,000 in scholarships to college students. The ICCC is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance. Funds raised from the annual fashion show and luncheon will go directly towards a scholarship program for students to advance their Italian studies.
Limited tickets for the 2nd Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon are going fast but there are some available online:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/la-dolce-vita-fashion-show-luncheon-tickets-138974491445?aff=webpage
Kristen Cannon, Monica Ercolani
