Women of Distinction 2018 at Tootsies…A Night of Celebration and Cheers!

2018 Women of Distinction Honorees, Announced at Tootsies Party were Kristy Bradshaw, Kim Padgett, Amy Pierce, Denise Castillo-Rhodes, Leigh Smith, Kristina Somerville, Ileana Trevino, Stephanie Tauru, Hallie Venderhider, Sharleen Walkoviak and, center, 2018 Ambassador, Carol Sawyer

ABC13’s Women of Distinction Announcement Party is always a great evening where the women that do so much for this city can be duly recognized for their generous ways and their glamorous style.  However, this past week, not sure if it was because of our post-Harvey life we’re living where each day is mixed with both joy and sadness, I felt overwhelmed with emotion to watch these amazing ladies take the stage.  So much had been accomplished by these powerful women that I, a former Woman of Distinction myself, felt humbled by what I was hearing.  What a great group of women they were.  It was so inspiring and with the encouragement of Melanie Lawson, every one was cheering and showed their willingness to celebrate. Of course, the party being held at TOOTSIES,  whose support to charities city-wide never seems to let up, it was a great venue for having a great time!  What a grand kickoff to the January 27 Winter Ball, benefiting Chron’s & Colitis Foundation, whose theme is CLUB 31, in honor of the 31st year of this event and where these women will be formally presented. Chairs for that evening are Alissa Maples, DeeDee Marsh and Kelli Weinzierl, all former Women of Distinction.

DeeDee Marsh, Alissa Maples, Fady Armanious, Kelli Weinzierl

Kim Padgett, Hallie Vanderhider, Leigh Smith

Amanda Worthy Weeks, Kristina Somerville, Ericka Graham, Joanna Marks

Jim and Jo Furr

Leigh Smith and Ileana Trevino

Carol Sawyer and Alissa Maples

Gayla Gardner, Myrtle Jones, Beth Wolff

Shelby Kibodeaux and Bruce Padilla

Elizabeth and Alan Stein and Lesha Elsenbrook

Beth Wolff, Mary Ann McKeithan, Cheryl Byington

 Couple of Distinction:  Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Bonar (loved this shot!)

Kristy Bradshaw celebrating with a little help from her friends

Photos by Michelle Watson and Kim Coffman