Houston Hospice’s Butterfly Luncheon Spreads Its Wings, Raises $150K for Kids

Anthony Rathbun
Houston Hospice’s Butterfly Luncheon Spreads Its Wings, Raises $150K for Kids

Lisa Malosky, Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson and Aida Matic

THE 21ST BUTTERFLY Luncheon, benefiting Houston Hospice and its pediatric Butterfly Program, featured a moving testimony by Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson, a former Miss America and a hospice nurse.


Introduced by emcee Lisa Malosky, Rafko-Wilson took the mic at the Junior League of Houston, where more than 200 supporters gathered on a sunny Friday afternoon. She spoke about her experiences as a nurse, and what it was like starting a hospice care service in her hometown of Monroe, Mich. Her stories had the audience in tears, both from laughter and from crying.

The event garnered $150,000 that will go directly to the Houston Hospice Butterfly Program, which cares for children ages two to 18 who have life-limiting conditions.

Joyce Salhoot, Rana McClelland, and Al and Nancy Gatmaitan

Judy Bristol, Eileen Abu-Rish and Sally Lukatz

Sue White and Rose Cullen

Nyla Nahas and Medina Hassansie

Jill Johnson and Nancy Thurington

Linda Olvera and Ruthie McGilbert

Cheryl Sorenson and Cynthia McGowen

Meg Horne and Becky Nahas

Ann Becker, Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson and Debra Kahn

Lisa Malosky

Parties
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

THE WEATHER IS changing, and soon, so will the time! Make the most of that extra hour of sun at Montrose’s Okto. This Mediterranean hotspot, located in Montrose Collective and part of Sof Hospitality — a group nominated for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Award in the competitive Outstanding Restaurateur category — is rolling out a new happy hour to enjoy on their urban-chic patio.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

THERE'S A MOMENT just before dusk when everything turns to gold—the light softens, the world slows, and indulgence feels not just necessary, but deserved. Welcome to Golden Hour at The Marigold Club, where opulence meets effortless charm and your midweek unwind turns into an exquisite ritual.

Keep Reading Show less